Microsoft Band 2: Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft used the hardware event in New York to introduce the second-generation Band, its new smart wristband which can monitor your heart rate and daily activities, while also providing your with mobile phone notifications no matter the platform.

The Band 2 is 90 percent similar to its predecessor, but it brings changes right where it counts. The design of the device has been overhauled to make it more comfortable to wear, so it now features a curvy display that should fit better on both the inside and the outside of the wrist.

This is actually the main selling point of the new Band, especially because many customers complained that the first model was rather uncomfortable throughout the day and this thing obviously made it really difficult to wear during the night. Because yes, unlike others, the Band can also track sleep (auto sleep detection is also offered), but until now, wearing it at night was a really painful experience unless you really wanted to do it.

The Band 2 comes with a new barometer sensor, which can measure elevation and this is useful when hiking or running on stairs (because you know, running on stairs can help get rid of kidney stones, but so does beer, so tough choice here).

Basically, the new device does exactly the same things as its predecessor, plus the barometer thing, so you can track calories burned day and night by tracking steps, exercise and sleep, get continuous optical heart rate monitoring, activity tracking for running, biking, golfing or working out, email, text, calendar, and app notifications, measure sleep quality and use third-party apps to stay fit.

Display and battery

Microsoft Band 2 features a band made of thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate, which in pure English means some sort of ultra-durable silicone, and comes with a 32mm x 12.8mm AMOLED display that features Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

It includes a lithium-polymer battery, which Microsoft doesn't reveal how big because why not, and 11 sensors, as it follows: optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer/gyro, gyometer, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, capacitive sensor, galvanic skin response, microphone, and barometer.

The device works with any phone out there that has Bluetooth and can run the Health app, so you can use it with Windows Phones, iPhones, and Android devices. Cortana is only available on Windows Phone.

There are two important things that need to be mentioned.

First of all, Microsoft says the Band 2 is water-resistant. This doesn't mean that it's waterproof, so no, you can't swim with it, which for some is clearly a deal-breaker. It can withstand light rain and hand washing, but you should really be careful when using it near water. Don't swim with it, don't shower with it.

Second, the battery has limited recharge cycles, just like any other battery out there. In Band's case, it's limited to 1,000 complete recharge cycles and you cannot replace it afterwards. But if you recharge it daily, that means more than two years and a half of continuous use, and we really doubt that it'll last that long.

The Band 2 is already available for pre-order at Microsoft Store for $249.99 and ships by October 30. It comes in three sizes, just like its predecessor: small, medium, and large.

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