Microsoft Band: Unboxing and hands-on tour of Microsoft's new 'smart' wearable

News
By
published

Late last night, Microsoft in a surprise move announced the Band, a new health and fitness wearable that includes a heart rate monitor, UV sensor, Cortana integration and a gorgeous color touch display.

Perhaps even more impressive, the $199 is available today from Microsoft Stores and online. Stock is limited and, unfortunately, the Band is U.S. only for now as Microsoft tests out the waters.

I managed to pick one up this morning. Here is a full unboxing, tour, and how the Band interacts with Windows Phone.

There is a lot going on with this device, so expect a few articles following up this one that will answer your questions! For now, check out the HD video and the photos.

My quick review? The Microsoft Band is the real deal. Very high-quality device, excellent display and it is chock full of features that will make you 'wow' a few times.

Do not forget to bookmark out Microsoft Band topic page, which has all our coverage, description, and even our new Band forums!

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.