Microsoft has made its Smart Band official. The band is compatible with Windows Phone 8.1, Android and iOS devices. It is already available to buy online for $199, but Microsoft wants you first to be sure of your wrist height, as there are three sizes to chose from. You can check the sizing guide here.
The Microsoft band comes with Cortana integration, if you use it with a smartphone running Windows Phone 8.1. It not only tracks your fitness information but also supports email, text, call, Facebook, Twitter, Calender, Weather notifications and more on its 1.4-inch display. You can read the full set of features and specifications below.
Intro video:
Full specs & features:
Activity tracking and goal setting:
24-hour heart rate monitor: Gives you a better understanding of your calorie burn, sleep patterns, and peak and resting heart rate so you can perform at your best.
Run: Whether you’re on the treadmill at the gym or outdoors in the rain or sun, you can view your run summary on your band with personalized metrics in the phone app including pace splits and heart rate.
Steps: Set a goal and track your progress. Microsoft Band calculates the calories you’ve burned and the distance you’ve traveled each day.
Built-in GPS: Measures the distance you’ve run and tracks your pace and route. Save your favorites to retrace your steps and challenge yourself later.
Calorie tracking: Count the calories you burn each day. View daily or weekly stats, set goals, and receive a virtual “high-five” when you reach them.
Sleep tracking: When activated, Microsoft Band tracks the length and quality of your sleep. Analyze the sleep charts in your app to gain insights about your slumber.
Guided Workouts: Fun and challenging workouts from fitness partners like Gold’s Gym, Shape, and Men’s Fitness with exercise prompts on the band and much more in the app.
Goal setting: Challenge yourself by setting daily step and calorie goals. Microsoft Band notifies you when you meet them so that you can stay motivated.
UV monitor: Get a quick read of the UV Index while you’re out and about.
Alerts and notifications:
Text Messaging: Get your text messages right on your wrist.
Calls: See incoming call and voicemail notifications on your band.
Calendar: Microsoft Band stays in sync with the calendar on your phone, reminding you of important events throughout the day so you can be where you need to be.
Email: Monitor and preview email activity right on your band, so you don’t have to pull out your phone in the middle of your lunch date.
Smart notifications: Choose which alerts you get on your wrist. Change the notification settings on your phone and your Microsoft Band will match.
Watch mode: Turn on “Watch Mode” to always display today’s time and date without pressing any buttons.
Facebook & Facebook Messenger: Stay up to date on Facebook without having to check your phone. Get the latest posts, comments, photo notifications, and personal messages on your band.
Twitter: Tweets, mentions, retweets, messages, new followers. Set your preferences on your phone and see it all on your wrist.
Cortana: If you’re using Windows Phone 8.1, you can take notes and set reminders with your voice using Cortana personal assistant.
Weather: Get real-time weather conditions and a 5-day forecast to plan your week.
Finance: Create a watch list for select stocks in your Microsoft Health app. View the latest ticker activity right on your wrist.
Starbucks: No need to reach for your wallet. Enjoy coffee on the go with your Starbucks card ready to scan at arm’s length.
Timer & Stopwatch: Time your laps or your entire workout with the stopwatch. Set alarms to wake up silently or remind you to go for a run.
Do-not-disturb mode: Tap the icon on your band to turn all notifications off.
Personalization: With your choice of background designs and colors, let Microsoft Band reflect your personality.
Display: The full color touch display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Bluetooth 4.0: With Bluetooth 4.0, your data syncs to your phone in the background, so Microsoft Band is always up to date. You don’t have to log in to get the latest.
Fitness partners
Runkeeper: Got a RunKeeper account? Sync your Microsoft Band data with RunKeeper to get a more complete view of your active life with the apps you love.
Gold’s Gym: Get premium fitness content from Gold’s Gym right on your wrist. Set up and track your results in your app and follow workout prompts on your band.
MyFitnessPal: Microsoft Band syncs with MyFitnessPal to let you track your overall daily caloric intake and see how many of those calories you use.
Specifications:
Thermal plastic elastomer with adjustable fit clasp
Size: 11mm x 33mm
Type: Capacitive 1.4″ TFT full color display
Resolution: 320 x 106 pixels
48 hours of normal use; advanced functionality like GPS use will impact battery performance
Full charge in less than 1.5 hours
Dual 100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries
-10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F)
Approximately 12,000m
1year limited warranty for manufacturing defects
Microsoft Band estimates your steps, heart rate, and other data.
Optical heart rate sensor
3-axis accelerometer/gyro
Gyrometer
GPS
Ambient light sensor
Skin temperature sensor
UV sensor
Capacitive sensor
Galvanic skin response
Microphone
Microphone
Haptic vibration motor
Bluetooth 4.0 (Low Energy)
Works with Windows Phone 8.1 update with Bluetooth, iOS 7.1 and later: iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus and Android 4.3-4.4 phones, with Bluetooth.
Magnetically-coupled connector to USB
Dust- and splash-resistant
