With the first Origami devices now getting into the hands of consumers, Microsoft is working on their successors. Microsoft’s vision of tablets priced at about $500 USD did not materialize with this first generation. Relatively high costs combined with relatively poor battery life conspired to ensure that Microsoft’s goals for Origami could not be met.
So, Microsoft is trying again because it believes in the concept. “There’s a huge benefit to using a smaller form factor, because it is more convenient and it is more portable,” Krammer said. The next Origami generation will come with Windows Vista (hence, the Vistagami name) and hopefully somewhat lower prices.
The new Vistagami devices should start appearing soon after Vista’s arrival.