Microsoft now has its own wearable tech offering, today unveiling the Microsoft Band [1], a smartwatch/fitness tracker hybrid. Unlike the Apple Watch [2] — which will only work with iPhones or Android smartwatches, like the Moto 360 [3], that work with Android Wear — Microsoft Band is designed to work with the most popular mobile platforms: Android, iOS, and Windows. And Microsoft promises Band will have about a 48-hour battery life, allowing users to stay more connected than most smartphones will allow.
Band pairs with a smartphone but doesn't need to be in close proximity to the phone to use certain features, like everything on the fitness side. The device's functionality can be broken down with its fitness and smartwatch sides:
The Fitness Offerings
- Use of Microsoft Health, a cloud-based platform to store and analyze fitness data
- Compatible with popular apps like MyFitnessPal and Up by Jawbone
- GPS mapping of runs, bike rides, and hikes
- Calorie tracker
- 24-hour heart-rate monitoring
- Sleep monitoring
- Measures the sun's intensity to offer SPF advice
- Stopwatch
The Smartwatch Offerings
- Microsoft's voice-activatedpersonal assistant Cortana [4]
- Email notifications and previews
- Calendar and meeting alerts
- Incoming call notifications
- Text message notifications and previews
- Social media updates and alerts
The band is available in the US at Microsoft stores and at MicrosoftStore.com [5] starting Thursday for $199. Catch a better look at Microsoft Band in the gallery.
