The new Microsoft Band (2) adds:
- an updated design, no more straight edges and a much 'comfier' fit
- a curved OLED screen, now protected by Gorilla Glass 3
- a barometer for measuring elevation (good for climbers and hikers)
- the measurement of VO2 max (good for running and aerobic sports)
Plus all the sensors and features from the original Microsoft Band (here's my full review, as a reminder), here's the specs list:
- Band Material: Thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate (TPSiV)
- Display Size: 32mm x 12.8mm
- Display Type: AMOLED 320 x 128 pixels
- Battery Life: 48 hours of normal use. GPS will “impact” battery performance.
- Average Charge Time: Full charge in less than 1.5 hours
- Optical heart rate sensor
- 3-axis accelerometer/gyro
- Gyrometer
- GPS
- Ambient light sensor
- Skin temperature sensor
- UV sensor
- Capactive sensor
- Galvanic skin response
- Microphone
- Barometer
The new Band 2 is still compatible with iOS, Android and Windows 10 Mobile/Windows Phone.
Microsoft also mentioned partnerships with MyFitness Pal, Strava, MapMyRun, Subway, Starbucks and Uber, so there has been much more thought about using the Microsoft Band as a general purpose smartwatch, i.e. all day, every day.
The new Band is quoted at $249 in the USA, so probably around £200 in the UK in November (along with the new Lumias).
See also the Microsoft Band (2) mini-site here. The new accessory looks sleeker and more comfortable than the original, though do note that it's still larger and heavier than most other smartwatch options. On the flip side, this has a heck of a lot more sensors and, arguably, a different use case, being more centred in your health and well being. Comments welcome!
There's also an official promo video here:
And an arty (and somewhat disingenuous) promo video, embedded below: