14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft launched its smart wristband called Band in late 2014, and since then, the company has struggled to keep up with demand, even though the device was only available in the United States.
But starting today, the company promises to make the Band available to all those who want to purchase one, so the device will go on sale at a number of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
Microsoft says that since October 2014, when it first presented the Band, interest in the device has been fantastic, so meeting demand was harder than you'd expect. The company made only limited inventories available in its stores, even though it ran out of stocks in less than 24 hours every single time.
That's not going to happen anymore, Redmond says, as larger shipments than before will now be received on a more regular basis, not only at Microsoft stores but also at all partners.
The software giant claims that Amazon, Best Buy, and Target will first have a limited number of Bands, but "increased shipments are planned for the weeks and months ahead."
The Band will soon launch in the UK too
In addition to making the Band available in more stores across the United States, Microsoft is also announcing that the device will soon go on sale in the United Kingdom at Amazon, Curry’s PC World, Dixons Travel, Harrods, and O2. The Band is already available for pre-order in these countries, while sales will start on April 15.
For starters, the Microsoft Band is a smart wristband that connects to any iPhone, Android or Windows Phone device through Bluetooth and helps you stay in touch with your friends, while at the same time offering features to track your exercises, remain productive by getting notifications when you receive new emails, and be alerted of new calendar appointments.
The Band integrates a 24-hour heart rate monitor, a built-in GPS module, and options that can monitor running, walking, sleep, calorie burning, and biking.
The device features a 1.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320x106 pixels, dual 100 mAh Li-ion batteries that can be recharged in less than 1.5 hours, Bluetooth 4.0 support, and measures 11x33mm. It's made of thermal plastic elastomer with an adjustable fit clasp and is available right now in the US for $199 (€150).
