Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft Band 2 was the second-generation smart band with smartwatch features developed by Microsoft. Announced on October 6, 2015, it succeeded the original Microsoft Band and was initially available in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. It was later also available in Australia through the Sydney flagship store, Microsoft online store,[1] and selected retailers such as JB Hi-Fi[2] and Harvey Norman.[3] Like its predecessor, it incorporates fitness tracking and is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android smartphones via a Bluetooth connection. On October 3, 2016, it was discontinued.[4] On May 31, 2019, the Band's companion app stopped working and Microsoft offered refunds for customers who were still active platform users.[5]

Microsoft Band 2
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypeSmart band (with smartwatch features)
Release dateOctober 30, 2015 (2015-10-30)
Introductory price$250 (USA)
$330 (Canada)
£200 (UK)
$379 (Australia)
DisplayCapacitive AMOLED display
1.26 x 0.50 in (32 x 12.8 mm)
320 x 128 pixels
ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0
PowerLi-Polymer battery
Backward
compatibility		 Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, Windows 10 Mobile, iOS 8.1, Android 4.4 or later connected via Bluetooth
PredecessorMicrosoft Band

Technology

The Microsoft Band 2 includes multiple sensors:

Although the Microsoft Band 2 is primarily designed for use with activities related to fitness, it also provides extensive smartwatch-like features such as sleep tracking, communication tools, as well as many standard features you would expect on a digital wrist watch.

Sleep tracking

The Band 2 uses its sensors to track sleep patterns when it is worn to bed. It can advise whether the user woke during the night, and provide information about sleep quality and duration.

Communication tools

When paired with a smartphone, the Band 2 can exchange information with the smartphone. This allows the Band 2 to show:

  • Alerts and previews of incoming messages sent via SMS to the smartphone
  • Alerts and previews of emails downloaded by the smartphone
  • Alerts from the notification centre of the smartphone (Windows Phone)
  • Call log of missed calls

Watch

The Microsoft Band 2 can be used as a replacement for a normal digital wrist watch. It includes the following standard time features:

  • Time (12- or 24-hour),
  • Date (day of month and day of week)
  • Timer feature
  • Stop watch with lap timer
  • Alarm

Criticism

Mobile Operating Systems

Certain functions of the Microsoft Band 2, such as the ability to reply to text messages using Cortana, are only available when paired with phones running a Microsoft mobile OS.[6] Android users can reply with a set of predefined messages while iOS users cannot reply at all.

Additionally, certain sync issues—most notably inaccuracies in the weather tile. Some have made efforts to rectify the situation using Microsoft’s Web Tiles.[7][8]

There are issues when using the Band with Windows 10 Mobile.[9]

Durability

There have been several reports that the plastic elastomer band material will fail after minimal use.[10] Users describe cracks developing in the band, which required device replacement by Microsoft.[11] Microsoft will not make the strap slightly thicker, and has decided to discontinue the line.

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-06-07. Retrieved 2016-01-27.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. https://www.jbhifi.com.au/Search/results/?keywords=microsoft%20band%202
  3. http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/11/microsoft-band-2-australian-price-and-release-date/
  4. The Microsoft Band is dead - The Verge
  5. Warren, Tom (1 March 2019). "Microsoft to offer Band refunds, announces end of apps and services". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  6. "Use Cortana with Microsoft Band and your phone". Microsoft.com. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  7. "A Replacement Weather Tile for the Microsoft Band". Macrospective.com. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  8. "Bring your web site content to Microsoft Band with Web Tiles". Microsoftband.com. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
  9. Constant Problems with Windows 10 and Lumia 950 Make for Irate Microsoft Band Owners | Microsoft Band content from SuperSite for Windows
  10. "Growing Concerns Over Tears in Microsoft Band 2 Skin". winsupersite.com. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  11. "Cracked Rubber on My Band". answers.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
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