Microsoft
A file photo showing Microsoft logo REUTERS/Pichi Chuang

Just days after the tech giant has unveiled its entry to the smartwatch category, recent reports say that Microsoft has ditched its own line.Yet another business strategy, Microsoft sealed its working relationship with Fitbit in connection with Lumia 830's launch in the United States. Beginning Nov. 7, consumers can already purchase the Lumia 830 from AT&T for $99 in a two-year contract and will get the Fitbit Flex (priced at $99) for free.

On a consumer's stand point, the offer seems hard to resist. The newly launched Lumia is equipped with a motion sensor package that Microsoft has installed with its recent Lumia phones. However, the Bing Health and Fitness app can only track steps but cannot monitor sleep nor monitor the amount of calories you burn during a workout. That is why the bundling with Fitbit looks like a wise idea.

The Fitbit Flex, according to a recent review by Outdoorgearlab.com, can track steps and distance, can record quality of sleep and can store and present the information in multi platform channels. The wearable can be used on the wrist or inside the pocket. The Fitbit Flex's data can be accessed by opening the app which also serves to organize and document the user's diet.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Band, which can serve as a smartwatch and a fitness tracker has received good impressions from analysts and consumers. Just like Fitbit Flex, the Band can also track heart rate, steps taken, calories burned and even monitor sleep. Unlike many smartwatches that attempts to be a multi-purpose smartphone accessory, this device focuses on health tracking with the aid of its array of sensors.

The tech giant's alleged decision to ditch the Band has opened speculations from different sides. According to a Microsoft representative, Fitbit is a great partner for the Lumia 830 as it integrates with Cortana which enables tracking of activity and food. The representative also added that the latest Fitbit app update for Windows Phone offers two new features. First is the "Challenges" feature which allows users to compete in daily or weekly competitions and the "Mobile Track" which uses motion data to track steps directly from the smartphone, PCWorld reports.

The representative from Microsoft didn't elaborate on the company's clear cut plans on its own smartwatch. The Band is gradually making its name in the market. However, the latest action from Microsoft seems to stop the growth of its own product. Or is it Microsoft's way of telling consumers: if you want the Lumia 830 you have to get the Fitbit Flex, otherwise get the Band and enjoy its work and play functions.