Microsoft Corp. is expected to introduce its gadget that targets Apple’s iPod as soon as on the 9^th of March, which is the first day of CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany, less than a week from now. The new device is dubbed Origami and it is known that it can play music, videos, play computer games, send emails and run some software.

The New York Times news-paper on Friday said the new device is a smaller incarnation of a tablet personal computer designed primarily for entertainment. According to the report cited by Reuters, the first models will have roughly 8” (20.3 cm) screens and sell for about $1000 each, depending on the functions. Later versions may be smaller, with 4” screens.

Recently it was reported that Microsoft Corp. was planning a product that would compete against Apple’s iPod music and video player.

Intel Corp.’s processors and, probably, some other system components, are expected to be used in the Origami devices. Nevertheless, technical specifications of the products are unknown at this time.

Microsoft Corp. has launched marketing campaign on the special website dedicated to Origami Project. The web-site at press time displayed no details concerning the devices, but asked questions like “who am I?”, “wondering where to find me?” then showing various venues like city, beach, mountains and even subway claiming that “I am everywhere you are”, emphasizing the mobile nature of the gadget.

Recently a video advertising of the Origami leaked into the Internet. It showcased young people using the gadget that could playback music and videos, sketch pictures, consult map, play computer games and send emails. Microsoft, however, said that the product appearing on the video is not the final version of the Origami.