Say goodbye to the Microsoft Band

It looks like Microsoft’s attempt at releasing a fitness tracker has reached its end. ZDNet reports the Microsoft Band 2 has been pulled from Microsoft’s online store. The Verge adds that the wearable device isn’t available on Best Buy either and while it’s still on Amazon, the online retailer is just selling its remaining inventory. The Band’s software development kit has also been removed online. And there are reports that the team working on the Band has been dissolved already. One more telling sign is the renaming of Microsoft’s smartphone health app to Microsoft Band, meaning it’s moving beyond just working for said wearable. Microsoft has said earlier this month that its remains “deeply committed to supporting our customers and exploring the wearables space.” Microsoft does have things like HoloLens still in existence. It’s just you shouldn’t be expecting a Microsoft Band 3 to show up anytime soon.

Microsoft Band 2 now $229.99 with $20 discount

Microsoft's fitness focused Microsoft Band 2 is currently being made available for CAD $229.99 with a $20 discount from online and retail Microsoft Stores. The Band 2 is a verstatile and effective fitness tracker. It has 16 sensors including a heart rate monitor and a UV sensor. It is also compatible with Android, iOS and Windows Phone thanks to the Microsoft Health app. While it doesn't run any apps, it does have a variety of built-in functions and can track health based on the type of activity. The Microsoft Band 2 also features notifications, messaging and even has a built-in keyboard to reply to text messages.

Latest Microsoft Band 2 updates enables adding more tiles, creates health challenges

The Microsoft Band 2 wearable is getting a new update which makes it possible to choose up to 20 scrollable tiles on your display as well as gives the ability to create challenges to push health and fitness goals forward. This means setting goals for activities like steps, cardio minutes, runs, and bike rides that can be shared between you and your Facebook friends who also use the Microsoft Health app.

Users can now choose which apps send notifications to the Band 2, which is compatible with Windows Phone, iOS and Android. 

Apple's Health app adds support for Microsoft Band 2

The Health app for the iPhone gets an update to support different features of Microsoft's Band 2. The update adds things like a new barometer and tracking functions for things like VO2 max monitoring or recording shots during golf. It now even comes with a scorecard to record golf games. The Band 2 will start shipping at the end of the month on October 30th in the U.S. and retails for US$249. Hopefully it makes its way here soon. 

Source: Apple Insider