Microsoft updated their Band 2 this week, unlocking new features and improving performance for users. The Band 2 was maligned on launch for its poor battery life (at least compared to other fitness trackers), but now that weakness is being addressed.
Microsoft are introducing a new GPS Power Saver mode, which sensibly tells the Band 2 to update your location only at set intervals, instead of monitoring your location continuously like a mobile phone. The update still allows your location to be tracked on the Microsoft Health app when cycling or running, although of course some loss of accuracy might be expected.
The Health app is also being updated with a new weight tracking tool. This simply lets you input how much you weigh, see a BMI reading and see how that figure changes (hopefully for the better). There will be progress charts for one or three months, plus one for your lifetime (of using the device, at least).
The updates are rolling out now to Microsoft Band 2 owners, so you should be able to take advantage of the new features immediately.
If you’re still on the fence about the Band 2, we reckon it’s a good band for fitness enthusiasts that’s worth considering. It’s not the prettiest option (check out Fitbit’s new Alta for that), but it’s one of the best at actually tracking your movement and making pretty graphs out of that information.