#MICROSOFT BAND 2 SLEEP TRACKER PC#

You wouldn’t compare the Band 2’s display to that of a smartphone. These match the brushed silver finish of the trim, are easy to fine and have a satisfying level of travel and feedback. These live at the bottom of the touchscreen. You are always reading upside down – unless you wear the Band 2 upside down, so to speak. As with the first band it can be difficult to read a letterbox screen that runs across your wrist. The latter is more discreet, and in some ways more intuitive. Microsoft says the Band 2 is designed to be worn either like a watch on the top of your wrist or as a wristband with the display on the inside of your arm. Also see: Microsoft Band vs Microsoft Band 2. This is very space saving, although a metal chunk on the underside of my wrist is another reason not to wear the Band 2 during deskbound hours. And in a clever design twist the all-new UV sensor is housed in the clasp, as is the charging port. It is also silver against the black rubber band, which is stylish and understated. The clasp is secure and easy to use (further improvement on the original). And after the best part of a week there is nary a scratch on the Band 2, which has been off my wrist only for a brief charm through walking, running and golfing come rain or shine (and the ‘Great Wind of 2015’). I give my wearables a Hell of a time, being both clumsy and obsessed with exercise. Which is, again, an improvement on the original.

The Band 2 feels well put together and built to last. And remember that this a gadget that is supposed to stay on your wrist as you sleep. It’s not disastrous, but it does mean I occasionally leave it at my desk when I go for a stroll, missing out on valuable steps. I find myself taking it off when I am at my desk, as the bottom of the Band rubs on the top of my wrist. It feels a lot more comfortable to wear, but isn’t entirely comfortable. (Microsoft tells us this is thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate. The main unit is bigger, hosting more sensors and a bigger display, but where in the past there was a rigid band the new Microsoft Band is made of soft, smooth rubber. In place of the uniform black of the original we find a silver metallic finish on the edges. The new Microsoft Band remains big and chunky for a dumb wristband, but is relatively discreet for a smartwatch. This has been mostly, but not entirely, addressed in the Microsoft Band 2. And it looked like a toddler’s idea of a fashion device. The Band was clunky and uncomfortable to wear. The biggest knock on the original Microsoft Band was its design and build.

Microsoft Band 2 review: build quality and design The question is, do you want it at that price? See all smartwatch reviews. None the less, the Band 2 is well priced for the feature set.

#MICROSOFT BAND 2 SLEEP TRACKER PC#

Microsoft tells us the Band 2 will also be available from Dixons, PC World and Currys, although it is not yet listed there. Or you can step outside of the manufacturer’s network and purchase the Band 2 from Amazon, at the same price. Microsoft will sell you a Band 2 direct for the SRP of £199.99 inc VAT. You can find the Band 2 in most major outlets. Microsoft is going to town with this launch, having allowed the original Microsoft Band to slip out with little fanfare. So there is a lot to the Microsoft Band 2. Finally, it allows you to check and respond to messages from your wrist.Īnd you can wear it with a dumb watch. And it is a GPS-enabled fitness tracker that helps you to improve athletic performance, and quantify and enhance all the factors that influence your overall health. Rather, the Band 2 is a device that enhances smartphone use whilst allowing you to be more present in your environment. It is not a smartwatch on your wrist, nor is it a dumb activity tracker. The Microsoft Band 2 builds on the ideas behind the – frankly, prototype – Microsoft Band, offering a similar feature set in a more complete and consumer friendly device. That’s because Microsoft has taken the long view on wearables, not rushing in with over-specced expensive products such as the Apple Watch or Google Glass, nor jumping on the wear-em-for-three-months-then-bin pedometer wristbandwagon.

Microsoft band 2 sleep tracker