14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has unveiled what’s considered to be the very first step of the company in the wearables market, a device called Band that’s not really a smartwatch, but more of a wristband for those who want to keep an eye on their exercises.
Simply called Microsoft Band, the new gadget can be paired with the majority of devices on the market, including Windows, Windows Phone, Apple’s OS X and iOS, but also with Android.
As Microsoft revealed today, the Band packs both features supposed to make it possible to manage communications easier straight from your wrist, but also tools to help you track exercises and fitness activity.
For example, the device packs a total of 10 sensors, each with its very own purpose and designed to track everything around you. One of the sensors is specifically designed to monitor UV exposure and thus alert you of the UV index whenever you’re ready to hit the road.
At the same time, the device provides 24-hour heart rate monitoring, which Microsoft says should help “give you a better understanding of your calorie burn, sleep patterns, and peak and resting heart rate so you can perform at your best.”
Built-in GPS and fitness tracker
Needless to say, Microsoft’s smartwatch wannabe also includes options to help you make the most of your fitness exercises, so it can provide a run summary including pace splits and heart rate, calorie and sleep tracking, guided workouts and configurable steps to assist you as you try to achieve new goals.
“Challenge yourself by setting daily step and calorie goals. Microsoft Band notifies you when you meet them so that you can stay motivated,” Microsoft says.
The device, which costs $199 (150 euro) and can be purchased right now from Microsoft’s online store, has a 310 x 102 px display and offers the wearer the possibility to choose from 132 different backgrounds. The battery can last for as much as 2 full days on a single charge, Microsoft guarantees.
Communication features and Cortana
Even though it’s not really a smartwatch per se, the Microsoft Band can still help you stay in touch with friends and family by displaying notifications for email messages, calendar reminders, phone calls, text messages, social posts including Facebook and Twitter, and weather forecast.
What’s more, if you pair it with a Windows Phone handset, Cortana is always at your service, giving you driving directions, sports and stock information, weather forecasts and more.
And still, one of the biggest advantages of the device, which doesn’t come really cheap, is that it works with the majority of smartphone platforms on the market, so it’s likely to appeal to those with iPhones and Android devices as well.
It remains to be seen, however, how many Apple fanboys would agree to wear a Microsoft Band and not an Apple Watch.
