Microsoft wants you to Live Healthier and Achieve More with its new Band 2

The tech giant built by Bill Gates just released a wide line-up of devices during its keynote two days ago. They drew oooohs and ahhhhs during their presentation that starred the Surface Pro 4, the Surface Book, the HoloLens and the smallest of the bunch, the Microsoft Band 2. Microsoft wants you to destroy limits with their new wearable, stated for individuals who want to be in a better state of health and just get more things done.

Microsoft’s first band was packed with features but failed to be something people would want on their wrist, partly cause of its design; often compared to be clunky and simply too cumbersome to be a daily wearable. Consumers should now be happier, cause Microsoft listened and their engineers in Redmond took more time to design the Band 2 to be more ergonomic. A word that you’d first expect to hear when wearables are concerned. Now curvier than ever, its Gorilla glass display tears at an angle! Yes, we all love curves.

Some (beneficial) elements do return; in the form of the AMOLED display (320 x 128), 2 day battery life, GPS and an optical heart sensor. The device can thank the battery’s change of placement for being less bulky, now at one end of the smart watches’ straps. On the opposite end of the strap is a metal clasps – nothing too interesting, except it doubles as the charging connector that you snap on to the charging dock magnetically.

The 0-80% in 30 minutes fast charging feature makes a return too, making sure you’ll be ready to get to it after charging in just half an hour. Design language aside, the Microsoft Band 2 has some internal upgrades that increase its adaptability for those who love staying active. A barometer now lives somewhere on the watch, along with a native UV sensor that monitors rays constantly. Golfers will surely ravel at the sensors and functionality included; distances measured from the tee to the hole and swing mechanics to help those drives just to name a few.

It’ll help you track other stuff too with its 8 other sensors. Tracking sports like running, biking and weights should appeal to the common folk too. Day to day task are easier to handle with your new personal assistant, Cortana, who lives on your device as well.

Supported mobile devices are listed below:

Windows Phone 8.1 or later
iPhone 4s up to 6 Plus on iOS 8.1.2 (surely it’ll include the 6s and 6s Plus too, but there’s no listing so far)
Android phones on 4.4 or later

You’ll be able to get your hands on the Microsoft Band 2 in the States for $249.99 (RM 1,049), $50 more than its predecessor but a worthy price to pay for a hefty upgrade. We’ll let you know if/when it comes our way, locally. Do let us know what you think about Microsoft’s new wearable in the comments below.

Check out the product site here.