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Xbox maker Microsoft has announced Microsoft Band, a heath-focused wearable device that comes with the tagline: “Leave your phone in your pocket, and miss nothing.” The $199 device, which was rumored last week, is available to buy today through Microsoft’s website.
Measuring just 18.5-millimetres, and fashioned from a “thermal plastic elastomer” the Band has got a relatively tiny 1.4-inch touchscreen with a display of just 320 x 106, and will last for up to two days on a single charge.
Among its many features are a heart monitor, a UV sensor for tracking your sun exposure and a galvanic skin response sensor that will measure your stress levels.
There’s also the standard GPS tracker, so that both it and you can tell where you are.
Of course, it’s not going to be like having some kind of deranged personal trainer strapped to your wrist – there’ll be some level of entertainment as well.
You’ll be able to receive alerts about email messages, calendar reminders, phone calls, Twitter and Facebook notifications, weather and stock information.
Stock information? Why do all of these gadget makers think we care about stock information?
Anyway – the Band will be accompanied by a new, all-encompassing Microsoft Health platform that will collate and analyse all of your Band data.
The Health app has launched on Android, iOS and Windows Phone and will use its mighty intelligence to help your live better and healthier.
Want to know if you should have breakfast before you run? It’ll be able to tell you that.
Want to know how much high or low quality sleep you’re getting? Yep – it’ll know that too.
Helpfully, if you’re already using a fitness-tracking app, there’s chance that you’ll be able to integrate your data into the new Health platform.
Jawbone, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper will all be supported by Microsoft’s Health and Band.
Agencies/Canadajournal
