The Microsoft Band is a $199 fitness tracker and smart watch that works on its own or with iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. It’s available in one style and three sizes. Credit: Microsoft
After some information about its intentions leaked online recently, tech giant Microsoft found itself releasing a new product, a fitness tracker and smart watch called "Microsoft Band."
The gadget enters a crowded marketplace occupied by FitBit, Jawbone’s Up products and, sometime early next year, a big new competitor in that category, the Apple Watch.
So what does Microsoft's Band do differently? It has a clever rectangular touch screen with customizable "Tiles" for everything from heart rate to email and Facebook alerts and Starbucks payments. Like other devices of its kind, it can track sleep patterns and exercise. Unlike most others, it has a UV sensor to tell you what kind of ultraviolet light you're getting outside. It costs $199 and this first version only comes in one style and color (black), but in three wrist sizes. It's currently only available online or at the Microsoft Store.
I’m testing one out and will have a full review of Microsoft Band up soon here on the blog. My first impressions? It’s a little clunkier than I was expecting and needs to be worn with its face on the inside of the wrist, leaving an unattractive plastic clasp visible on the outside.
I developed a rash two days after using it, but that may be because I was wearing it too tight. I haven’t seen other reports of that online, but have seen others saying their skin got pinched from wearing the Band too tightly. For the record, I wore a Fitbit Force for months and never developed a rash.
In this space every week, we’ll define a tech term, offer a timely tip or answer questions about technology from readers. Email ogallaga@statesman.com.
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