The new Microsoft Band With More comfort, more tech & more data

• Barometer
• Optical heart rate sensor
• 3-axis accelerometer
• Gyrometer
• GPS
• Ambient light sensor
• Skin temperature sensor
• UV sensor
• Capacitive sensor
• Galvanic skin response
• Microphone                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The new Microsoft Band is not designed as a smartwatch, but as a health tracking device. While it can serve both functions, I am pleased to see Microsoft focusing on the health aspects with the vast array of sensors present in the device.You can use the microphone to speak to Cortana, but only with a Windows Phone device. While Cortana is also present on Android, it is not supported through the Microsoft Band.

There are 11 sensors in the Microsoft Band 2. While this is very impressive and blows away the competition, 10 of these were in the first Microsoft Band as well. A barometer has been added to the new Band. The barometer adds the ability to measure elevation, which is a huge deal for me as that motivates me to take the stairs more often and over a long period of time can contribute to a healthier lifestyle

Specifications for the Microsoft Band 2 include:

• Band material: Thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanite (TPSV)
• Display type and size: 32 x 12.8 mm AMOLED at 320x128 pixels
• Battery life: 48 hours, GPS use will lessen
• Charge time: Full in less than 1.5 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 LE
• Supported phones: iPhone, Windows Phone, Android

The new Microsoft Band offers even more than the first generation model with a more attractive, refined design that is also intended to provide a more comfortable fit. It is available for pre-order now from the Microsoft Store for $249.99 with a 30 October estimated ship date.