The Microsoft Band fitness-focused wearable is finally ready to make its debut in the UK, as the gadget is now available for pre-order directly from the Microsoft Store.
As wearable technology is rapidly gaining momentum, increasingly more companies have joined the party and launched their own wearable devices. Amid a slew of smartwatches with various functionality, fitness bands have also become widely popular among consumers.
Microsoft entered the market with its fitness-focused wearable called the Microsoft Band, which made its debut in the U.S. last year. Interested buyers in the UK did not have the chance to buy the gadget so far, but the Microsoft band is finally ready to make its debut in the country.
Microsoft has now started taking pre-orders for its Microsoft Band through the Microsoft Store UK. The device is available for ₤169.99 including VAT and will officially hit retail next month, on April 15.
The Microsoft Band features cross-platform functionality, as it is compatible with Windows Phone, Android, and iOS devices. More specifically, the gadget will work with Windows Phone 8.1 devices, Android devices running version 4.3 or newer, and Apple devices running iOS 7.1 and newer.
As a reminder, the fitness-focused Microsoft Band features a 1.4-inch display with a resolution of 320 x 106 pixels, sports 10 sensors, and packs a 100 mAh battery to keep things up and running. The device also supports guided workouts, 24-hour heart rate tracking, as well as sleep tracking.
"With Microsoft Band, it's easier to reach your fitness goals. You can track your daily physical activity and review your workout stats with a single glance. Open the phone app to view your progress over time," Microsoft touts on the product page.
The gadget also supports notifications for calls, texts, emails, and others such from the paired smartphone, although it's mainly designed for fitness tracking.
"Whether it's urgent emails from your boss or upcoming appointments, Microsoft Band has you covered. And with help from Cortana, the personal assistant for Windows Phone, your productivity levels will soar."
"With Microsoft Band, now you can keep your head up, your eyes forward, and your hands free. Preview incoming calls, texts, social updates, and weather forecasts are just a wrist away. It also helps you save time with a precise Virtual Keyboard and scroll-free Quick Read feature."
As previously mentioned, the Microsoft Band will become available in the UK on April 15. To learn more about the device or to pre-order it now, head over to the Microsoft Store UK at this link.
