Fitness tracker or smart watch? Microsoft Band review.

IN modern world Most people own a fitness bracelet because it is necessary when playing any sport.

It is worth noting that most of all models look quite simple and identical to each other, but at the same time they look very stylish on both a woman’s hand and a man’s.

It can be noted that many companies that are engaged in the production of various electronics and mobile phone, produce their own bracelets.

They all differ in the number of functions. This fact allows the client to purchase a bracelet with the functionality that only he needs.

One of the main features of this device is that it can be synchronized with a smartphone or personal computer. This is done so that the data can be analyzed.

Also, most developers for mobile devices have produced specialized applications that can be used with fitness bracelets.

The name of the program Platform Is the application Russified? Design rating (on a five-point scale) Functionality rating (on a five-point scale)

Microsoft Health

4 4
Android 3 2

Runtastic

iOS, Android + 2 4

Up by Jawbone

Android 3 3
Android + 4 4

Razer Nabu

iOS, Android + 3 3
iOS, Android 3 4

Polar Flow

iOS, Android 4 4

Fatsecret

Windows Mobile, iOS, Android + 5 4
iOS, Android + 3 5

Apple Watch Workout

iOS + 4 5

Runkepper

iOS, Android 3 4

Nike+ Run Club

iOS, Android + 5 5

Endomondo

iOS, Android + 4 4

Strava Running

iOS, Android + 3 3

RunKeeper

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This program can be found in the official Apple store called Appstore. It's absolutely free. In order to install, you do not need to perform any special actions.

It is worth noting that initially this utility It was designed for running only. From this fact we can conclude that it can count the number of meters traveled.

With this program, you can communicate with people living in different parts of the world who lead an active lifestyle.

The utility also allows you to track training days. To do this, you have the opportunity to use various tables and graphs provided by the program. This application will be your personal trainer.

Of course, the utility has a specialized paid package that includes personal training that will help you pump up or simply create a beautiful figure.

Nike+ Run Club

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The next application that we would like to tell you about was produced by the well-known company Nike.

If you are bored of playing sports alone, then the application will help you find like-minded people.

You also have the opportunity, with the help of this program, to create your own group of people in order to play sports together.

You can view the profiles of the most famous athletes who have already achieved tremendous results. This option was made to motivate people.

There is no point in talking about such standard functions as counting kilometers traveled, listening to music, participating in competitions, and so on. All of these options are, of course, available in the Nike app.

Endomondo

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This program allows aspiring athletes to win various prizes. To do this, you just need to accept the challenge and achieve best result among the participants.

You can, of course, not participate in this promotion, but simply train. The program is available for different types sports

Each athlete has the opportunity to make personal program workouts that will help you become thinner, slimmer, gain weight or get lean, and so on.

You can always adjust the necessary points; this is done very simply.

The program will be useful both for playing sports at home and in the gym or on the street.

Strava Running

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This application, like many of its competitors, supports Android Wear. The program has one rather unique function that allows you to save the current route for next time.

You also always have the opportunity to use the route that other application users have saved. To do this, you only need to download it.

It is worth noting that the utility interface is not Russified, so you can use it without knowledge in English or another popular European language will be quite problematic.

Therefore, before downloading the program, you must take this fact into account.

Apple Watch Workout

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The Workout program will come directly with the Apple Watch and is designed specifically for those who want detailed statistics, not just a quick summary.

There are separate modes for running, walking and cycling.

During your workout, you will receive various data about it in real time - from time spent to calories and pace.

JEFIT

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Another application that works with various fitness bracelets is called Jefit.

The program will help you create own program for sports, but it is worth noting that in order to achieve results, it must be performed correctly and constantly. Jefit is your personal fitness trainer.

The utility has a simple and understandable menu that every average user can master in a matter of minutes.

The program includes more than 1,300 exercises, which are accompanied by the most detailed instructions.

The utility also has a specialized notepad that allows you to record information about loads.

FatSecret

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Fat secret is an application that differs in its functionality and purpose from previous programs. First of all, this utility is a smart nutritionist.

After all, in order to achieve results, you need not only regular training according to specialized programs and a healthy lifestyle, but also proper nutrition, which the Fatsecret application will monitor.

In order to start monitoring your diet, you only need to download this program and register the appropriate account.

After completing the previous step, you must enter your gender, height, weight, age and other anatomical data. Then you need to set the task you are striving for.

For example, this could be weight gain, weight loss or cutting. You should also note the foods that you consume most often during the day.

Don't worry if you are a sophisticated person. After all, the list of products is constantly updated by both developers and users. Therefore, you can find both regular food and exotic dishes on the list.

Polar Flow

If you use models of fitness bracelets from the POLAR FLOW company, for example, Loop, Loop 2, Loop Crystal, A300, then this means that this program you just need it.

On the display you can see data that shows activity throughout the day, month or week. You can choose the period yourself.

Also this feature you have the opportunity to use it to monitor the results of your sports activities.

Applications for Mi Fit fitness bracelets

This program was created specifically for those users who use fitness bracelets from a manufacturer such as Xiaomi. You can use any device model, including Mi Band.

If we compare this application with other programs, you can see that it has great view menu.

It is necessary to understand that the utility has a standard set of functions, which includes displaying activity data and other options.

You also have the opportunity to use this application as a good alarm clock, which can be set along with the monitor.

Mi band is a smart alarm clock that will tell you about the quality of your sleep. The program details all the data for the night, which includes duration within hours and minutes.

Applications for trackme fitness bracelets

Another application that we want to tell you about is called trackme. It is designed specifically for a fitness bracelet called Youwell smartband.

Using this program, you have the opportunity to monitor the state of your vital activity, namely such indicators as:

  • Kilometers traveled. After all, the program keeps track of the kilometers you have traveled;
  • Steps taken. The application counts the steps you have taken;
  • Calories burned;

It is worth noting that the utility monitors your sleep. In the morning you have the opportunity to view statistics for the entire night.

The application has a specialized function that allows you to set different goals for every day.

And the last thing worth saying is that the program is with you twenty-four hours a day, so you can always compare information by day, week, month, and so on.

Sports are coming back into fashion. But since we live in the digital era, the influence of gadgets in all spheres of human activity is great. And health is no exception. To make sports more effective, athletes use fitness trackers. One such device is the Microsoft Band 2, a review of which will help you understand what its advantages are.

Purpose

The release of the second generation Microsoft Band took place on October 6, 2016. The device is intended for people who lead an active lifestyle and constantly monitor their health.

The fitness bracelet has a display with an AMOLED matrix. The screen is used to display notifications about missed calls, messages, and application updates.

Good to know! If necessary, the user can personalize notifications for themselves by choosing what should be displayed first.

In addition, Microsoft Band 2 has 11 sensors, including: built-in UV sensors, body temperature sensor, galvanic sensor, barometer, pedometer, GPS navigator.

The fitness bracelet is not supplied to Russia, so it cannot be purchased in the official regional online store Microsoft. The gadget is distributed through unofficial stores at an average price of 20 thousand rubles. At the same time, on the American Microsoft website the device is sold for $174.99.

In general, Microsoft Band 2 is a 2-in-1 device: a smart fitness bracelet and a smart watch, which offers the user extraordinary capabilities compared to its competitors.

Build quality

The build quality of the gadget is excellent, since Microsoft could not do otherwise. Otherwise, no one would overpay $250 for an unfinished device. In addition, the fitness bracelet looks modern and fashionable, unlike its predecessor.

The developers corrected problems with the ergonomics and quality of the strap itself (they made it homogeneous without the use of dyes), so there were no inconveniences or possible allergic reactions when using the device.

Appearance

The second generation of the Microsoft bracelet differs from its predecessor appearance. The first generation offered the user a large set of functions, but the design of the device was terrible: the device had a straight, bulky body. Because of this, it “sat” uncomfortably on the hand and interfered with movements: the body clung to doors, walls and other things, as a result of which scratches and abrasions appeared on it. In addition, due to the fact that the gadget's strap was painted, stains remained on the body and clothes, and some users complained of allergies.

At creation of Microsoft Band 2 developers took into account previously identified shortcomings, as a result of which the body was “rounded off”. At the same time, the screen size has increased. The ergonomics of the model have become much more successful and efficient, which has influenced the popularity of the device.

The fitness bracelet has a waterproof housing according to the IPX7 standard. But, as stated on the manufacturer’s website, you cannot take a shower or bath with it on your hand, so the warranty does not provide for free restoration of the “drowned man.” Although the standard implies such actions.

The model, as before, is sold in three sizes: small/medium/large (small/medium/large). But they have all become wider. The strap is made of flexible but durable silicone material that does not stain the body during wear.

Thus, the developers managed to ensure that the gadget was comfortable to wear on the hand, it was stylish, productive and did not interfere.

Clasp

The only element that the second generation of Microsoft Band received from its predecessor is the bracelet lock. In the new product, it serves as a connector for connecting charger(in the first model, charging was carried out through a port on the inside of the case). Its massiveness has become an advantage because the bracelet does not twist on the hand during use.

Near the clasp there is a Microsoft icon and a UV sensor. On the reverse side there is a latch for connecting the charger. It securely fixes the plug, so the charging process cannot be interrupted.

The charger has also changed. Now it charges the gadget in 1.5 hours.

Specifications

The main component of Microsoft Band 2 is internal components. Since the device is compact in size, it must be efficient, reliable and productive.

CharacteristicsDescription
CPUARM Cortex M4
AMOLED with protective glass Gorilla Glass 3
Screen diagonal1.36 inches
Permission320 by 128 pixels.
Working hoursUp to 2 days
Wireless connectionBluetooth 4.1
AlertVibration
Notifications
  • voice calls;
  • Email;
  • calendar events;
  • social media.

Microsoft Band 2 is compatible with Windows Phone-smartphones, as well as devices running under Android control(not lower than version 4.4) and iOS (iPhone 4S and higher).

In the second generation of the Microsoft fitness bracelet, the screen resolution has increased to 320 by 128 pixels (previously it was 320 by 106 pixels). It is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which prevents scratches even from diamonds.

Despite the low resolution, the picture has high quality. Therefore, notifications from a smartphone and important information health status is perceived without problems.

Battery

When using the bracelet without the GPS navigator turned on, the battery charge lasts for the period declared by the manufacturer (two days). When GPS is running, the battery life will be shorter. Therefore, if you lead an active lifestyle (running in the morning, hiking, traveling, when tracking your movements from a satellite is simply necessary), you need to charge the gadget more often.

Interesting! If the Microsoft Band is charging and the user has the smartphone in their pocket, the app prompts them to activate the pedometer on the phone to track activity.

Functions

So far, the bracelet cannot lift the user, offering to do several physical exercises to improve health, like the Apple analogue. But the developers promised that such a function will appear in the near future. Otherwise the model is close to ideal. This is especially true for software and Microsoft capabilities Band 2.

All gadget software is divided into three types:

  • fitness bracelet apps;
  • for synchronization from smartphones (Health App);
  • cloud service Microsoft Health, which collects the received data and creates customized graphs using machine learning. Partially created information is displayed in the application, the remaining information is available on the website.

The bracelet has an interesting sleep tracking function. It reads sleep phases, its duration, and overall efficiency. In addition, the gadget counts the number of times the user woke up during the night, calories burned during sleep, heart rate and how calm the person was. General data is displayed on the device screen, and detailed statistics are displayed in the Health App on the smartphone.

Working with a fitness bracelet

The main screen of Microsoft Band 2 displays the clock and data that the user has selected. These are: date, period of activity, distance covered, number of calories burned. They are switched by pressing a button on the side of the case.

If you swipe across the screen in right side, access to Bluetooth settings, indicators of battery charge level, heart rate. Swipe left to access tiles installed applications. Up to 3 tiles out of 30 existing ones can be displayed on the display at the same time. But due to the compact size of the screen and the features of the device, it is mainly focused on the text display of information, and not on its graphic content.

Not shown on display email in full or photos sent by friends on social networks. The user will see only part of the text information. You can reply to a message using the keyboard built into the bracelet, powered by Microsoft Word Flow, which is good at predicting the words the user types. But the compact size makes typing difficult. Therefore, in this case it is better to use a smartphone.

Due to the lack of a built-in speaker, notifications about received messages or missed calls come to the gadget in the form of vibration. For the same reason, you won't be able to listen to music using Microsoft Band 2.

Health App

A multifaceted, versatile assistant that, through machine learning and information processing, helps monitor the user’s health status. The application stores information about training, a person’s progress, and movements (GPS data). In addition, the developers are collaborating with other companies Strava, RunKeeper, Jawbone, MapMyFitness and MyFitnessPal to improve the application.

The Health App is available for three major mobile platforms and is the main assistant for the operation and Microsoft settings Band 2. The application displays a large amount of information about the completed workout. And some data is completely “superfluous”. For example, in the Golf section you can view results and a chart of distances between holes.

Important! Health App can independently update the firmware of the fitness bracelet via Bluetooth.

Third Party Applications

This is a sticking point for devices in the Windows 10 ecosystem. There are a limited number of apps for the Microsoft Band 2, unlike its competitors on iOS and Android. And most of them only expand the capabilities of native functions. Because of this, the popularity of the device is lower than it could be.

Smart watch

Microsoft Band 2 is capable of performing the function of a smartwatch, but does not contain “unnecessary applications”, unlike WatchOS or Android Wear. The disadvantage of the device software is that notifications (calls, SMS, messages from social networks, information from the calendar) are displayed on one icon without separation by receiving directions. It is not comfortable.

As for Cortana, it is region limited and some features are not available on Android and iOS. And for full-fledged work, the voice assistant cannot do without a smartphone.

Unlocking PC

Microsoft programmers are developing an option to unlock a computer running Windows 10 using wearable gadgets, in particular the Band 2 fitness bracelet. Moreover, this identification method can be used for authentication on a PC or to confirm purchases on the Internet. But there is no data yet on the release date of the new option.

Further development

What will happen to Band 2 in the future is still unknown. But Panos Panay, the head of Microsoft's Surface line development team, accidentally showed off an unknown gadget on his wrist that resembled this fitness bracelet. Its peculiarity is that it is made in white, although both generations of the device are offered exclusively in dark versions.

Today, there are two opinions about what kind of model the company representative uses. According to the first, this is an exclusive release of Band 2 for internal use. And the second opinion says that this is the third generation of the device, because as soon as Panay noticed the mistake, he immediately hid the gadget under the sleeve of his pullover.

Conclusion

If we consider the Microsoft Band 2 as a fitness tracker, this is an ideal device that provides the user with a huge number of opportunities for relaxation, work and self-development. And when interacting with a smartphone, it easily outperforms its competitors thanks to its technical features and reliability.

At the same time, the gadget loses to its competitors as a smart watch. And first of all, this is due to the compact size of the display. But, apparently, the developers deliberately made it so that the device was not positioned as an analogue of WatchOS or Android Wear, but was used exclusively for sports purposes.

But in both cases, the device still has room to develop unless Microsoft considers it a waste of money, as happened with the Lumia line.

Below is a list of Pros and Cons for purchasing the Microsoft Band 2.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Reliability
  • Ease of use
  • Software
  • Regional restrictions of some functions
  • Minimum set of applications
  • Autonomy*

* Low for all similar devices.

Microsoft Band is the first “smart” bracelet of the American giant, which was officially presented today. Not long ago, information appeared on the site that in the next few weeks Microsoft will present its first wearable gadget. And it happened.

First of all, I would like to say that this device is aimed at those people who are actively involved in sports. Oddly enough, the Microsoft fitness bracelet is equipped with a wide variety of sensors: a heart rate sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyroscope that allows you to track movements, an accelerometer, sweat and temperature sensors, a vibration motor and even a microphone that is necessary for communicating with voice assistant.

All information is displayed on a 1.4-inch touch screen, whose resolution is 320×106 pixels. It is worth noting that in addition to the information that will be received from the device’s sensors, the bracelet’s screen can also display various notifications from the smartphone: incoming calls, SMS messages, etc.

The Microsoft Band fitness bracelet is powered by two batteries, each with a capacity of 100 mAh. To be honest, I expected more powerful battery. However, company representatives say that these “babies” will last for 48 hours of “moderate use,” most likely meaning without the built-in GPS. It is reported that it takes an hour and a half to fully charge the bracelet. And it charges using proprietary magnetic charging.

Appearance (design) of Microsoft Band:

In my opinion, one of the strengths of this bracelet is that it is compatible with the devices of the three most popular mobile phones. operating systems: Windows Phone 8.1, Android 4.3 and higher, as well as iOS 7.1 and newer OS versions. In this case, a prerequisite is the presence of Bluetooth LE in the smartphone.

In addition to the smart bracelet, Microsoft also presented several special applications, as well as a cloud service. All this is united under one single name - Microsoft Health. These applications can perform the classic functions of smart bracelets, namely: track the distance traveled during the day, sleep duration, and more.

In addition, based on the data obtained, MS is going to give various recommendations for playing sports. For example, which exercises will be more effective for burning calories, how long you need to wait between exercises, etc. Finally, I would like to note that Microsoft Health is a universal platform, which in turn implies the collection of various information, both from other fitness trackers and third party programs, more precisely, applications.

Here's a couple of videos featuring a smart bracelet from Microsoft

Most likely, many of you are interested in Microsoft Band price. You can buy a Microsoft fitness bracelet for $199. The buyer will be given several sizes to choose from, there are three in total. IN this moment Currently, this device is only available in the United States. Unfortunately, it is not yet known how soon this wearable device will reach our shores. However, most likely this will happen very soon.

Oct 30, 2014 mRelby

Tonight Microsoft officially announced their vision of a fitness bracelet and showed the world the Microsoft Band, as well as Microsoft platform Health. The fitness bracelet goes on sale tomorrow for $199. Unfortunately, you can only buy it in the US in Microsoft Stores. We invite you to familiarize yourself with all the features of the new product.

The Microsoft Band has a set of 10 sensors that can monitor your heart, steps, and general movements. There is a sensor for ultraviolet (as in new Samsung Galaxy), as well as a galvanic sensor on your skin to measure your stress levels and body temperature. On one charge, the bracelet will work for 48 hours, which is quite good for this type of device with such a small size. The bracelet also collects all notifications from your phone and displays them on the screen. Close integration with Cortana has also not gone away, so the voice assistant can be controlled directly from the bracelet. The housing is made of plastic and is protected from moisture and dust.

As rumors claimed, the Microsoft Band is a cross-platform device that can work with Windows Phone 8.1, iOS 7.1+ and Android 4.3+. All necessary applications for working with the device are already available in stores. In addition to collecting information, the apps allow you to customize and personalize your Band.

The opportunity to pay for coffee at Starbucks coffee stores in the USA is also interesting. To do this, you will have to enter your Starbucks card into the application (it can be purchased separately in branded stores or on the Microsoft Store) and synchronize the data.

It's also worth mentioning the Microsoft Health platform introduced with Band. It’s very good that Microsoft did not miss the dawn of wearable electronics and presented not only a gadget, but also an entire platform. Microsoft Health is a cloud service that is designed to help users lead an active lifestyle. In their official blog, Microsoft described the cool features available with Health.

  • First of all - cross-platform. Microsoft wants to attract more users in this way. This is Satya Nadella's new strategy to embrace Microsoft as much as possible. various devices. Even if not on Windows. Hence Microsoft Health works on Windows Phone, iOS and Android.
  • Microsoft Health collects a variety of information about your health from various connected devices, not just the Microsoft Band. Jawbone UP, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper are supported (the list is not complete).
  • Information collected in Microsoft Health from various devices will be collected using the Inteligence Engine and will be tightly integrated with other Microsoft services, including the calendar. Thus, as we collect more information about your health, you will receive additional guidance. For example, Health will tell you what activities you need based on your work schedule, suggest proper nutrition, and recommend the amount of sleep for maximum rest.
  • Partnerships with other manufacturers. Microsoft is giving developers access to the SDK and full set of APIs, as well as the MIcrosoft Health cloud to expand their audience and capabilities.
  • In the near future, it will be possible to connect Microsoft Health to HealthVault.

Microsoft offers two videos that briefly demonstrate the bracelet's capabilities.

The bracelet did not become something exceptional among its peers, but Microsoft finally entered this market and tried to mark it with something special, as well as avoid many of the shortcomings that many competitors encountered. They didn’t succeed very well, but we will definitely tell you about it.

The device has a rich list of functions, has a high-quality application and looks... well, like everyone else. Microsoft developers apparently considered their goal to be creating a gadget that would allow you not to take your phone out of your pocket, but to use its functions using a bracelet. We will not claim that this worked; this can only be known after a certain period of operation. Others who tried to do the same, it seems to us, didn’t really work out.

Design and Construction

Obviously, when creating the Microsoft Band, technologists were in charge, not designers. The Microsoft Band is made quite massive, which may seem uncomfortable to people who have already used fitness bracelets from other manufacturers. This massiveness of the bracelet is partly due to the flat 1.4-inch touchscreen and very high-quality display with a resolution of 320 x 160 pixels. The shape and size of the display makes it uncomfortable to wear the bracelet, given the anatomy of the wrist - it would be much better if its shape were more rounded.

The clasp on the opposite side of the bracelet also contributes to the bulkiness, but the other side of this medal is its original and convenient design. Those who have already suffered with the clasps on silicone bracelets of cheap (and not only cheap) fitness bracelets will understand us. It is very easy to fasten and adjust.

Unfortunately, this fitness tracker will not make you feel light and invisible to others, which, by the way, is one of the goals of most manufacturers of such devices. In addition, the massive design of the tracker greatly facilitates its clinging to all sorts of objects around you, and the resulting scratches and abrasions do not at all give the device any attractiveness.

Now for the good stuff about this design. The bracelet can be worn on any hand, not just on the non-dominant one, in addition, it can also be worn with the dial down, on the inside of the wrist, if anyone likes that. This possibility seemed absolutely unnecessary to us, but we do not insist.

But most importantly, the Microsoft Band contains so many different sensors that it seems surprising that you only have to pay $200 for this set. Heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, light sensor, ultraviolet sensor. In addition, the bracelet has a built-in vibration motor and microphone, and communication is carried out using Bluetooth Low Energy.

The device is not waterproof, but it can withstand a shower.

Software

Microsoft Band software is made with high quality, which is not surprising, knowing the company's experience in developing applications and interfaces. The Microsoft Band interface is easy to navigate and feels unmistakably like a modern Microsoft interface, right down to the colors and fonts. The program performs its function very well, allowing you to easily change icons on the display (and change the order of their arrangement) and access statistics of your physical activities. We have no comments here, everything works like clockwork.

Functionality

You can control the functions of the bracelet by scrolling through the screens using familiar gestures, as is done in other Windows systems. Tapping on home screen allows you to see today's metrics, as well as a visualization of your heartbeat. The tracker display has only one drawback - it does not allow you to change the orientation from horizontal to vertical, which greatly interferes with reading, say, mail messages, which have to be viewed by repeatedly flipping the screen. However, this problem is not limited to Microsoft.

When it comes to tracking standard things like steps, sleep quality and similar activities, Microsoft's product does well here. GPS also works well, allowing you to accurately control distance, build training routes, and also record physical indicators on certain sections of the route. From additional functions I would like to note the possibility of calculating ultraviolet absorption.

At the same time, the company did a better job of developing a wearable notification system than the actual fitness bracelet. Sure, the Microsoft Band shows you your steps or your heart rate, but it doesn't tell you when you need to rest, and it doesn't in any way motivate you to exercise. But email and text messages are perfectly visualized on the tracker screen, and all messages are very clearly visible even in bright light.

The heart rate sensor in the Microsoft Band differs from similar devices in fitness trackers from other manufacturers, which only display selective, i.e. not very accurate and uninformative data. Microsoft claims that the built-in and always-on sensor in the Band is significantly more accurate and is comparable in this parameter to chest sensors. In fact, this is not entirely true, at least for some types of physical activity, as independent tests show. Like all other heart rate fitness bands, the Microsoft Band is not accurate when you move your arms while walking or running.

There are also more serious problems. Both in hardware and software.

Sometimes, after a complete recharge, the bracelet loses data and is not even able to reconnect to the phone with which it was already connected earlier. In addition, the tracker does not indicate that the battery level is minimal and needs to be recharged. Those. Neither the bracelet itself nor the application on the smartphone gives any messages if there are problems with the battery.

Battery

This bracelet can do a lot, but it is bulky and unfinished. Although it is already very useful and promises to be even better if the manufacturer brings it to fruition. Moreover, it is not necessary to make very strong changes for Microsoft Band to become very good device. Although it requires improvements in almost every aspect, its basic functionality seems really attractive. GPS allows you to go for a walk and choose a route without needing your phone. You can receive information about letters, text messages and calls and all this is done right in the bracelet. If Microsoft also built a phone into it (SIM slot), it would be even cooler.

However, continuous monitoring of heart rate seems unnecessary. And, what is very important, Microsoft application Health has one very significant problem - it doesn't work with anything else. Unlike Apple Health, Google Fit, Jawbone or Fitbit apps, this software doesn't have additional services. It is not a platform and in this it is much inferior to its competitors.

So based on all this, it's probably not worth buying this device just yet and should wait for any changes to be made to it.

However, you can buy this device, but only through the Microsoft Store (and only in the US and Canada) for $199.99.