Microsoft launches Band 2 fitness tracker

Microsoft unveiled the latest version of the Microsoft Band wearable at its 6 October launch event in New York.

The activity tracker - the Microsoft Band 2 - is a smoother, more curved update to the device, with a touch-sensitive OLED Gorilla Glass 3 display, GPS, heart rate monitor, calorie and sleep tracker, guided workouts and smart notifications.

The bigger news, however, is that the Band 2 will also have Cortana integration, meaning the device will remind you to stop being lazy and work out, as well as a barometer to measure elevation.

The new Band works across iOS, Android and Windows Phone, and will benefit from Windows 10 universal apps.

Prices start at $249, with the Microsoft Band 2 available to pre-order now ahead of the release on 30 October.

It was rumoured ahead of the event that Microsoft's debut wearable could geta successor in the form of the Microsoft Band 2.

The device, reportedly codenamed Envoy', was shown in leaked images obtained by Spanish site Microsoft Insider (pictured below)

The new look may help Microsoft boost the Band's initially lacklustre adoption among wearable enthusiasts.

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.