Most of the focus has been on the supposed Android Wear of Google along with Apple's alleged development of the iWatch but with the specs being offered up, Microsoft may actually be the dark horse in the consumer race.

Microsoft is joining the wearable technology market with its reported smartwatch dubbed by some as the "Microsoft Smartband." It could hit the shelves as early as October this year.

With original filing dating back to 2012, the DailyMail UK writes that two patents have been published this week with a source involved in the project confirming the October release date and it's inner-wrist display.

TechRadar.com reports that one patent is for something it refers to as, "Discreetly Displaying Contextually Relevant Information on a display device." Apparently, this placement will provide not only more privacy but a more natural movement for users who use and look at their devices frequently as well.

Secondly, another patent filed is titled, "Dynamic User Interfaces Adapted to Inferred User Contexts," which from the sound of it, means Microsoft is looking to add sensors to monitor user activity.

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Many report that the supposed wearable gear will not only be a tie-in with the Windows Phone but will be a cross-platform compatible, meaning it will be able to sync to other systems, like the Android and iOS smartphones. If this is true, this could set the rumored smartwatch apart and allow Microsoft to take a larger user base.

Additionally, similar to the iWatch, Microsoft's own version may have practical medical use. The device is said to use its on-board sensors, 11 to be exact, to capture health-related data. This is similar to Apple's rumored own wearable gadget, which sources are saying, will most likely have more than 10. 

When it comes to the design, rumblings indicate that the style of the band will be sleek, thin and has been compared to that of the Nike Fuelband.

No official word from Microsoft has been given and comments made by company reps include "We have nothing to share," as told to Forbes and "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation," quotes Tomshardware. 

This year is gearing up to be very exciting with rumors hitting hyper-drive on upcoming devices from not only Microsoft but Google and Apple as well.

So, if these ever do come out, are you going for the iWatch, Android Wear or the Smartband? Let us know why below!