Every time I find a cool third party app for the Microsoft Band, I ask myself, "Why didn't Microsoft think of that?" For example, Walk Reminder is an app for the Microsoft Band that reminds you to take a walk when you have been sitting down for too long. This is perfect for those with desk jobs or anyone who wants to increase their step count. See it in action in our hands-on video.
Like many third-party apps for Microsoft Band, Walk Reminder has a very basic user interface. You can change how often you want to be reminded to get up and also the range of time to get those reminders. For example I've set the app to remind me to walk every hour if I don't take more than 100 steps. By default, the app only reminds you between 7AM and 9PM. An option at the bottom lets you enable or disable reminders if you're in the middle of a calendar appointment.
Walk Reminder installs a tile on your Microsoft Band. The notifications pop up on the Microsoft Band's display and get stored in the tile.
The Walk Reminder app is developed by Alex Kvenvolden. It's his first application that integrates with the Microsoft Band. There's no direct way to contact the developer through the app but you can tweet @alexkven for feedback.
According to a recent study, getting up and walking for two minutes every hour could help reverse the negative health effects from prolonged sitting. The study revealed two minutes of light-intensity activity like walking each hour lowered the risk of premature death by 33 percent. With that in mind, Walk Reminder gives you the extra nudge to get up and walk.
Walk Reminder costs 99 cents from the Windows Phone Store. If you have a Microsoft Band, we recommend getting this app. It's not pretty, but most of the third party apps for the Band aren't either. Go download it and let us know what you think!
