If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
You are here: MacNN Forums
> News
> Mac News
>
Second-generation Microsoft Band launches with updated appearance
Microsoft has unveiled its second-generation fitness wearable at its Windows 10 devices event today, using the same name as its predecessor. The Microsoft Band refines the physical design of the original fitness tracker from last year with a 320x128 curved AMOLED display, combined with a thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate band, with Microsoft adding a few other features and functions to the iOS, Android, and Windows Phone-compatible device.
Able to offer up to 48 hours of normal use with an average charging time of 1.5 hours, the Gorilla Glass 3-protected tracker houses a continuous optical heart rate monitor, barometer, and GPS, along with sensors to measure movement, ambient light, skin temperature, UV light, and galvanic skin response. This allows it to track calories burned, exercises performed, and the quality of the user's sleep like the first model, but it also records floors climbed.
The band also connects to Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant. While smartwatch-style notifications from a connected smartphone can be brought up on the display, Cortana can be invoked from the band for dictation of responses to text messages and for the setting of reminders. The Bluetooth 4.0 LE connectivity also allows the Band to feed back fitness data to companion apps for analysis, providing the user with extra coaching and help with achieving wellness goals via Microsoft Health.
Shipping on October 30, the new Microsoft Band will cost $250.
Update: An earlier version of this story suggested Cortana support was new for this version, but it was included in the original. MacNN regrets the error.
(
Last edited by NewsPoster; Oct 6, 2015 at 02:25 PM.
)