Microsoft’s Band 2 is one of the most attractive fitness bands on the market (being supplanted only by Samsung’s Gear Fit), and, like all manufacturers, the company wants to continue to increase its smartwatch’s relevance in a crowded market where so many fitness bands do the same things. Microsoft’s latest update for the Band 2, version 1.3.20128.2, brings two features to its fitness band that separate the Band 2 from the crowd: 1) GPS Power Saver Mode and 2) Weight Tracking.
First, let’s cover weight tracking. Smartwatches such as the Samsung Gear S2 cover water and caffeine tracking, as well as steps, distance, and calories, but the Microsoft Band 2 will now cover not only fitness tracking but also weight tracking – allowing users to keep track of their weight loss on the watch.
In addition to weight tracking, the new Band 2 update also brings GPS Power Saver Mode, a new feature that allows you to save as much as 4 or 5 hours on battery life when using GPS to track your walk, run, or bike exercises by way of keeping track of your travel in intervals rather than track your travel constantly (each second, minute, and so on). GPS Power Saver Mode is a huge help to fitness lovers who use their in-built GPS constantly to do various outdoor activities.
GPS Power Saver Mode and weight tracking are important new features, but weren’t Microsoft added them because of user input. “GPS Power Saver Mode and weight-tracking functionality, available through the Microsoft Health app, will help you maximize your time and your resources to get you where you want to go, and get you more of what you want – your data! You asked, we delivered,” the company said at its blog in an official announcement.
