Are you enjoying Microsoft's new heart rate zone monitoring feature that the company made available for the Band 2 in the last update? Well, as with all new features, this one seems to have brought some bugs in functionality -- which explains this new update as more of a "bug fixer" than a "feature adder" as was the case with previous updates.
The latest Microsoft Band 2 update brings the firmware number to 2.0.4829.0 26R, and it is rumored that the update fixes heart rate zone monitoring bugs (though Microsoft hasn't supplied much of a changelog to add to, verify, or refute the rumor.
The new heart rate zone monitoring feature for the Band 2 allows users to know when they're working at an acceptable heart rate or going too far and over the edge (which could lead to all sorts of health issues). The Band 2 turns orange when your heart rate is at 80%, and red when you reach 90% or more (red is for emergency, telling you to back off, slow down, and take it easy).
From the last several updates, it's clear that the Microsoft Band 2 has much to commend itself: GPS Power Saver Mode that conserves battery life when using GPS, Weight Tracking that lets you keep specific numbers to see your weight loss numerically, expanding notification controls, a Golf Mode that helps your game get up to par, and voice command integration by way of Microsoft's own command assistant, Cortana. For those who are looking for something of a fitness band by which to track their workouts, share socially, and more, the Band 2 is as good as they come (even though it does seem to steal Samsung's curved display).
The Band 2 has been reduced to $174.99 through July 9th, so you've still got 9 days to jump in and purchase the wrist wearable. Perhaps the Band 2 will remind you to get out, be active, but watch your pace on one of America's most nationally cherished holidays.
