Microsoft band sleep tracker1/16/2023 You can also get this same information by tapping the home screen once the big button has been pressed. In doing so, you’ll set that metric to be the small ‘default’ one shown next to time. However, you can then press the little button to iterate through the different metrics for the day. By default, anytime you press the bigger of the two buttons, it’ll show you your steps: This is the component that measures steps, distance walked, as well as stairs and sleep. Now that we’ve covered the exterior, let’s dive into the activity tracker piece. Microsoft’s addition of other sensors (and the larger battery for both GPS and display), makes the unit a bit chubbier than most. While others have optical HR, that rarely adds significant size to a band. Meaning, once you add GPS, you tend to transition towards more of a watch form factor. There aren’t really any other bands on the market with the same feature specs. And the previous charging port has been moved to the clasp: On the original Band, the optical sensor was near the clasp, now it’s under the display. So with the new Band 2 design, the sides are slimmed down quite a bit.Īdditionally, they’ve changed the location of the optical HR sensor and charging ports. However, you’ll also notice above that the sides of the original band are thicker, which made it significantly more uncomfortable. If you put the units side by side, you’ll notice that the original Band is actually thinner in both width and depth: Which, is exactly the same as the original Microsoft Band: Next, if we plop the unit on a scale, it comes in at 61g: It has a small magnet in it, so it holds it nicely in place.ĭon’t worry, you’ll get plenty more shots of the unit throughout the review. You’ll be using this roughly every other day. While it’s unlikely you’ll need it after this post, here’s the quick start guide: We’ve basically just got three pieces: First is a USB charging cable/cradle, then some paper quick start stuff, and finally the Band 2 itself: Here’s all the parts removed from the outer box: Once you crack it open, you’ll find the unit sitting up as if it were being presented like a engagement ring. It comes in a few different sizes, but you can further adjust the exact size using the wrist strap. Unboxing:įirst up, let’s get this thing unboxed. The good, the bad, and the (really) ugly. As you’ll see in this post, I just tell it like it is. I did not work in or anywhere near the Band division. Thus, my opinions are largely within that light.įinally – before we begin, it should be noted that I did used to work for the company. While I’ll briefly cover non-sports tech pieces, the main point of this review is to cover the fitness aspects of the unit. After all – sports technology is my focus. I’ve been using the unit since release (one of two that I bought myself), and doing all sorts of fitness activities with it. However, beyond that many of the software-layer features remain the same. Further, it adds in components like a barometric altimeter and UV sensor. This new Band tweaks the sizing a bit and cleans up much of the exterior portions with a much nicer curved display. Microsoft in its statement affirmed its commitment to Microsoft Health, which collects data from a variety of wearable devices to give users insights into their personal health.This past fall Microsoft released their second activity tracker, the Microsoft Band 2 – near exactly one year after they released the original Microsoft Band. The company initially took a cautious approach to the release of the original Microsoft Band, the first flagship device for the Microsoft Health platform that debuted in 2014, and more heavily promoted the second generation Band. It has received several updates to help it compete with other smart watches and fitness trackers like Fitbit and Jawbone, as well as the Apple Watch. In addition to GPS tracking, sleep tracking, a heart rate monitor, and other features found in the first Band, the second version includes integration with Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, and supports a bevy of other apps like Uber, Subway, and more. It looks similar to the original device but has a curved screen and a less bulky battery. Microsoft released the second version of the Band last year. Microsoft issued a statement in response to an inquiry about the band, saying: “We have sold through our existing Band 2 inventory and have no plans to release another Band device this year.” In addition to the Band’s disappearance from the Microsoft Store, the Band Software Development Kit is also no longer available.
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