Microsoft announced the new Band wearable, which — unlike earlier rumors — won’t be known as Microsoft Band 2 (but just the Band). The device looks much slicker than the original model thanks to the Gorilla Glass 3-protected curved AMOLED touchscreen (with 320×128 pixel resolution) that fit wrists better. In addition, the Redmond giant included a new sensor to the mix – barometer, that will be used to measure elevation for hiking and stair-climbing. Also, there’s now a flexible strap with no rigidity, Cortana integration (for voice commands and activity reminders), new battery charging mechanism, and 48-hour battery life. Unfortunately, the Band remains a ground-only product which you can’t use while swimming.
All these new bells and whistles brought along a steeper price – the new Band will sell for $249, or $50 more than its predecessor. The market will tell whether it’s worth the extra cash. Perhaps Microsoft thinks the pile of sensors it managed to cram into the Band will push users towards the purchase — the new Band comes with following sensors:Beyond Windows Phone, the new Microsoft Band will also sing along iOS and Android devices as long as they run the Microsoft Health app.
- Optical heart rate sensor
- 3-axis accelerometer
- Gyrometer
- GPS
- Ambient light sensor
- Skin temperature sensor
- UV sensor
- Capacitive sensor
- Galvanic skin response
- Microphone
- Barometer
Beyond Windows Phone, the wearable will also sing along iOS and Android devices as long as they have the Microsoft Health app up and running. From there, users will be able to access all of the data the Band has collected throughout the day (and then some). Moreover, thanks to the built-in GPS receiver, users don’t have to carry their smartphone with them at all times — once they get back from a run, the Band will sync the route with the Health app.
According to Microsoft, the new Band is good for both seasoned athletes and regular folks looking to improve their daily health and fitness routines.According to Microsoft, the new Band is good for both seasoned athletes and regular folks looking to improve their daily health and fitness routines. It can record metrics like VO2 max, typically found in wearables for serious athletes, and even includes automatic shot detection for golf.
We’re still not confident the new Band will be a best seller. However, the company may license its design and allow other vendors to launch similar products. Apparently, they did the same with the original Band, and I see no reasons why that wouldn’t be the case with the new model, as well.
The new Microsoft Band is now up for pre-order for $249.