Microsoft's Surface team is reportedly testing smartwatch prototypes as the device moves closer to reality, reports The Verge. Previously, Microsoft had been testing smartwatches designed by the Xbox accessories team who had a plan for a "Joule" heart rate monitor.

The news follows prototype testing of devices with a Surface connector, and reports that Microsoft is requesting 1.5-inch displays from component manufacturers. AmongTech recently reported that smartwatch prototypes include a variety of removable wrist bands in blue, red, yellow, black, white, and grey colors. We're told that this is accurate, and that Microsoft's smartwatch plans center around the idea of removable bands. AmongTech also claims that prototypes are housed in Oxynitride Aluminum, an expensive "translucent aluminum" that is said to be three times harder than glass.

The prototypes are reportedly running a modified version of Windows 8 and have a focus on integrating with other Windows-powered devices. AmongTech says "it will have its own 4G LTE and 6GB of internal storage (mostly for the OS). All though it doesn’t have to be contented to a smartphone, it will be able to able to interact with it and show stuff like push notifications or will allow you to change a song."

Apple is also rumored to be working on a smartwatch; however, a recent report indicated that engineering difficulties may have pushed release to at least a year away.