It's official: After much speculation, Microsoft has launched its fitness wearable, the Microsoft Band. The band accompanies a new health platform, Microsoft Health, which will run as an app on iOS, Android and Windows phones.
While Microsoft had planned to release its wearable Wednesday, the company accidentally leaked the band after posting details about the Microsoft Health platform apps before the official announcement. The official launch of Microsoft Band occurred shortly thereafter, according to a report from ReCode.
The device will sell for $199 on Microsoft's website, which is lower than its competitors — Apple Watch will start at $349 and Fitbit Surge will be $250 (both are set to go on sale early next year). The company has said that the new device will connect to its medical records service launched in 2007, HealthVault. In addition, Microsoft is making Band's sensor technology available for licensing, according to the report.
While Apple is catering to both those invested in fitness and those who wear luxury watches, Microsoft is taking a different tact. "We're not trying to replace your watch. This is prioritizing function over form," said corporate vice president for devices and studios Yusef Mehdi, who was quoted in The New York Times.
Among Microsoft's partners for app development are MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, Jawbone and Starbucks. A more expansive software development is expected for January 2015, according to the report.
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