When using the Exercise tile, we found the Band 2 recorded a lower heart rate reading than we expected. On 2 December, the Withings Aura measured a total of 8 hours 23 mins sleep, while the Band 2 recorded 6 hours 51 mins. The Band 2 didn't match the Aura at all there was a 70-minute difference in our night's sleep on 25 November and a difference of 8bpm when it came to resting heart rate. The Band 2 will register sleep automatically, but we chose to manually start sleep tracking instead. We tested the sleep tracking feature against our Withings Aura, which uses a sleep mat beneath the mattress with a heart-rate monitor built-in to measure light sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep. The bigger problem is just how uncomfortable it is to run with. It wasn't as brilliant when we ran without GPS, with us having to run a little extra to achieve the distance, but it wasn't anything too alarming. For a route we know is 5km (as we have measured it previously), the Band 2 measured 4.98km. The Band 2 was just a couple of steps out when we counted 1,000, coming in at 1008, which is pretty good going. Step-counting is almost entirely accurate, with just a bit more generosity than our Fitbit Charge HR, which we have found to be nearly spot-on in the past. It's no secret that Microsoft wipes the floor with many of its competitors when it comes to features, but the ultimate question remains: how does the Band 2 actually perform? The answer is pretty darn well. Like many smartwatches, there is also a Settings tile that allows you to turn on do not disturb or put your Band 2 into airplane mode. The Starbucks tile is a handy one, allowing you to pay for coffee using your Band 2, while there are also News and Finance tiles to keep you up to date with what's going on in the world. For those on Windows, Cortana allows you to reply to text messages, take notes and set reminders using your voice, while the Virtual Keyboard means you can reply to text messages without voice command.Ī Smart Notifications tile collects a range of notifications in one place, mirroring your smartphone, while the Facebook and Facebook Messenger tile allows you keep up with the social networking site without getting your smartphone out at all.Īs you might guess, the Calendar tile keeps you up to date with your appointments and meetings, while the Email tile delivers email previews. We tested the Band 2 with an iPhone so tiles such as Cortana and the Virtual Keyboard weren't available to us. Unsurprisingly, you get the most when it is connected to a Windows device. It depends on which platform you have connected the Band 2 with as to the level of functionality offered when it comes to smartwatch features. When it comes to smartwatch-like notification features, there are tiles for email, text messages, Twitter, Facebook, calendar, calls and even Starbucks, as we mentioned previously. Microsoft Band 2 review: Smartwatch features If only the design was as comprehensively comfortable. It also connects to fitness apps including RunKeeper, MyFitness Pal and MapMyFitness, allowing you to easily import data from various sources into one place. The Band 2 delivers all these features and more, which is certainly something it should be commended for. Some activity trackers lack distance measuring, others aren't able to provide elevation data, while there are some that won't allow you to tag more than basic exercises like cycling or running. It's something other activity trackers don't offer, and while the Band 2 will be nowhere as accurate as wearing an oxygen mask for measuring, it's a nice addition nonetheless. The higher the calculation, the fitter you are. After five high intensity workouts, the Band 2 will work out your VO2 Max calculation and give you a score. In addition to all the other metrics, Microsoft also offers VO2 Max measuring, which is your body's ability to transport oxygen. There are a range of workouts at different levels from beginner to advanced, which you select in the app and sync to your Band 2. It will provide information on reps, calories burned and progress towards your goal and it's a great feature. This offers the ability to select workouts from fitness brands like Shape, Gold's Gym and Men's Fitness. There is also the Guided Workouts tile, which is one of the more interesting features offered by Microsoft's activity devices. For cyclists, the Biking tile allows you to measure rides both inside and outside, monitor heart rate, speed, distance, elevation and personal bests.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |