Microsoft is here to revolutionize fitness with a $199 Band and the Microsoft Health platform

Microsoft is stepping out from the shadows into global limelight again with a core product called the Microsoft Band which is an all-in-one fitness band cum notification center alongwith its platform agnostic Microsoft Health initiative to make better use of the captured fitness & health data.

Microsoft Band

The Microsoft Band priced at $199 comes with 10 sensors including a UV sensor to measure sun exposure as well as galvanic skin response measurement, if that sounds a bit like gobbledegook, just remember its something to keep you safe. Then there's hear-rate monitoring, fitness and sleep tracking among several other functionality.

At present the software part of the Band is pretty basic but you still have notifications for incoming calls, emails, texts alongwith Cortana voice command support for Windows Phone users.  

Microsoft Health

The Health platform includes a cloud back-end which will allow manufacturers to store health and fitness data across several platforms and devices. Microsoft has gone a bit further by partnering up with Gyms and body building magazines to provide additional support to customers. The Microsoft Band will be able to tell you which exercises to do based on your workout regimen and when to switch  sets.

Microsoft Health and Microsoft Band work for Android, iOS as well as Windows Phone devices. But its not just limited to mobile devices. UP by Jawbone, Mapmyfitness, MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper too have signed up for the initiative.

The question then arises, is the Microsoft Band a take on smartwatches. According to Microsoft, its not. It is a reference design and the entire 10 sensor chipset will be made available to other manufacturers as well who want to work on their fitness devices. This is sort of like the Nexus devices from Google, to show everyone how its done. Priced at $199, the Microsoft Band hits the sweet spot between fitness bands and Android Wear smartwatches. Although Microsoft has clearly stated this is secondary wrist accessory to be worn on your right hand, its clear the company is aiming higher than they are letting on.