Microsoft’s Band gets cool updates, releases developer SDK preview
Just a few months after the Microsoft Band went on the market the company has released some big updates (the first updates) that puts Microsoft firmly in the race to create one of best wearables out there. The new features will roll-out this week for Windows Phone, Android and iOS users.Third party developers also have the chance to create new apps for Band by taking advantage of the Microsoft Band SDK Developer Preview.
Matt Barlow, General Manager of New Devices said in a press release that, “updates are in response to user feedback on the types of features they want, and include a web dashboard, biking functionality, new ways to scan and respond to incoming notifications, and integration with Microsoft HealthVault and MapMyFitness.” More good news for Band users is that Microsoft plans to add updates on a monthly basis, making it a gadget that moves to the sound of popular demand. The band currently goes for $199 in the Microsoft Store.
Cyclists might be pretty stoked with the new Bike Tile feature, which covers a lot ground concerning a biker’s queries during a run out. The feature includes shareable GPS mapping, elevation tracking, calories counter, a heart rate monitor specifically optimized for cycling, speed and recovery analysis and five new guided workouts for cyclists.
With a web-based Health dashboard, users will be able to gain insights into their health at large by uploading their activities to a HealthVault, which in turn can be given to, and assessed by their healthcare providers. Further integration includes the MapMyFitness feature which records your highs and lows once you’ve synced to a MapMyFitness account.
Less specifically related to fitness tracking the Band now has a Quick Read function which allows you to scan incoming emails in large text and various other notifications. For Windows Phone 8.1 users improvements have been made to text messaging. Using a virtual keyboard using Wordflow technology you can respond to messages using predictive text. You can also dictate messages vocally through Cortana.
Photo credit: Microsoft
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