Apple Watch Delayed; Microsoft Introduces Band
Nov 04, 2014
It was generally expected that Apple would be releasing its first wearable smartwatch, the Apple Watch, in early 2015. However, latest reports are that the new offering from the fruity giant would be coming only in the Spring of 2015. Angela Ahrendts, the company’s Senior VP for Retail and Online stores, stated, “We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring”. Hence, the watch would most probably be hitting the retail market sometime after February 19.
Rumors from certain online sources had indicated a Valentine’s Day release for the Watch. However, that day too seems to have been given a miss. Officially, Spring begins on March 20 and goes on till June. So maybe one could expect it to make its grand foray around that time. There is yet no information from Apple regarding the actual release date of this smartwatch.
The Watch was originally slated for release during the Fall of 2104. However, certain engineering issues related to the battery of the product had pushed it to the next year. The company is believed to be working on tweaking its battery further, as also the MagSafe charger. The giant is also reportedly focusing on training employees, so as to offer the best possible experience to customers.
In the meantime, Microsoft, which had maintained a quiet profile of late, has decided to enter the smartwatch industry as well. The company recently launched its very own cross-platform smart wristband, which it refers to as the Band. Measuring 18.5 millimeters and weighing 60 grams, this smart and sleek-looking device has propelled the company into the world of wearable health and fitness trackers.
One of the biggest advantages of the Microsoft Band is that it is compatible with all the major OS’ in existence today, including Android, iOS and Windows Phone. As of the moment, though, only Windows Phone users will be able to work with voice commands to Cortana, Microsoft’s exclusive personal assistant. The other big plus is that the Band supposedly features battery power that can last up to 2 days when fully charged.
The Band is made of thermoplastic elastomer, which is a soft material that can stretch in accordance with the wearer’s wrist. This comes in 3 sizes to fit all users. Specs include built-in GPS; a sports UV sensor to monitor the level of exposure to the sun; and a galvanic skin response sensor, which monitor the user’s stress levels while exercising. Apart from featuring an impressive 10-sensor fitness and sleep tracker, the device also supports email capabilities, reminders, calendars, weather and finance apps and Twitter and Facebook notifications as well.
The Band forms a part of Microsoft’s new health and fitness venture – Microsoft Health. The unique gadget additionally includes a holistic cloud service for customers and the industry at large. This service collects, stores and analyzes user health and fitness data. The aim of the Band, according to the company, is to strive towards building user awareness and enhancing their overall health and fitness levels.
The best thing about the Band is that it is an all-encompassing sort of device, offering a range of different features and capabilities to the user. Not limiting itself to just a health or fitness-related device, it includes some nice useful apps, a sleep tracker, a heart-rate monitor, long enough battery life and much more, within its small and attractive form factor. All-in-all, it could potentially prove to be an asset by helping users with their everyday activities.
The Microsoft Band is currently available on sale only in the United States of America. The company has clear plans to expand its sales and add in many more countries in the near future. For those interested, here is a detailed video on the device’s features and capabilities.
It was generally expected that Apple would be releasing its first wearable smartwatch, the Apple Watch, in early 2015. However, latest reports are that the new offering from the fruity giant would be coming only in the Spring of 2015. Angela Ahrendts, the company’s Senior VP for Retail and Online stores, stated, “We're going into the holidays, we'll go into Chinese New Year, and then we've got a new watch launch coming in the spring”. Hence, the watch would most probably be hitting the retail market sometime after February 19.
- The Band Gives Microsoft the Much-Needed Boost
- Apple Watch Pre-order Begins; iOS 8.4 Beta Brings Improvements
More on the Apple Watch
Rumors from certain online sources had indicated a Valentine’s Day release for the Watch. However, that day too seems to have been given a miss. Officially, Spring begins on March 20 and goes on till June. So maybe one could expect it to make its grand foray around that time. There is yet no information from Apple regarding the actual release date of this smartwatch.
The Watch was originally slated for release during the Fall of 2104. However, certain engineering issues related to the battery of the product had pushed it to the next year. The company is believed to be working on tweaking its battery further, as also the MagSafe charger. The giant is also reportedly focusing on training employees, so as to offer the best possible experience to customers.
Microsoft Enters the Smartwatch Showground
In the meantime, Microsoft, which had maintained a quiet profile of late, has decided to enter the smartwatch industry as well. The company recently launched its very own cross-platform smart wristband, which it refers to as the Band. Measuring 18.5 millimeters and weighing 60 grams, this smart and sleek-looking device has propelled the company into the world of wearable health and fitness trackers.
One of the biggest advantages of the Microsoft Band is that it is compatible with all the major OS’ in existence today, including Android, iOS and Windows Phone. As of the moment, though, only Windows Phone users will be able to work with voice commands to Cortana, Microsoft’s exclusive personal assistant. The other big plus is that the Band supposedly features battery power that can last up to 2 days when fully charged.
The Band is made of thermoplastic elastomer, which is a soft material that can stretch in accordance with the wearer’s wrist. This comes in 3 sizes to fit all users. Specs include built-in GPS; a sports UV sensor to monitor the level of exposure to the sun; and a galvanic skin response sensor, which monitor the user’s stress levels while exercising. Apart from featuring an impressive 10-sensor fitness and sleep tracker, the device also supports email capabilities, reminders, calendars, weather and finance apps and Twitter and Facebook notifications as well.
The Band forms a part of Microsoft’s new health and fitness venture – Microsoft Health. The unique gadget additionally includes a holistic cloud service for customers and the industry at large. This service collects, stores and analyzes user health and fitness data. The aim of the Band, according to the company, is to strive towards building user awareness and enhancing their overall health and fitness levels.
The best thing about the Band is that it is an all-encompassing sort of device, offering a range of different features and capabilities to the user. Not limiting itself to just a health or fitness-related device, it includes some nice useful apps, a sleep tracker, a heart-rate monitor, long enough battery life and much more, within its small and attractive form factor. All-in-all, it could potentially prove to be an asset by helping users with their everyday activities.
The Microsoft Band is currently available on sale only in the United States of America. The company has clear plans to expand its sales and add in many more countries in the near future. For those interested, here is a detailed video on the device’s features and capabilities.
