Hands on: Microsoft Band 2 - John Jason Fallows

Microsoft’s first wearable wasn’t what you’d call a success. The first Microsoft Band was bulky, weirdly shaped, and inconsistent; but it tracked more than almost any of its competitors. The new version of the fitness-focused wearable looks a whole lot better than last year’s, and it still has more sensors than you can count on all 10 of your fingers.

We took the Microsoft Band 2 for a brief spin at the launch event in NYC and watched some intrepid fitness freaks jogging along on treadmills while wearing the device.

Look, Ma — no weird edges!

The first Microsoft Band was nothing short of an atrocity — it had annoying sharp edges, thanks to that awkwardly plateauing display, a thick, weird rubbery band, and a weird clasp. The new Band, thank God, is nothing like it. The curved LED display made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 curves naturally into the circle of the band with no rigid edges. The screen is scratch- and water-resistant and boasts related IP68 certifications, making it an excellent all-weather device.so that it fits comfortably on your wrist. This year, Microsoft also introduced small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate different wrists.

The medium and large bands seemed to fit our Editor in Chief Jeremy Kaplan very well, and he was happy with the way it looked, as I expect most men will be. It looks more or less like a Fitbit with a nice, colorful screen. I wasn’t as enthused when I strapped the small one on — it’s still too big! Despite the smaller band, the screen takes up more space than my wrist offers. I’m fine-boned — this happens a lot. Still, it wasn’t too bad. I could still wear it, technically, without it falling off my wrist, so here’s to progress, however minimal!

The clasp requires pushing two side buttons, which makes it a bit tricky lock on, but it’s nice that Microsoft lets you adjust it a lot. Once it’s on, the clasp stays tight, so this Band won’t be popping off in the middle of your workout. The rubber of the band is smooth, black, and slightly flexible. Overall, the new Microsoft band is really quite nice to wear — so long as your wrists are bigger than mine, which in all likelihood, they are.

Sensors galore

Most wearables have a GPS, heart-rate monitor, accelerometer, and that’s it — The Microsoft Band is a veritable smorgasbord of sensors. It has 11 different sensors inside, to make sure that every aspect of your workout is quantified and analyzed in the Microsoft Health app.

Malarie Gokey/Digital Trends

Of the 11 sensors, two new ones have been fitted inside the Microsoft Band: a barometer to check elevation changes in real time for hiking and mountain climbing, and a VO2 monitor that lets users know their maximum rate of oxygen consumption. VO2 monitoring is usually only available on high-end watches and fitness devices, making its inclusion a rather impressive feat for the Microsoft Band.

All of the features available in the first version of the Band are back in the second, including GPS mapping, guided workouts, sleep counters and notifications for your favorites apps. It will work with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices, and Microsoft Health will be available on all three of the platforms.

The new Microsoft Band also has Cortana integration, enabling users to find health and other information without touching the display. If you miss a workout, Cortana will remind you and help you to reschedule. Apps like Uber, Facebook, and Lose It are all integrating with the new wearable and with Cortana, allowing users to order a cab, post a status, or even pay for a Subway meal.

For golf fans, the new Microsoft Band is capable of automatic shot detection and offers a scorecard, letting the user track their scores and swings. This functionality should be coming to more sports in the future, allowing hobbyists to train more effectively. Overall, the Microsoft band is one of the most well-rounded fitness trackers around, and it has more sensors than most people will know what to do with.

Conclusion

The new Microsoft Band could be the killer fitness band for gym rats and workout enthusiasts — it has more sensors than most other smart fitness bands from competitors like Fitbit, and it offers some smartwatch-style features and notifications. The new Microsoft Band also looks much better than last year’s version, though it’s still not the most gorgeous piece of wearable tech we’ve ever seen. Then again, if you’re going to run with it, does it have to look pretty or glam? Not really.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1NkJWDT
Malarie Gokey