The blogosphere is buzzing today with rumors that Microsoft are going to announce a March 9th launch date for their mysterious new handheld device codenamed “Origami”, a tablet-like system capable of doing everything from playing music and multimedia content, to accessing the web, and playing exclusive videogames like Halo. It is unclear as yet whether this product will be marketed as a handheld gaming device or a mobile/PDA device like Blackberry.

 A lengthy video of the product is available on Google Video.

Apple’s Steve Jobs unveiled the new iPod Hi-Fi on Tuesday, and this one promises to pack the sonic punch that other models were missing. Apple has been selling various iPod stereo systems in it’s stores for some years, but all have been a bit on the small side, and lacking in real power and volume. But this one looks different. Think highly stylized futuristic speaker crossed with the iPod innovative design aesthetic and you’ll have a pretty good idea what it looks like. Let’s hope it sounds as good as it looks!