Microsoft Band apps, and images of the wearable, released early
Even more evidence that Microsoft is readying a release of a fitness band surfaced Wednesday.
The company, which hasn’t officially announced that it is making a wearable, accidentally unveiled companion apps for their product, which may be called the “Microsoft Band,” in the Mac App and Google Play stores.
This isn’t the first time news of the Microsoft wearable has leaked as whispers about the device were making their way around tech sites in July and Forbes reported earlier this month that the band may be released “within weeks.”
With the band, Microsoft will be joining a saturated market filled with businesses competing for the rising number of consumers interested in the quantified self. Lenovo quietly added a wristband tracker to its website this month and then there’s the multiple Fitbit options.
According to Microsoft’s privacy statement for the Mac app, first reported on by 9to5mac.com, the band helps “you keep track of things like your heart rate, steps, calories burned, and sleep.”
Similar apps were also released for iPhone and Android. The app in the Google Play Store says a mobile app is also available for Windows Phone, which seems obvious.
The band provides guided workouts, 24-hour heart rate monitoring and automatic activity counting, as well as email previews and calender alerts, according to the Google Play Store details.
The band has Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors, which can tell if you’re wearing it or not. It also has a UV sensor to help you decide on whether you want to apply sunscreen.
Although the company has been mum about these releases, Microsoft did mention fitness in a tweet Wednesday promoting some in-store events.
Get fit before the holidays at your local Microsoft store. Join us 10/30 for fitness activities, giveaways, & more: http://t.co/BJZZ5KDsFs
— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) October 29, 2014
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