MICROSOFT HEALTH PLATFORM UNVEILED, ALONG WITH $199 MICROSOFT BAND

Microsoft has officially announced a new cloud-based 'Health' platform that provides insights based on the information collected from the fitness devices and apps. The company has also introduced a new fitness band called Microsoft Band, which tracks heart rate, steps, calorie burn and sleep quality. Microsoft Band supports all major platforms inlcuding Windows Phone, Android, and iPhone.

Microsoft Health supports activity-tracking devices including the new Microsoft Band, smartwatches, mobile phones as well as services such as RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal. Microsoft says the platform gives you 'actionable insights' such as which exercise burned the most calories, how much time is required for getting ready for the next training session and even quality of sleep.

“The Intelligence Engine at the heart of Microsoft Health uses everything we’ve learned as a company about cloud technology and hardware innovation and makes it work for you. With data privacy and security a top priority, Microsoft Health is committed to delivering valuable, personalized fitness insights, empowering you to lead a healthier lifestyle,” explains Microsoft on its website. You can find out more in details about Microsoft Health here.

The Microsoft Band, available in US for $199, works with multiple platforms. The band monitors heart rate, sleep tracking and GPS Run Mapping. The band also gives email previews and calendar alerts. The Band has 1.4-inch touch display with  320×106 resolution and Dust- and splash-resistance. It is powered by dual 100 mAh batteries.

The band has a wide range of sensors – Optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer/gyro, Gyrometer, GPS, Ambient light sensor, Skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, Capacitive sensor and Galvanic skin response. The band also has a microphone allowing you to interact with Cortana.

The band also gives you notifications for text messages, calls, calendar, email, Facebook and Facebook messenger, Twitter, Weather etc.  With Bluetooth 4.0, you can sync your data  to your phone in the background. Learn more about the Microsoft Band here.

Microsoft is now competing against the likes of Apple and Google which have launched HealthKit and Google Fit respectively. Samsung earlier this year had also announced cloud based Health service initiative along with a wearable hardware reference design called Simband.