The owners of the Microsoft Band 2 will be able to enable Cortana on their Android device and issue voice commands.
Slash Gear reports that users can now interact with Cortana voice assistant on Band 2, getting notifications for calendar events and messages without the need to touch their device. Among the few minor requirements users must be in the U.S. and Cortana for Android needs to be installed on the connected phone.
The Cortana update seems to be compatible only with Band 2 and not the original Band. However, the update to the Microsoft Health app introduces ways for users to challenge their friends who also own the Band 2 in activities such as cardio score, runs, bike rides and daily steps.
Tech Times reports that the firmware update not only allows Android users of the Microsoft Band 2 use voice commands via the mic but it also brings bug fixes. The update to the Microsoft Health app makes available the zoned heart rate tracking feature that will let the Heart Rate counter to alter automatically its colors based on the level reached by the user of Band 2.
In order to get Cortana support on their Microsoft Band 2, users of Android devices need to download from the Play Store the Cortana app for Android. After download, they need to Install the app and make sure that the app notification services are on.
Users also need to turn the tile "on" on Band 2, since the app is installed on the Android smartphone. This way, the device is now switched on by default.
Owners of the Microsoft Band 2 need to ensure their device is synced with the Android smartphone. For this task, they need to sync the two devices by using the Microsoft Health app for Android.
