Microsoft Band 2 Update: New Wearable Features Add Music Controls And Activity Reminders [VIDEO]
Microsoft doesn't want anyone to miss a beat in their workout routine and has added some features available to its new Microsoft Band 2. Similar to other wearable fitness bands and acitivity trackers such as Fitbit, the new and improved band according to Microsoft, is your "coach". You can now control your music right on the Microsoft Band 2, no more fumbling with your phone in the middle of your workout. This should come as welcome news to Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile customers who recently got the green light for data-free music streaming on their smartphone.
Microsoft says is partnered up with music streaming service Spotify, however, you can use any music app installed on your phone. Through the science of Bluetooth technology, you can wirelessly connect your band to your phone to stream your favorite playlist. "Put your phone away and control your music directly from your new Microsoft Band 2. The full-color touchscreen displays the song title and lets you pause and play, skip forward and back, and turn the volume up and down," Microsoft said in a blog post.
Consider the Microsoft Band 2 as your very own personal trainer, the new software update encourages you to stay active during the day. It intuitively reminds you to get up and move around if you've been stationary for too long. Of course this feature can be customized to your convenience and lets you specify precisely when you want the receive reminders. "You haven't been active recently. Want reminders to move?." reads the band's display in an image.
So users can get the most out of the sports band's functionality features, the new Microsoft Band 2 update includes an easy to use health monitoring feature. From the "Exercise Tile" on the display, tracking the duration of your workout, heart rate and burned calories is that much simpler."When you review your exercise sessions in the Microsoft Health app or Web Dashboard, your summaries and observations will be grouped by exercise type for better insights into your performance," Microsoft said. Users will get a walk-through of all the new features when the "What's New" tile automatically appears on their band's screen.
