Microsoft Band
Microsoft's Band has faced a number of issues, notably a below-par battery IBTimes UK

Microsoft's first wearable device, called the Band, which was released in the US last year and in the UK this year, has received a generous 25% discount in the US. This suggests the Band's successor, tentatively termed Band 2, could be launched later this year, addressing issues of the current version.

Consumers can buy the current version of the Microsoft Band in the US at a discount of $50 (£32), with the gadget now available on Amazon for $150 (£95). Amazon has extended the discount to all variants of the Band, with free shipping. All versions are being offered at the same price.

Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft is said to be considering release of an upgraded version of the Band mainly to resolve known issues in the current one. The device is known to have below-par battery life. Also, the weight of the wrist-worn device has been an issue. Users have reported other problems, such as the display easily being prone to scratches, as per a report published in Winbeta.

A WinFuture Deutschland report (translated) also hints that the next-gen Band is being tested internally at Microsoft's unit in Europe. Noteworthy technical aspects of the current-gen Band include:

  • Touch-enabled TFT full-colour display
  • 64MB internal storage
  • ARM Cortex M4 processor
  • Optical heart rate sensor, GPS, UV Sensor, along with a host of other sensors
  • Low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
  • Microphone and Haptic vibration motor embedded
  • Compatibility: Windows Phone 8.1 Update, iOS 7.1, iOS 8, and Android 4.3, 4.4 compatible
  • Built-in Smart UV Monitor
  • Ability to read text messages, and view incoming calls, even when on the move
  • Email notifications and calendar integration
  • Two 100mAh rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, that are claimed to operate for at least 48 hours in normal usage conditions
  • Batteries can be fully charged in less than 1.5 hours
  • Dynamic accessibility to Microsoft Windows Store, Google Play Store and Apple App repositories
  • The Band weighs 60gm.
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