Whether it's called a smart watch or smart bracelet, it is certain that Microsoft is now also entering the competition on wearable devices.
The Redmond group has launched its Microsoft Band, almost exclusively dedicated to biometric applications: the gadget, on sale from Thursday in the USA at a cost of 199 dollars, is equipped with 10 different sensors and input elements to track heart rate, body movements (thanks to a gyroscope and a three-way accelerometer), skin temperature, ambient and ultraviolet light, GPS location and so on. The bracelet is also connected to the Microsoft Health platform that can analyze the data produced by the bracelet and other devices.
The Microsoft bracelet will have a small screen that will show text messages arriving on the mobile phone, Facebook alerts and even a system for paying for a coffee at Starbucks. Compared to the Apple Watch which costs $349 and requires a connected mobile phone to operate the GPS, the Microsoft Band is therefore cheaper. It can be purchased in stores and online on the group's website
