Microsoft’s debut wearable is UK-bound as O2 confirms plans to launch the Microsoft Band next month.
With the Microsoft Band having been exclusive to the manufacturer’s motherland since launch last October, O2 has revealed it will bring the wrist-based activity tracker to the UK from April 15.
For those who can’t wait to splash their wearable-bound cash, O2 has confirmed wannabe owners can already pre-register interest in the device via the network’s official website.
The Microsoft Band will cost £169.99 when it hits British shores.
“
O2 won’t be alone in stocking the device either, Amazon, Currys PC World, Dixons Travel and Harrods have also confirmed plans to sell the Band.
“The launch of Microsoft Health and Microsoft Band in the UK signifies an exciting step on our journey in the emerging wearables category,” Leila Martine, Director of New Devices at Microsoft UK said in confirming the launch plans.
She added: “Most importantly, we are looking forward to offering a first-rate fitness experience that will help UK users to live both a healthier and more productive life each day, no matter which smartphone they use.”
Related: Best smartwatches
A direct rival to the likes of the Samsung Gear Fit, the Microsoft Band is a wrist-based activity tracker capable of capturing the usual array of performance metrics.
As well as keeping track of your daily steps count, calorie burn and sleep cycles, the Microsoft Band offers 24-hour heart rate monitoring.
More than a simple fitness tracker, the smartphone syncing wearable will also bring text and social notifications direct to your wrist.
The device features a 1.4-inch touchscreen display with a 320 x 106 pixel resolution.
Unlike many of its rivals, the Microsoft Band is both iOS and Android compatible, as well as syncing with Windows Phone powered handsets.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
