Microsoft has just introduced the new Microsoft Band, a health focused smart-watch style device. The band has a number of different features allowing you to track how far you have walked, a GPS to plan new walking routes, a sleep tracking option that tracks your quality of rest, a heart rate monitor, a sun sensor telling you how much sunscreen you should apply before going outside, and more.
It also has a variety of productivity features as well, such as giving you e-mail alerts, calendar alerts, text messages, and so forth. It doesn’t have a keyboard, so any input will have to be regulated to voice input only. That being said, the Band can synch with all windows phones and can make use of Microsoft’s Cortana voice service. The band can synch with third party phones, like the iPhone or droids, as well, and rumor has it that it will also be able to synch with your Xbox and give you updates from there as well, though this has not yet been confirmed.
The Microsoft Band lasts 48 hours on a single battery charge, though that varies depending on use. The device takes 90 minutes to fully charge, though it doesn’t charge evenly. It can carry an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.
The Microsoft Band will retail for $200, a competitively price alternative to the $350 Apple Watch. A release date has not yet been given.
Source: Microsoft