Microsoft just launched their shinny new toy the Microsoft Band 2. The predecessor was the Microsoft Band.  The band 2 is similar in design to both Fitbit Charge HR and the Garmin vívofit2 as far as fit goes, however the Band 2 also incorporates GPS and a few other interesting features like a skin temperature sensor and a uv sensor.

It looks like Microsoft did their homework and came out with an activity tracker/smart watch that IMO is way more elegant than Apple’s iWatch.

The quick and dirty is that the Microsoft Band 2 tracks your heart rate, exercise, calorie burn, and sleep quality, and keeps you connected with email, text, and calendar alerts.  It features 11 sensors, including a GPS, UV monitor, and barometer. And with the power of Microsoft Health, you have the tools you need to reach your goals.

While both the Fitbit Surge (6 or 7 day usage) and Garmin vívoactive (3 weeks usage with GPS-off) devices have a pretty long battery life, the Microsoft Band 2 lasts for roughly 2 days.  This of course means you will have to be charging it more often, which is one of the main drawbacks to many high processing watches/trackers.  They simply use a lot of battery.  Garmin on the other hand has figured out a way to save battery life by putting the smart watch into limited battery usage role.  Essentially it turns off things like GPS if you’re not needing them.  This limited usage role means the watch can go long periods of time without a recharge.  A great example of this is the Garmin 920XT that can go up to 4 months in limited usage mode.

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