Smart Personal Objects Technology

[1][5] Unlike more recent technologies, SPOT did not use more traditional forms of connectivity, such as 3G or Wi-Fi, but relied on FM broadcasting subcarrier transmission as a method of data distribution.

[6][8] Microsoft Research and SCA Data Systems would ultimately develop the DirectBand subcarrier technology for SPOT.

[9][10] National Semiconductor would aid in the development of device chipsets, which would feature an ARM7 CPU and ROM, SRAM, and a 100 MHz RF receiver chip.

[25] In June 2003, Microsoft unveiled its MSN Direct wireless service developed specifically for SPOT, which would be made available across North America.

The company stated that the service would enable the delivery of personalized information on devices and, as an example of this functionality, would allow users to receive messages sent from MSN Messenger or calendar appointment reminders from Microsoft Outlook.

[26][28] MSN Direct relied on the DirectBand subcarrier technology developed by Microsoft in conjunction with SCA Data Systems.

[45] The company stated that this decision was due to decreased demand for the service and because of the emergence of more efficient and popular forms of data distribution, such as Wi-Fi.

[45][46] The MSN Direct service continued to support existing SPOT devices until transmissions ceased on January 1, 2012.

[1] Each SPOT-based device included a unique identification number used to enable secure authentication and encryption of DirectBand signals.