Microsoft Gets in the Health Tracking Game
Microsoft had long relegated themselves to the software business only. With the fairly-recent releases of the Surface and new Windows-branded phones, it seems as if the folks in Redmond were finally comfortable dipping their toes into the hardware waters. That’s even more evident today, as Microsoft has announced a new wearable fitness band called, simply, the Microsoft Band.
Microsoft Band does an interesting job of blurring the lines between fitness band and smartwatch. At a $200 price point, it falls in between those two categories as well. The device boasts 10 sensors, tracking things like heartbeat, sleep, and run/bike routes. Beyond those usual metrics, Microsoft Band will also look at UV data from the sun, and collect stress-level information. It also features a small touchscreen that can be used for notifications, call alerts, quick calendar viewing, and more.
The announcement of the device goes hand-in-hand with the release of Microsoft Health, a cross-platform app that lets you view stats about your activity, workout, and sleep habits. It will, of course, pair with Microsoft Band, but other device developers will be allowed to use the platform as well. Microsoft Health isn’t just relegated to Windows phones either, as an iOS and Android version of the app are now available. At the current time, it appears as if you can only pair a Microsoft Band with the app, and not any third-party devices.
The device, at least according to Microsoft’s official photos, looks pretty sleek. And they’ve packed a lot of functionality into that little guy as well. Like the upcoming FitBit offerings, Microsoft is looking to add enough functionality to the device to appeal to people who want a combo meal of tracker and smartwatch, without adding too many whistles so as to make the price a nonstarter.
$200 isn’t an insignificant amount of money, but for the health- and fitness-conscious, it might be the sweet spot of data gathering and smartphone functionality.
The Microsoft Band is available for preorder, or for immediate purchase at your local Microsoft Store.
David G. Temple is the Managing Editor of TechGraphs and a contributor to FanGraphs, NotGraphs and The Hardball Times. He hosts the award-eligible podcast Stealing Home. Dayn Perry once called him a "Bible Made of Lasers." Follow him on Twitter @davidgtemple.
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