The new Microsoft Band 2 may have a design similar to its predecessor’s but it’s a lot better in many ways.
Advertisement
If you’re a proud owner of the original Microsoft Band, there’s a few good news for you. It was big and clunky and didn’t offer enough features that made me interested in wearing it.
The Microsoft Band isn’t anything new on the market, perhaps the most noteworthy aspect about it being the connection to Microsoft Health. A few new sensors have been added to the second generation of the device, such as the Barometer. Band 2, like Band 1, provides heart-rate monitoring; tracking for running, biking, golfing, cycling and more; and the ability to work with Windows Phone, Android and iPhone devices.
Band 2 boasts of a barometer that gives its owner stair climbing and elevation readings. Microsoft Band 2 is compatible to iOS, Windows and Android phones. If you’re not familiar with the device, the Microsoft Band is a multi-purpose fitness tracker in the form of a wristband.
So far the Microsoft Band seems to be tailored specifically for hardcore athletes, but the Guided Workouts feature promises to help anyone get into shape with workouts designed by fitness experts.
Advertisement
The updated Band SDK includes support for creating and sending notifications to tiles. Microsoft is quoting battery life for the new device at 48 hours, and says it will take 15 hours to fully charge Band 2. The Microsoft Band debuted with a $199 price tag and we saw it fall to $150, and later to .99 via Microsoft’s retail partners. With Microsoft improving the Microsoft Band it released previous year, it’s only fitting to compare its latest model, Microsoft Band 2, against the Apple Watch.
