Microsoft Band 2 was the second-generation smart band with smartwatch features developed by Microsoft. Announced on October 6, 2015, it succeeded the original Microsoft Band and was initially available in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. It was later also available in Australia through the Sydney flagship store, Microsoft online store,[1] and selected retailers such as JB Hi-Fi[2] and Harvey Norman.[3] Like its predecessor, it incorporates fitness tracking and is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android smartphones via a Bluetooth connection. On October 3, 2016, it was discontinued.[4] On May 31, 2019, the Band's companion app stopped working and Microsoft offered refunds for customers who were still active platform users.[5]
Although the Microsoft Band 2 is primarily designed for use with activities related to fitness, it also provides extensive smartwatch-like features such as sleep tracking, communication tools, as well as many standard features you would expect on a digital wrist watch.
The Band 2 uses its sensors to track sleep patterns when it is worn to bed. It can advise whether the user woke during the night, and provide information about sleep quality and duration.
Certain functions of the Microsoft Band 2, such as the ability to reply to text messages using Cortana, are only available when paired with phones running a Microsoft mobile OS.[6] Android users can reply with a set of predefined messages while iOS users cannot reply at all.
Additionally, certain sync issues—most notably inaccuracies in the weather tile. Some have made efforts to rectify the situation using Microsoft’s Web Tiles.[7][8]
There have been several reports that the plastic elastomer band material will fail after minimal use.[10] Users describe cracks developing in the band, which required device replacement by Microsoft.[11] Microsoft will not make the strap slightly thicker, and has decided to discontinue the line.
