Microsoft (MSFT) May Make the Swiss Army Knife of Wearables

It may be obvious that Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) isn't going to be left out of the wearables market. But, what may be less clear is what type of device the software giant will offer to consumers.

While Samsung, Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM), and Motorola have debuted watch-like devices and Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) is expected to do the same later this year, Microsoft might go with something a little more universal and useful.

Reports out late Wednesday have Microsoft planing a wristband-type wearable which will display smartphone notifications, time, etc. The device will also be a fitness tracker with sensors to monitor steps, heart rate, calories burned, and more.

Where Microsoft's product could stand out is that it is expected to be cross-platform compatible. That means Microsoft's wearable will work with Windows Phone/Windows and a series of other platforms, including Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android and Apple iOS.

Pricing of the device is expected to be similar to that of Samsung Gear while availability will be sometime in Q414.

Shares of Microsoft are lower in early trading Thursday.

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