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Microsoft discontinues its Band fitness wearable
The Microsoft Band is likely no more. While signs pointed to the wearable line's possible demise a few weeks ago, there was always the chance that the tech giant would flip its noncommittal stance and announce a Band 3. But the final nail seems to be in its coffin: As of today, every listing and mention of the fitness wearable has been completely removed from the company's Store site.
Microsoft Band 2 gets Cortana support for Android users
Microsoft Band 2 pairs up just fine with Android phones. But if you want to be able to issue voice commands through the wearable, check out the latest update for Microsoft Health. The app's newest version comes with Cortana integration for Android users -- something that only used to be available for people whose Bands are connected to a Windows Phone device.
Tell your Volvo what to do with the Microsoft Band 2 this spring
CES has become more and more of a car show in recent years, and automakers continue to look for ways to fit smartphone and wearable connections into their vehicles. The latest attempt comes from Microsoft and Volvo, who have partnered to make it possible to chat with your car via the Microsoft Band 2. Once your car is set up using the Volvo on Call app, you'll be able to speak to it with the Band 2 -- it'll let you set navigation, turn on the climate control system, lock the doors, flash the lights or sound the horn. (The latter two seem particularly useful if you can't find your car in the parking lot.)
Microsoft Band 2 gets new music controls and activity reminders
If you own one of Microsoft's latest wearable, the Band 2, today is good day. The company has revealed a few fresh features for the device, designed to make it smarter and more functional. For starters, there are new music controls, which will let you play, pause or skip music tracks directly from your wrist.In addition to that, Microsoft added support for activity reminders, while an improved Exercise Tile makes it easier to track burned calories, heart rate and workout duration. This update should be rolling out already, so be sure to install it on your Band 2 as soon as possible.
Microsoft Band 2 review: Still flawed, but a step in the right direction
You really can't accuse Microsoft of phoning it in when it built the original Band. Between jamming 10 different sensors into a glorified wristband and creating a new health platform to interpret your data, the company shot for the stars... and wound up with one cumbersome wearable. Thankfully, the $250 sequel fixes nearly every gripe we had with the original design, and adds a new sensor too. The Band 2 might not be the perfect fitness partner, but it comes much, much closer to realizing Microsoft's goal than the original did.
UK pricing for Microsoft's Surface Pro 4, Lumia 950 phones and other goodies
It's fair to say that Microsoft's latest launch event was its most interesting for a long time. We finally learned that Hololens will be made available to developers early next year, clapped eyes on the first flagship Windows 10 phones, checked out the updated Microsoft Band and met the Surface Pro 4. Then the company surprised us all with the unveiling of its first laptop: the Surface Book. Microsoft is wasting no time in getting some of these to market, so you might be wondering how much each of them will cost. As always, we're more than happy to be your guide.
Microsoft's upgraded Band is a little sleeker, and smarter too
For all its promise and potential, the original Microsoft Band wasn't exactly a runaway hit. It's OK -- they can't all be winners. Even more surprising than the Band's existence in the first place is that Microsoft is taking another crack at the fitness gadget formula with a 2015 model of its oft-scorned wearable. It's a little smarter and a little sleeker, and maybe -- just maybe -- that'll be enough to change a few minds on the matter.
The new Microsoft Band has a curved screen, fancy metal accents
Remember that awkward, blocky-looking fitness bracelet/smartwatch Microsoft made last year: the Band? It's back, but this time it actually looks pretty nice. A more comfortable, curved screen? Classy metal accents? New sensors, app functionality and fitness-tracking features? Yes, yes and yes. The new Band looks like a real product, not the uncomfortable, weird thing we reviewed last year.
Microsoft's next Band looks like something you'd want to wear
Microsoft's original Band is many things to many people, but "fashion item" typically isn't one of them -- it looks less like a fitness device and more like a court-ordered probation tracker. You probably won't say that about the next generation, though. MicrosoftInsider claims to have images of a second-generation Band whose curved design and metal accents (corroborating earlier rumors) give it a sorely needed sense of style. It's an upscale Gear Fit, really. While it's not certain just how much has improved on the inside, this new Band will reportedly track stair climbing and other changes in altitude. There hasn't been much revealed regarding the product's launch. Microsoft conveniently has a hardware event lined up for October 6th, though, so don't be surprised if the folks in Redmond show this off alongside new phones and tablets.
