Microsoft's Band 2 wrist wearable has a sleeker and cleaner look like a curvy bracelet, and more smoothly moves between functions. The gadget also includes new features including an altitude sensor and looks more futuristic than its rivals' wearable devices, including Apple Watch and Android Gear devices.
Band 2 is certainly more form-fitting and comfortable than the original Band. The latter had the look and feel of a clunky prototype.
However, the fitness tracker now includes a bright organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, according to Engadget. The gadget's battery was also transferred from the bracelet to the bloated clasp, giving it a more aerodynamic feel.
One new key feature of Band 2 is its barometric sensor that counts how many flights of stairs the user has hiked up, according to PC World. Wearers must tap the Stairs icon.
The barometer feature shows the altitude for joggers and bikers. It does this rather than mapping one's location based on its height.
This new sensor adds to the existing ones. That includes sensors for motion, light, skin temperature, heart rate, and location.
Microsoft's new band also now calculates maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), the user's peak oxygen intake to track how fit he or she is. It uses first-gen sensors to do the math.
The operating system giant has promised to roll out some other features for the wrist wearable. They include email and testing apps, and upgraded running and golf apps.
Besides the look of the Band 2 being sleeker, the animations are also more polished. The first-gen Band had a large bezel (grooved ring on face).
A big question mark is what plans Microsoft has for its fitness tracker. It still lacks the huge third-party app development of Android Wear, Apple Watch, and Fitbit devices, although it will still support applications from Subway and Starbucks, for example.
This video is a first look for the Microsoft Band 2: