I have a Microsoft Band. Why? I’m not sure exactly. Pure fanboyism might be the reason. However, thankfully, Microsoft are updating the Microsoft Band with a swathe of updates which should serve to help me explain away exactly why I spent my hard earned cash on a marked up import off Ebay.
Included in the update is a developer SDK, which any tech enthusiast will probably note is a challenge to the imminent app centric Apple Watch.
On screen keyboard for Windows Phone users
Veteran Winblogger Paul Thurrott is reporting that the Microsoft Band will gain an onscreen keyboard utilizing word flow – only for users of Windows Phone however, which makes me wonder if it pulls its text prediction tech from the phone. “But proximity and touch technology and Windows Phone’s WordFlow keyboard make it work. The accuracy is uncanny, you can type very quickly by just tapping. It’s really a delighter moment when you try it the first time.”
Twitter user @c1c2c3c4c posted a bunch of images detailing the new features on his photo feed.
Further integration, more apps!
Microsoft Band will now also work with MapMyFitness.com, and the developers are targeting a deeper integration with existing third party fitness solutions. In keeping with New Microsoft’s general vision, Matt Barlow (new devices manager) had this to say: “Our long-term goal is that you can use any device with our software and services, and that our devices work with any service.”
Microsoft’s all-encompassing health platform known as HealthVault will also now work with the Microsoft Band, parsing all your data into a magical cloud place for your perusal.
The Microsoft Band can now also track cycling, whether indoors or out, in addition to elevation.
Improved insights via a full blown web interface
Although limited in features right now, the web interface impressively retains all of the information I’ve taken using my Microsoft Band, dating back to January.
The website provides access to more data than would be possible via an app, as well as personal bests – something achievement hunters will likely enjoy. You can laugh at my meagre efforts below:
Developer SDK!
There are already a couple of third party apps for the Band on Windows Phone, one allowing users to further customise the band with backgrounds and colours, and another giving you access to a wider range of sensors (some that the Band isn’t even using).
Now, Microsoft are previewing the Microsoft Band SDK for developers – which will serve to challenge the Apple Watch’s app centric approach to wearables.
The Microsoft Band has been in limited supply since it’s ‘soft launch’ late last year. Matt Barlow said “Microsoft Band was originally available only in limited quantities, as part of a measured launch, since then, we’ve been building out the experiences and products with feedback from our customers, potential customers and partners. So instead of going big at launch, we’ve been able to get a ton of feedback that we’re using to build improvements into the products.”
It certainly seems like Microsoft were strategizing how best to take the Band forward before shipping more units, but I fear the ship may have sailed. The considerable buzz about the wearable has died out, and will more than likely be utterly shadowed by Apple’s wrist-bound computing efforts.
Are you interested in the Microsoft Band? Do you have one? Think wearables are stupid? Hit the comments!
^Jez (@MSFTY)
Source: Thurrott
Jez C (MSFTY) is a games journalist, Executive Editor at Windows Central. They contributed 39 articles to ICXM in 2015, focused on game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news: now leads Xbox coverage at Future plc’s Windows Central as Executive Editor.