Google isn’t the only wearable maker slipping in one last major update before the Apple Watch launch. Microsoft has announced it is rolling out a sizable update to its Microsoft Band. There are two major software changes and one hardware improvement.
First, the biggest news is that apparently the Microsoft Band has had a pulse oximeter all along, it just wasn’t activated (similar to Apple’s). The Band will now be able to use this sensor to measure blood oxygen. The data will be recorded during runs and workouts and will be used to compute Max VO2, an important metric of cardiovascular fitness.
Continuing with new data you will be presented with, Microsoft’s web based health portal will now offer analytical views of the data your Band records. Among the new insights are fitness benefits, run/exercise trend observations, information about sleep recovery, and comparisons against similar Microsoft Band users.
Finally, Microsoft is adding further cycling integration to the Band. This includes the inclusion of MapMyRide and Strava.
Microsoft has done a solid job of consistently adding new features to their wearable device. The $199 band is now widely available and can be purchased from stores besides Microsoft. For the full list of changes, head to Microsoft’s announcement page.
