Microsoft Band 2

Interestingly, though, it’s slapped with a slightly higher introductory price of $249.99, up from its predecessor’s initial cost of $199.99. That’s a hefty offering considering what it’s competing against in the space, but let’s put it through the paces to see if it can win over that precious real estate on your wrist. 

n the process of giving it a more uniform body, they’ve also improved its fit and comfort around our wrist. This time around, it contours our wrist better because the new display here is now curved, offering a better ergonomic shape for it to rest on our wrist. However, if you happen to have that boney hump protruding from your wrist, the Band 2 can sometimes cause a little bit of discomfort because there’s very little leeway for it to naturally expand. Despite that, it’s still nice knowing that they’ve trimmed off a lot of the fat off this one.

Wanna know what’s most improved about the Band 2? Well, it’s none other than its design, which thankfully doesn’t look as hulky or gargantuan as last year’s model. That’s certainly a relief! Although it’s sporting the same design language as before, an adjustable rubbery band worn on the wrist, it’s comforting to see Microsoft streamlining it considerably – whereby its thickest point is now situated on the clasp. The material employed here is technically thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanite (TPSV), which has that rubbery texture feel to it.

Even with the sleeker design, the Band 2 houses all the components and sensors found with its predecessor – so that includes a 3-axis accelerometer, gyrometer, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, capacitive sensor, galvanic skin response sensor, and a microphone. Two new additions to note, however, include the new barometer that can measure changes in altitude, which is useful if you’re into step climbing, and the UV sensor embedded into the clasp that can measure the amount of ambient UV light. Of course, that’s useful for those who have stronger sensitivity to light.

Much like most other fitness trackers, the Band 2 has some degree of water resistance. As Microsoft puts it, the IP67 certified construction of the Band 2 technically ensures that it’s dust resistant and offers protection against temporary immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. In reality, however, Microsoft refrains users wearing the Band while swimming or in the shower. That’s unfortunate because we were hoping to see its water-resistance improved, but instead, we still need to be mindful of what occasions to not wear it.


And finally, when it comes to charging the Band 2, Microsoft improves the process by embedding the charging pins into the end of the clasp – where the accompanying magnetic USB charger quickly establishes the connection.

Android Security, Slow Updates Make Users Shift to iOS; Beats Pill+ App Gets Poor Reviews

Android users struggle with slow updates, poor security and carrier interference; hence, irate users lookout for a better alternative, which most of the time is the iPhone.

As smartphone markets in the West get to be immersed, the most common question that is becoming more imperative is "where do you discover new users for your mobile platform?"

Many Android users struggle with slow updates and this has driven Apple to do everything it can to make their iOS platform more appealing and user friendly for these users. Apple's aim is that when users would want to buy a new phone, Apple swoops in and takes the user away from the Android ecosystem into their own.

While Brazil, Russia, India, and China offer new users the potential for accelerating adoption numbers, there is still an immense amount of value to be found in well established territories. Users are becoming more affluent, offering more third-party revenue and better opportunities for accessories through App Stores. Aside from these, there is also an increased ancillary revenue through support and sale costs. This can only happen if you lure them to consider your platform.

iPhone, as a valid alternative, is making moves to make it more visible to Android users. The move to the iOS application allows users to transfer their address book, personal data, and even the camera roll of images. Currently, Google Play reports that there are five million users who have downloaded Apple's Android Beats Pill+ app, 9to5 Mac reported.

Apple Music, on the other hand, is going to open up the ears of Android users and have them consider Apple with its feasible use of an iCloud account for backup and synchronization. With the hope to release Apple Music before the end of the year to Google's platform, Apple continues to give Android users that subtle message.

"One day after launching the app for both iOS and Android, 40 Google Play users have posted given it five stars, while an overwhelming 60 have posted one star reviews, dripping with anger and claiming that the software gave them cancer, AIDS or causes retardation," Apple Insider reported.

THE WEEK IN APPLE NEWS: APPLE TV NOW AVAILABLE, APPLE Q4 2015 RESULTS

The new Apple TV made its debut on Friday. You can go to the Apple Store to buy one, or you can go to Best Buy. Be sure to follow our advice on the six things you need to do first with your new Apple TV. While you’re waiting for your Apple TV to set up, you can catch up on all the important Apple-related headlines here in this sideshow. Just click the link to get more information on a story.