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The rumor mill has been has been churning out rumors about the first wearable fitness device from Microsoft for quite a while. Today, Microsoft silenced them and launched the Microsoft Band, their first fitness bracelet priced at $199.
The Microsoft Band is worn around the wrist and it allows its users to monitor their exercise and fitness regime. What makes the Microsoft Band special is that it is a cross-platform device, meaning that it can be paired up with Windows phones, Android phones and iPhones.
The Microsoft Band marks the software’s giant debut into the market of wearable technology. Many people expected Microsoft to launch a wearable device ahead of Apple, but that didn’t happen, as the Apple Watch was launched during the Apple Media Event on September 9.
The Microsoft Band can monitor the pulse rate, count your steps, track the sleep quality and measure the wearer’s calorie burn thanks to sensors that are positioned on the back of the device. Microsoft released a statement in which they said that the Microsoft band will be available starting today for a price of $199.
Microsoft also launched a new Microsoft Health app that is meant to function together with their Microsoft Band. It includes cloud service so that health and fitness data can be stored and monitored.
The Microsoft Band can also support 24-hour heart rate monitoring, which means that your heart will always be monitored and recorded. It’s got a built-in GPS, so that once you open your Microsoft Health app, you can see the route of your run, the pace and distance.
The Microsoft Band connects to your smartphone and will show you your email alerts on its screen. Windows Phone owners can also take notes with the Microsoft Band and set reminders with the help of Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant.
Microsoft’s first wearable device, the Microsoft Band fitness tracker is a great tool for tracking and recording health and fitness metrics; and with the surprising price of $199, chances are it is going to be a success.
