The latest "Microsoft Band 2" is probably the most perfect piece of Band Microsoft has made in years. The previous Microsoft Band did not really impress a lot of people, but this time, it looks like the team did get it right. The "Microsoft Band 2" is more powerful, more capable, and probably a little more fun to use.
What's new with the "Microsoft Band 2"
This new fitness device isn't only better in its looks, the curved AMOLED screen makes it a little more comfortable to wear as well. The new barometer for altitude also adds up to the Microsoft Band 2's overall improvements. The 320 x 128 pixel screen covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 makes the whole thing nothing but solid and the curved design also allows the band to wrap around your wrist comfortably.
The elastometer doesn't only allow for easier fit, it also allows you to navigate through your band more naturally. It has also improved its adjustability. If you're in between workouts, you can just loosen up the band and just tighten it up if you are about to start training.
The battery of the "Microsoft Band 2" is located in the clasp while the previous model had its battery within the band. As improved as it is right now, the "Microsoft Band 2" may still be bulkier than other wearables and you may still experience difficulty trying to fit this one in your long sleeves. However, the "Microsoft Band 2" may have a different set of functions, which explains why it is bigger in size compared to other wearables like smartwatches.
Two buttons can be found on the Band, one large button to take you back to the standby screen, and one smaller button that lets you cycle through different functions.
"Microsoft Band 2" Health App
The Health App in the band came in with new set of functions as well. It allows for better tracking and planning for your fitness routines. Furthermore, the Band 2 has enough memory to store your data, but it does need to sync with the Health app so as to free up some space. Each workout can be loaded within your "Microsoft Band 2" and you can swap it out to your other device (phone/pc) through Bluetooth via the Health app.
"Microsoft Band 2" Specs
The "Microsoft Band 2" comes with 10 sensors to track your workout, or maybe to remind you that you haven't worked out for a while. It comes with an optical heart rate sensor, GPS, skin temperature sensor, acceletometer, UV sensor, a new barometer, capacitive sensor, ambient light sensor, gyrometer, and galvanic skin response.
Microsoft says that the "Microsoft Band 2" is carrying a lithium polymer battery that can last up to 48 hours. They also claimed that charging the device will only take less than 1.5 hours.
"Microsoft Band 2" Price, Release Date, and Conclusion
The new "Band 2" has improved a lot. This fitness tracker is a good tool for fitness conscious people. It's price is at around $250 which can make it about the same level as smartwatches when it comes to cost. But the "Microsoft Band 2" can be more than just a fitness tracker as it does allow for phone notifications and it also has the Cortana functionality, allowing the price to make sense a bit.
The "Microsoft Band 2" will be launched on October 30.
