Critics' verdict: Microsoft Band 2 could be better

Microsoft’s Band 2 hasn’t gone down well with many users owing to its poor hardware features though the wearable boasts of excellent Microsoft Health software.

Microsoft, however, has a different take on the alleged hardware issues hammering Band 2 and claims the latest iteration of the wearable is an improvement over its predecessor. Could be true but the brand new Band 2 has a flip side that should be considered before buying.

One of the key selling points of fitness bands like Band 2 are its apps, but this wearable falls short compared to Microsoft’s previous band and Apple’s Watch bands. For one, it's battery is still short-lived and the GPS becomes a headache at times.

The Band 2’s price comes in at a whopping US$250 (AU$352), which is yet another disappointment for a wearable that’s far more expensive than the competition. The original Microsoft Band was US$50 cheaper. Microsoft’s argument is that Band 2 isn’t as costly as smartphones or other high-powered fitness watches, but is an excellent wearable that fulfills every possible demand they may make on a fitness band, reported The Verge.

Aesthetically, the band is a lovely shield rendered in thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanite. The fantastic 0.5 inch display with an AMOLED touchscreen is packed with 320 x 128 pixels. An improved CPU helps you switch between apps and get through a smoother transition across screen. The software is quite good since it's a Microsoft.

There are two buttons on the band, one of which triggers the backlight to help you check time of day while the other helps start or stop any activity. Furthermore, the band has wrist-based skin temperature sensors, heart rate sensors along with built-in GPS.

The band feels light on the wrist because it weighs a mere 2.08 ounces, which is a bit lighter than its predecessor that weighed 2.15 ounces. A few splashes won’t damage the circuits within but avoid wearing it in a shower since it lacks waterproof features, said PC World.

Well, you might love overall but its priciness detracts from its other features. Band 2 hits retail shelves Oct. 30.

Contact writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below