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Microsoft Band 2
This review needs to be read in conjunction with my previous review of Band One.
The Band 2 is a bit like when your favourite band comes back and they replaced one band member, your not sure at first but then you prefer the new line up. I have to say they they not changed how it works, still tracks your steps and runs just the same. But you now get credit for stairs which is accessed via a barometric sensor.
Build quality is where Band 2 shines. Its more comfortable than the chunky Band 1. The Screen is no longer plastic its now Gorilla Glass 3 set in a metal frame. The Amoled display is bright and clear 320 x 128 pixels.The rest of the band is still a rubber like material which does seem to attract scratches but they have improved the clasp which now feels more secure . Bluetooth 4 connectivity and I found the pairing with my iPhone a breeze (Band 1 was more fiddly) and it is compatible with iPhone, Windows and Android phones. Sensors optical heart rate, 3 axis accelerometer, gyro, GPS, ambient light, UV (on clasp), skin temp, capacitive sensor, galvanic skin response and barometer. The unit still does not use all the sensors so the band is still a work in progress.
The chunky design holds a battery that can get two days use. I also found that the 2 charges much faster than the 1 so they must have a different battery type. The Band 2 is still not water proof (Its splash proof like Apple Watch) which is a pity so I guess thats Band 3. I did find one feature totally by accident, double tap the large button and the watch will control your music player on your phone right out of the box, volume and skipping tracks. I gave away my windows phone so I have not tried the Cortana app but that worked well on Band 1 hopefully has improved on Band 2.
There been a recent software update both to the band and the Health App. They have now added walking app that works just like the running and the bike app and all have added functionality. Now all three can be viewed on the app and its far easier to share to social media. Another big change is the UV meter, it now tests in the back ground and you can tell it to warn to if your burning. The UV is now also shared with the other band apps so you can see your exposure time. Battery concerns when using GPS has been covered too, look at the Band you have settings now to conserve GPS power and Auto pause. Also the band advises you turn off the display and you can pause notifications on the band to save more power. The band will still let you know though when you hit targets, miles done, time, calories burned with a haptic feedback and a light show, well a gif anyway. Now sleep app can also wake you up at optimal time, so set and alarm and will wake you when you in light sleep but can be 30 mins before your alarm time though. The Band sync's to your phone with Microsoft Heath App, its looks identical on IOS and Windows, I have not tried the Android version but I presume that it is the same. Default is to sync every ten minutes but you can force it. Via the Heath app on the phone you can set step targets, change the display background and colours and text colour. There is also a Dashboard you can view in a browser which you can access also via an OSX app on your desktop. Handily there is also a windows one both in the desktop apps stores on each platform.
Microsoft Health
Above is the default Heath app screen. Below the cycling screen which is identical to the running and walking screens so I won't post all three. Appears word press has chopped the bottom off too.
Cycling Health app
I keep finding new things on this Band 2 so I might have to come back and edit. I think I'm still only scratching the surface and keep finding setting to change.
But at £200/£149 this band is not cheap but is comparable to fitness bands out there. You can still use it as a smart watch (But battery life will suffer) but its focus is health. Overall this makes Band One look like a Beta and is what maybe they should have produced before. If you looking for a health band and smart watch you won’t go far wrong than shop around and get a Microsoft Band 2.
Author
Mullerbiker