Microsoft has launched its first wearable device, a cross platform fitness bracelet that connects to users’ smartphone, monitors their activity and displays notifications such as texts and calendar events.
The ‘Band’ is now on sale in the US for $199 (£129) and works with apps across all major platforms, including Apple and Android devices as well as Microsoft’s own Windows smartphones and computers.
The Band’s sensors can measure heart rate, sleep quality and light intensity (with advice about how much sunscreen you might need) and it also has GPS functionality, meaning it can track routes when out running or cycling. Microsoft says that by combining this information with motion data Band can even figure out the length of users’ stride and give a more accurate calorie count.
Comng in three different sizes, the 1.4 inch touch screen with its 320×106 resolution can deliver alerts, and twin 100mAh batteries give it 48 hours of what Microsoft calls “normal use” though GPS can shorten this.
The charge time is 1.5 hours, using a magnetically attached USB charger. It’ll work with any Bluetooth LE device running Windows Phone 8.1 Update, iOS 7.1 or newer on an iPhone 4S or newer, and Android 4.3 or newer.
On top of its health monitoring, the Band will also be able to show notifications, such as texts and incoming calls. There will also be some limited app partnerships, letting users load their Starbucks card into the Band,.
Meanwhile a new Microsoft Health smartphone apps series (for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone) and a cloud service accompany the band.
The apps will track key fitness stats such as walking distance, sleeping time, blood pressure, and Microsoft also aims to use the data to provide “insights” such as how much recovery time a user needs after a workout, and which exercises burn most calories.
View the promo video here:
