Microsoft Will Reportedly Not Launch New Band; Instead Focus on Its Health Service

If a new report is to be believed then Microsoft may be done with its Band fitness trackers, and is instead focusing on its Health service. The Redmond-based giant has so far unveiled Microsoft Band back in 2014 priced at $199 (roughly Rs. 12,000), and the Microsoft Band 2 in 2015 at $249 (roughly Rs. 16,300).

ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley citing sources claim that Microsoft has "no plans" to release third-generation of the Band fitness tracker this year. She also added that the company "disbanded" the team that was working on the Band to run Windows 10 "a number of weeks ago." To recall, the original Band and Band 2 ran custom firmware and not Windows. The company is likely to push its Health service which made its debut back in 2014.

Microsoft didn't confirm (or deny) the details, but instead asserted the company's commitment to its Health service. "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," stated Microsoft.

Microsoft, unlike its Lumia smartphone range, never made the Bands available in several markets giving an impression that the company was targeting only specific markets with the wearable.

The Redmond giant has lately been streamlining its products and has already given up on the Lumia smartphone range. The company is expected to launch the Surface range of smartphones soon.

To refresh, the Microsoft Band 2 features a curved Oled display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and comes equipped with sensors such as GPS, gyroscope, and barometer among others. These sensors enable UV monitoring, offer guided workouts, sleep tracking, and measure calorie intake. The Band 2 works with Android and iOS apart from Windows 10 Mobile. The Microsoft Band 2 also features Cortana integration.