14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently launched a Health app update with Cortana integration for Android users with a Band 2 fitness tracker, and while this is a welcome release, it appears that some people are actually experiencing a number of issues after installing it.
Posts that are published in the Google Play store reveal that the Microsoft Health app is causing battery drain problems on Android devices running the latest version, and for the moment, no workaround seems to be available.
Users who've complained about increased battery usage after the most recent update claim that the drain takes place both when the app is running or closed, but it goes without saying that, whenever Microsoft Health app is open, it needs more power.
“This version with Cortana access will eat though your battery. Consider waiting until the next iteration before updating,” one user explains in a review posted in the Google Play Store. “Latest update that includes Cortana integration is killing my battery on my Nexus 6p. The app used 7% today! Please fix this ASAP!” another one adds.
No other workaround than removing the app
Removing the app and waiting until a fix is provided is probably the most effective solution, but it’s clearly very frustrating for Android customers who want to use their Bands with a phone.
The latest update brings one important addition, as it finally allows Cortana, Microsoft’s personal assistant that’s also available for Android, to be used with the Band 2 even with this platform, so this feature is no longer limited to Windows Phone or Windows 10 Mobile.
However, given the fact that many are experiencing battery issues, it’s better not to update to this latest version and wait a little bit longer until a fix is released because otherwise it might be impossible to actually enjoy the addition of Cortana to the feature lineup.
Microsoft is yet to publicly acknowledge the problems, but we’re pretty sure the company is aware of the complaints, and a fix shouldn’t be too far away.