14 DAY TRIAL // This week, Microsoft launched its very first attempt at the wearables market, hoping that its new Band device would convince enough users that the company is no longer just the world's number one software maker, but also a firm focused on hardware.
Microsoft Band, a device that's not entirely a smartwatch, but more of a wristband aimed at users who want to track fitness exercises, is now available in the United States for $199 (150 euros), but the company also plans to launch it in some other countries in the coming months.
As you can see in this video demonstration of the new device, which was posted on YouTube by Tom Warren of The Verge, the Microsoft Band has both notifications and tools to stay in tip-top shape.
What's more interesting is that users who pair the device with a Windows Phone handset are also provided with access to Cortana, so they can perform a number of actions by simply talking to the wristband.
And speaking of pairing, the Microsoft Band can be paired with almost all smartphones on the market, as it provides compatibility with Windows Phone, iOS, and Android. Companion apps to synchronize the Band with your device have already been launch for Windows, Mac OS X, and iPhone.
Needless to say, the Microsoft Band is an appealing device which, at first glance, is a little bit more expensive than you'd expect it to be. But for the first attempt at this niche, Microsoft did a pretty good job.
