2 days back Microsoft removed the veil from their new product, the Microsoft Band. When the company that brought you the MS Office products and Sky Drive enters the wearable tech scene, you have to sit up and pay attention. That being said, the Microsoft Band was designed with the purpose of helping you achieve your health goals and stay connected and productive at the same time and it’s amazing what Microsoft has managed to squeeze into the fitness band. Tall claims? Read on.

 

One of the more impressive functions is the ability of the Microsoft Band to track exercise reps from expert-targeted work out routines. Coupled with an inbuilt GPS, and UV monitor, 24/7 HR monitoring from the wrist; Microsoft has really raised the bar in the fitness department; I’m thinking Amiigo band, GPS watch and Netatmo June combined.

Let’s not forget the productivity claims. Receive calender reminders, email, calls and text notices right from your wrist. Have a Windows 8.1 Phone? Microsoft Band works with Cortana to take voice insttuctions.

The best part is that many of the basic functions like steps, calories, HR readings, sleep summaries and even watch functions need not require a paired smartphone. That being said, the full suite of features can only be accessed via a smartphone. Get this, the Microsoft Band is cross platform and works with select Windows Phone, iOS and Android devices.

List of features:

• Tracks steps, exercise reps, calories, sleep
• Optical heart rate sensor
• In-built GPS
• UV meter
• Skin temperature sensor
• 2 days battery life (1 hour workout and 8 hours sleep tracking daily)
• Shows notifications from smartphones (calls, texts, emails)
• Takes voice commands via Cortana on Windows 8.1 phones.
• TFT full colour touch enabled display
• Microphone
• Vibration motor
• Silent alarm
• 2 physical buttons
• Syncs wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0
• Sweat and spash resistant only
• Display can be personalised

The Microsoft Band has an ingenious clasp system that allows minor tightening. This would come in really hand to tighten up during heavy bouts of exercise for accurate HR readings.

Read GadFit’s in depth review of the Microsoft Band here.

You might be interested in:

• Basis Peak
• Mio Fuse
• New Fitbit trackers :Charge, Charge HR, Surge