Report: Microsoft joins Google, Samsung and Apple with smart watch plans

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is working on its own smart watch design, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Citing unnamed executive sources at suppliers, the report said that earlier this year Microsoft asked suppliers in Asia to ship components for a potential watch-style device, but it is unclear if Microsoft will move ahead with the project. It is also unclear if Microsoft's watch would have cellular connectivity. Microsoft, which declined to comment, would be joining the ranks of companies like Samsung Electronics and potentially Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in developing a smart watch. Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) is also reportedly developing a smart watch of its own. Bill Campbell, an Apple board member, said at Intuit's headquarters Friday that people should expect to see "a lot of things going on with the application of technology to really intimate things." According to Bloomberg, he pointed to Google Glass as an example. "It's a phenomenal breakthrough," he said. "When you start to think about glasses or watches, they become as intimate as the cell phone was." In February, multiple reports suggested Apple is working on a smart watch. Article (sub. req.)