Microsoft Health App Renamed to Microsoft Band or Mysterious Reasons

After reports that Microsoft will not come out with any more versions of its fitness band, Microsoft has now renamed its Health app to Microsoft Band on Android. According to the change log, apart from its name, everything else about the app is still the same.

The latest update also brings along certain bug fixes that have not been specifically mentioned by the company. As of now, the app is still named Microsoft Health on App Store.

The timing of the rebranding is significant, because Microsoft is reportedly planning on focusing on its Health service, and abandoning development of its Band fitness tracker. How does the latest move fit into the this reported strategy, is anyone's guess.

A recent report by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, citing people familiar with the matter, suggested that Microsoft will be focusing on its Health Service and will not be coming out with any more fitness tracking bands. She further added that the company "disbanded" the team that was working on the Band to run Windows 10 "a number of weeks ago."

Microsoft did not confirm or deny the claims made in the report and said, ""We continue to invest and innovate in the Microsoft Health platform, which is open to all hardware and apps partners across Windows, iOS, and Android devices. We also continue to sell Microsoft Band 2 and remain deeply committed to supporting our customers and exploring the wearables space."

The Redmond-based giant unveiled Microsoft Band in 2014 at $199 (roughly Rs. 12,000), and the Microsoft Band 2 in 2015 at $249 (roughly Rs. 16,300).