Major update for the Microsoft Band

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The smart health connected bracelet from Microsoft has just received an important update which brings new functionalities. A dedicated cycling app, a keyboard, a new notification system and access to services like MapMyFitness.

Since its launch in October, the Microsoft Band has had some success in the United States. It will have taken a little more than 4 months to see the arrival of new features.

The "Bike" application

Aimed at cycling enthusiasts, it responds to several issues:

  • The cardiac sensor is optimized to detect the rhythm when cycling

  • Elevation tracking

  • Phone GPS activated from the bracelet

  • Interval tracking

  • Recovery: the application defines the recovery time required after your session

  • A dashboard on the web, via Microsoft Health

  • 5 new workouts for exercise or outdoor cycling

Fast reading and keyboard

Another new feature is that the user can choose to change the display of notifications. In "Quick Read" mode, the words of a message take advantage of a large font and are linked, which is (supposed to be) easier to read on the move.

Microsoft also took the opportunity to add a keyboard to the bracelet to respond to messages. Although the company says it leaves little room for mistakes, this feature seems far from practical. Fortunately, speech recognition is there to make things easier.

(Embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE_RFdZhSEo (/ embed)

New services and SDK

The Microsoft Band becomes compatible with Microsoft HealthVault (the equivalent of Google Fit or Apple Healthkit). Users will therefore see their sleep and activity data added to their virtual health book. MapMyFitness also works with Microsoft Health.

Last announcement and not least: an SDK is now available. Application developers will therefore be able to create their own for the Microsoft Band, which will significantly increase the possibilities of the Microsoft smart health bracelet. For now, only Android and Windows Phone are supported, iOS should arrive in the coming months.

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