While this is a wearable device from Microsoft, it will not be competing with the likes of the Apple Watch or the other Android Wear devices out there. Instead if it had to compete, it would most likely go up against other fitness devices like the Nike FuelBand SE which would be a more accurate and closer competitor.
The Microsoft Band will feature heart rate sensing, calorie counter, pedometer, and a GPS which will help track your run so that you can leave your smartphone at home. It will also be able to measure your skin’s temperature and will also come with a built-in microphone that will allow Windows Phone users to use Cortana with it.
It will also play nicely with multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, and of course Windows Phone, as long as your devices have Bluetooth connectivity. Apart from the fitness-related features, the Microsoft Band will also be able to display notifications such as incoming calls and messages.
The Microsoft Band will also play nicely with the recently launched Microsoft Health app. As far as battery is concerned, it will sport a pair of 100mAh batteries that Microsoft claims will give it as much as 48 hours of battery life. Priced at $199, the Microsoft Band will be going on sale today and only in the US for now.