Smart Band | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:17:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Smart Band | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Microsoft expected to release a ‘spate of wearable devices’ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/microsoft-expected-to-release-a-spate-of-wearable-devices-xbox-branded-wearable/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/microsoft-expected-to-release-a-spate-of-wearable-devices-xbox-branded-wearable/#respond Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:28:03 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=224545 The market of wearable computing devices is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years and many observers believe that a lot of consumers will wear more than one of such gadgets. Therefore, it is logical to expect hardware makers to unveil wide families of wearables. For example, a supplier of Microsoft Corp. believes that the …

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The market of wearable computing devices is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years and many observers believe that a lot of consumers will wear more than one of such gadgets. Therefore, it is logical to expect hardware makers to unveil wide families of wearables. For example, a supplier of Microsoft Corp. believes that the software giant will offer numerous wearable products in 2015 with one carrying the Xbox brand.

“The wearable market is always growing and we can expect to see Microsoft rolling out a spate of devices next year in this space,” said Joe Officer, head of attach at Exertis, an Xbox One supplier, in an interview with PCR, reports Wearable.com.

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Recently the world’s largest software developer launched its Microsoft Band wearable that tracks health and fitness data as well as Microsoft Health platform a cloud-based service that helps to live healthier by providing actionable insights based on data gathered from the fitness devices and apps, which are used daily. Theoretically, Microsoft Health can be made compatible with a wide range of devices and applications, including Microsoft Band and fitness applications for Xbox One and Kinect. However, the supplier for Microsoft believes that the company may actually introduce an Xbox-branded wearable.

“These will be linked to the Xbox One which has loads of health and fitness apps already in it – add that to real time heart rate monitors, health bands, scales and video sensors and users will have day in, day out, real time monitoring of themselves,” said Mr. Officer.

While at first glance it does not make a lot of sense to develop a separate band for gamers, as the Band is already pretty feature-rich, Microsoft could try to make a wearable that is tailored not just for active people, but for active people who also play video games. Microsoft already offers various Xbox gear, hence, a smartband or a smartwatch would not be completely surprising.

Several years ago rumours about a Microsoft VR headset for Xbox One transpired. While the company did confirm its virtual reality plans, it hase never really revealed any details. Therefore, it is possible that the software giant is actually working on a VR gear for Xbox One, not a smartband for gamers.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Keeping in mind Microsoft's new strategy, it is hard to expect the company to invest a lot in development of multiple devices. Satya Nadella does not seem to be a fan of integrated platforms, like Steve Jobs, hence, Microsoft will likely encourage third parties to design, build and sell various Microsoft-compatible products (including wearables), but will not broaden its own lineup of hardware.

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Intel unveils MICA: stylish smartband for $495 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-unveils-mica-stylish-smartband-for-495/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/anton-shilov/intel-unveils-mica-stylish-smartband-for-495/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2014 22:56:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=222150 One of the key problems of today’s wearable electronics devices is that they are not stylish and are designed for both men and women. This greatly limits popularity of smartbands among people who prefer to wear stylish things. Fortunately, the industry seems to finally understand that wearable electronics has to be elegant and classy, not …

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One of the key problems of today’s wearable electronics devices is that they are not stylish and are designed for both men and women. This greatly limits popularity of smartbands among people who prefer to wear stylish things. Fortunately, the industry seems to finally understand that wearable electronics has to be elegant and classy, not geeky. On Monday Intel Corp. unveiled the world’s first intelligent bracelet designed specifically for women.

My Intelligent Communication Accessory (MICA), designed by Opening Ceremony and engineered by Intel, provides access to text messages, Yelp, Gmail notifications, Facebook events and Google Calendar through discreet notifications delivered directly to the wrist. MICA's design is constructed of premium finishes and 18K gold coating with a curved sapphire glass touch screen display. One type of design uses black water snake skin, pearls from China and lapis stones from Madagascar, another style features white water snake skin, tiger's eye from South Africa and obsidian from Russia.

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Intel does not reveal technical specifications of MICA, but it stresses that the device is not a companion for smartphones, but is a fully functional device with built-in 3G/4G module, application processor and micro-USB connection.

“MICA acts as an extension of a customer's smartphone, for those times when it's not convenient to carry with you,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T. “It allows customers to receive texts and email notifications so that they can stay connected, while still wearing a fashionable jewelry piece to almost any occasion.”

MICA provides up to two days of battery life.

MICA will cost $495 and will be available only in the U.S. MICA is connected by AT&T and includes a two-year wireless service plan provided by Intel in the price of the bracelet.

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Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While MICA does not seem to be a truly stylish product, it is the first product that heads in the right direction. Wearable computing gadgets have to be stylish and people need to want to wear them. Only in this case wearable electronics will get popular.

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Microsoft Band: ultimate smart-band compatible with all mobile platforms https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/microsoft-band-ultimate-smart-band-compatible-with-all-mobile-platforms/ https://www.kitguru.net/peripherals/anton-shilov/microsoft-band-ultimate-smart-band-compatible-with-all-mobile-platforms/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:20:54 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=219297 Microsoft Corp. on Thursday introduced its first smart-band that acts like a companion for every major mobile platform as well as an ultimate health and fitness tracker. While the Microsoft Band may not be truly stylish, it may become one of the most versatile wearable gadgets available today. Microsoft Band is a small device made …

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Microsoft Corp. on Thursday introduced its first smart-band that acts like a companion for every major mobile platform as well as an ultimate health and fitness tracker. While the Microsoft Band may not be truly stylish, it may become one of the most versatile wearable gadgets available today.

Microsoft Band is a small device made of thermal plastic elastomer with adjustable fit clasp, which comes in three versions that should fit comfortably around wrists of different sizes: small (39mm), medium (41mm) and large (49mm). To ensure maximum battery life of up to 48 hours, the Band features two 100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries that can be fully charged in less than 1.5 hours using magnetically-coupled connector to USB. The product is dust- and splash-resistant.

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The smart-band comes with a capacitive touch 1.4” (11mm*33mm) full-colour display with 320*106 resolution. The gadget is equipped with multiple-sensors, including optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyrometer, GPS, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, galvanic skin response sensor and a microphone. The smart-band connects to other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 LE technology.

Microsoft Band continuously monitors heart-rate in a bid to provide better understanding of one’s calorie burn, sleep patterns and other aspects of daily life. The Band can also track the length and quality of sleep, which potentially enables it to wake its owner up during suitable phases of sleep (a special app will be required).

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In addition to health and fitness tracking functionality, Microsoft Band also acts like normal smartwatch and notifies about incoming calls, texts, emails, messages and social updates in Facebook and Twitter, weather, finance and so on. It also supports Cortana personal assistant for those, who use Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1-based handsets.

Along with the smart-band, the world’s largest developer of software also introduced the Microsoft Health platform, a cloud-based service that helps to live healthier by providing actionable insights based on data gathered from the fitness devices and apps that are used daily. Microsoft Health will support an array of devices, applications and services. At present Microsoft Health and Microsoft Band are compatible with Runkeeper, Gold’s Gym and MyFitnessPal apps for active people.

In a bid to make Microsoft Band even more useful, Microsoft teamed up with Starbucks. Using a special app, the Band will display one’s Starbucks card for scan at arm’s length. Theoretically, the software giant could do similar things with other partners as well.

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Microsoft’s Band works with Windows Phone 8.1 update with Bluetooth, iOS 7.1 and later (iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus) and Google Android 4.3-4.4-based smartphones that feature Bluetooth technology.

The Microsoft Band is already available in the U.S. for $199.99. The software giant has not made any announcements regarding prices and availability of its Band in other parts of the world.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Microsoft Band seems to be a very interesting device that fully reflects the vision of the “new” Microsoft. The device is compatible with all major mobile operating system and will support maximum amount of apps and services from Microsoft’s partners, which is a great representation of the “Microsoft everywhere” strategy.

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Razer Nabu close to release following FCC certification https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/razer-nabu-close-to-release-following-fcc-certification/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/razer-nabu-close-to-release-following-fcc-certification/#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2014 17:30:21 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=217741 The Razer Nabu smartband is nearing release as the wearable has received FCC approval, suggesting that US residents may soon be able to grab Razer's bluetooth wearable. The Nabu was announced at CES earlier this year alongside an ambitious modular PC prototype called Project Christine. The Nabu won several CES awards and has been sought …

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The Razer Nabu smartband is nearing release as the wearable has received FCC approval, suggesting that US residents may soon be able to grab Razer's bluetooth wearable. The Nabu was announced at CES earlier this year alongside an ambitious modular PC prototype called Project Christine.

The Nabu won several CES awards and has been sought after ever since. Over 50,000 developers have signed up to create apps for the device and around 500 beta testers have been providing detailed reports on their experience with the wearable so far for a little while now.

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Razer has already launched the Nabu in China, at the time, the company's CEO said that the smartband would release in other territories soon. We previously expected a Q4 2014 release so the recent FCC approval isn't surprising. However, there is no concrete word on a European release, Razer does have a history of  keeping a few high demand products restricted to certain territories, the Blade laptop being a prime example.

Dicuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Now that the Nabu has FCC approval, it will likely release in the US soon. However, there is currently no confirmation on a European release. What do you guys think of the Nabu? Would you buy one if the price was right? 

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250,000 people signed up for the Razer Nabu beta https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/250000-people-signed-up-for-the-razer-nabu-beta/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/250000-people-signed-up-for-the-razer-nabu-beta/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:00:56 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=202207 It looks like a lot of people are itching to try out the Razer Nabu as the company received over 250,000 sign ups for its beta program. The company now has to narrow that number down as just 500 people will be participating in the beta test. However, we don't know how many of those …

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It looks like a lot of people are itching to try out the Razer Nabu as the company received over 250,000 sign ups for its beta program. The company now has to narrow that number down as just 500 people will be participating in the beta test.

However, we don't know how many of those people actually read the terms and conditions of being accepted. Beta participants will have to buy their Nabu smartband for $1 and will then be expected to run through tests and provide detailed reports on their experience with the product in order to identify any bugs before releasing the final product- It is a pretty serious beta test, not just a giveaway.

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It is extremely heartening that we received this many applicants for the Razer Nabu Beta Program,” said Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan in a statement. “It is overwhelming proof that what people want right now more than anything is to have a hand in developing a wearable completely with their needs in mind.”

Razer actually extended the deadline for beta applicants due to the sheer amount, previously sign ups were due to close on the third of July but that date was pushed back until today. Razer revealed the Nabu smartband at CES this year alongside project Christine, Nabu garnered a lot of interest and  earned a few trade show awards.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Did any of you guys sign up for the Razer Nabu beta? I haven't had a chance to try out any wearables yet so I don't know how useful they could be in regular day to day life. What do you guys think of wearables? Anybody tried one yet? 

Source: Cnet

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