Microsoft
Nokia by Microsoft Branding REUTERS/Bogdan Cristelo

Last Wednesday, Microsoft revealed its first ever fitness wearable gadget called Microsoft Band. The smart fitness tracker from Microsoft is compatible with Windows Phone 8.1. It also supports other operating systems like iOS 7.1, iOS 8 and Android v4.3 or higher. It is now available for purchase in the U.S. for $199.

On the day when Microsoft unveiled the Microsoft Band, it also announced the arrival of a new platform known as Microsoft Health, states Microsoft's official blog. It is enabled with cloud storage service which allows users to store health and fitness information on the cloud. The service can be availed through the exclusive Microsoft Health app that is available at the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Windows Phone Store.

Microsoft Band not only allows you to stay fit by meeting your fitness goals, track your sleep and exercise patterns, but also it allows the users to stay productive by giving quick access to notifications like emails, phone calls, new SMS and updates from social sites. This can be possible only when you download the Microsoft Health app to pair the Microsoft Band with your smartphone. It also supports the Cortana voice assistant service on Windows Phone.

According to PhoneArena, the Microsoft Band is equipped with GPS, Bluetooth and is packed with 10 sensors. The wearable tech from Microsoft is not a smartwatch and also it has not been designed to replace your watch. Some of the health sensors available on the Microsoft Band include galvanic skin response sensor, heart rate tracker, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, ambient sensor, sensor for measuring temperature of the skin, ultraviolet radiation sensor and capacitive sensor.

The Microsoft Band features a small display screen that measures 0.43 x 1.3 inches. It houses two 100 mAh batteries that is able to make the device last for about 48 hours. It weighs 60 g. The body of the device is resistant to water splashes and sweat.

Buyers can purchase the Microsoft Band through the Microsoft Store on the internet or by visiting retail outlets. If you purchase it now, you can take advantage of free Gold's Gym trial for two weeks along with a $5 Starbucks gift card.