Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft Band 2 Features

  • Daily Activity and Calories tracking
  • Heart-rate monitoring
  • GPS Tracking
  • Walking Distance and Steps counting
  • Sleep Monitoring with Sleep Reports
  • Splash and Sweat Resistance
  • OLED Display

Deals

Buy at amazon.com

Microsoft Band 2 Specs

Basic Info

Wear TypeWristband
ReleaseOctober 25, 2015

Activity & Fitness Tracking

Activity
Calories
Sleep Analysis / Sleep Time
Heart Rate / Pulse
Distance
Steps
Stairs / Floors
Exercise Tagging
Smart Coach
Goal Setting
Inactivity Alertn/a

Additional Features

GPS
Watch / Clock
Alarm Clock
Reminders
Stopwatch
Music Playbackn/a
ReportsActivity, Sleep

Smartphone Remote Features

Notifications
Caller ID
Music Control
Call Controln/a
Camera Controln/a
Find Phonen/a

Battery

Duration2 days
Battery TypeRechargeable Battery

Physical Specs

Water Resistance
Waterproof
Weightn/a
Dimensions32 mm x 12.8 mm

Display

Display TechnologyOLED Screen
Display Sizen/a
Screen Resolutionn/a
Color Displayn/a
Touch Screenn/a

Compatibility

Android
iOS
OS X / Mac
Windows Phone
Windows
Web Portal
Social Featuresn/a

Connectivity

Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
NFC
ANT+

Sports and Fitness Activities

Best For:
  • All-Day Activity
  • Running
  • Walking

Microsoft Band 2 Review

It was just a matter of time before Microsoft joined in for the fitness tracker game. This is the second model of their fitness band but it doesn't bring a lot of new features to the game. However, there is still a large number of functions which you won't be able to find anywhere else. Apart from usual features such as calories and steps counting and sleep tracking, it offers a heart rate monitor and a screen that is somewhat larger than what we are used to. You can integrate it with your iPhone, Android, and, of course, your Windows phone.

Pros / What Customers Like:

  • Even though it was expected from Microsoft, this is one of the few fitness trackers which is compatible with Windows Phone.
  • You can do a lot more with your screen that it's the case with other bands; you can read your mail, calendar, check the weather and the band almost feels like a smartwatch.
  • It's comfortable on the wrist and it looks very modern.

Cons / What Customers Don't Like:

  • This is probably the most expensive tracker we reviewed but there aren't a lot of reasons to justify that price.
  • It doesn't perform the best as a fitness tracker not it is a perfect smartwatch.

Verdict:

Microsoft has generally overpriced its new fitness tracker, even though it comes packed with more functions than what we were used to. Fitness trackers should usually be simpler and easier to use. Also, customers have reported that the band’s life is too short and it tends to break apart in a couple of months. The screen’s dimensions are also weird, but the number of functions is great. If the battery life was better and if it focused more on health and fitness, it could have been a great expensive product. Now it’s just a decent expensive product.

Compatible Applications

  • Lose It!
  • MapMyFitness
  • MapMyRide
  • My Fitness Pal
  • Run Keeper
  • Strava
  • MapMyRun

Source:

Manufacturer Website: microsoft.com

Videos

Microsoft Band 2 - Full FITNESS REVIEW Microsoft Band 2 - Full FITNESS REVIEW 07:34
Microsoft Band 2 Review: Best Fitness Tracker You'd Never Want to Wear | Mashable Microsoft Band 2 Review: Best Fitness Tracker You'd Never Want to Wear | Mashable 01:57
Microsoft Band 2 review: A step in the right direction Microsoft Band 2 review: A step in the right direction 02:03

Expert Reviews and Ratings

  • dgl.ru • Expert Review by Марк Хакман

    Заложенная в Microsoft Band 2 функциональность реализована очень неплохо. Но тем покупателям, которые хотят загружать приложения или игры, опять не повезло. Full review

  • arstechnica.com • Expert Review by Valentina Palladino

    The original Microsoft Band was impressive when it debuted last year. It had a colorful touchscreen display, built-in GPS and heart rate monitors, and guided ... Full review

  • goodgearguide.com.au • Expert Review by Mark Hachman

    After reviewing the Microsoft Band 2, I’d dub it the Microsoft Zune of wearables: a proudly specialized device that hasn’t yet realized that it’s on ... Full review

  • mashable.com • Expert Review by Samantha Murphy

    If you don't look close enough, you may mistake the Microsoft Band 2 for its predecessor, the original Microsoft Band — the company's first attempt ... Full review

  • recombu.com • Expert Review by Alex Todd

    As with its predecessor the Microsoft Band 2 straddles the worlds of activity tracking and smart wearables rather well. Full review

    4of 5
  • gizmodo.com • Expert Review by Chris Mills

    Let’s get one thing out of the way first. Although the Band 2 has a screen like a smartwatch, costs the same as a smartwatch ... Full review

  • slashgear.com • Expert Review by Chris Davies

    At $249.95, it’s tracking you in ways few other wearables out there can offer. Full review

  • thurrott.com • Expert Review by Paul Thurrott

    As for me, I will be writing a lot more about Band 2 each day going forward, and for good reason: Microsoft Band 2 is ... Full review

  • pocketnow.com • Expert Review by Adam Z. Lein

    The Microsoft Band 2 finally puts some real strength behind Microsoft’s latest attempt at the wearables market. Full review

  • pcworld.com • Expert Review by Mark Hachman

    The bottom line: as the Zune did, I think the Band 2 will attract a small camp of devotees. But they’ll be looked at askance ... Full review

    4.5of 5

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