Microsoft's Health app won't need a tracker to get your fitness data

When Microsoft said its Health platform was open to everyone, it wasn't kidding around. The company has revealed that its mobile Health app will soon get step counts and calorie burns from the sensors built into your phone -- you won't need a Band (or any wearable tracker, for that matter) to put fitness data in Microsoft's cloud. The update is due for Android, iOS and Windows Phone in the "coming weeks." Don't worry if you do like the Band, though, as it has a few upgrades in store as well.

To start, the company is expanding the Band's cycling support to two common bike apps, MapMyRide and Strava, on April 23rd. There will be some improvements when you're not on wheels, too. A web update rolling out on April 27th will provide more insights about your Band data, including your maximum oxygen volume, how well your body recovers during sleep and the times of the week when you're at peak performance. You'll have plenty of reasons to wear Microsoft's device, then -- it just won't be as vital as it once was.