It may be the weekend, but it doesn't mean leaks can't happen. Windows Central has been reporting for months now that the Microsoft Band 2 is due this fall with an announcement during the October 6 event. Today, the site MicrosoftInsider.es reportedly got their hands on some renders of the device codenamed 'Envoy'.
The images – if accurate – reveal what we reported back in July including a new curved display and availability in a wider swath of markets (the current Surface ones). Windows Central has attempted to verify the images and most of our sources believe the images to be legitimate.
The Band 2 has a new curved display addressing a big complaint from users of the first-generation device. Additionally, the battery appears to be now on the underside of the color display instead of the sides. Microsoft Insider also reports that the new device can measure the "height of an exercise" routine in addition to all the other sensors available in the previous version (plus your Starbucks card, natch). The Band 2 now features a slight metallic accent on the sides giving a contrasting appearance.
Band 2 Sensors (expected)
- Optical heart rate monitor
- Accelerometer/Gyrometer
- GPS
- Microphone
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors
- UV sensor
The Band 2 evidently maintains the 2 button setup of the Band 1 as well.
Overall the Band 2 is looking to be a solid continuation of the original health and fitness tracker. The phone companion is expected to continue to also work with iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. We have heard from our sources that Windows 10 for IoT would power the Band 2, but so far we lack further confirmation on that info.
What to expect from Microsoft's Windows 10 devices event in NYC
Microsoft Band 2 - All you need to know
All eyes will be on Microsoft come October 6.
Source: MicrosoftInsider.es; Thanks, Anidexlu, for the tip!
Reader comments
Microsoft Band 2 leaked renders reveal new curved design and metallic finish
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Will be buying along with my new 950XL.
Let me tell you what are the main issues with first gen:
- rubber material prevents you to take of your long sleeved shirt or jacket (EXTREMELY ANNOYING!!!)
- durability is so low that buckle completly fell of after 4 months of super light use (no exercise and I am super careful about my gadgets, didn't drop the phone in years)
- battery covers peel of after 3 months
It doesn't look like they changed much in that respect and I don't expect 2nd gen to last until 3rd gen.
Hey if this has support for Japanese font I'm all in! "The current Surface ones" should mean Japan is getting it too. :D
Looking good, hopefully available in Canadian Micrsoft stores this time.
hey Daniel! It looks like the windows central community is imploding again! We need another rousing article from you to set us all in order again.
People want games? Oh the irony of games on a fitness watch. :P
Sleek new design... Seems faster 8D
I was hoping Microsoft would have something to compete with Apple watch. Disappointed...
cool
I am wondering what the price is going to be! Want one for xmas
Looks great. It will be interesting to see if it has any additional functionality. It would be hard to replace my Band with this one just on asthetics alone. I still might, but it would be harder.
My wife likes her, but here is my issue with the band. It could be so much more! I have tried to send MS my ideas about this and I will continue to try by posting here. Make this an admin device. Find a way for this thing to be able to authenticate you on a machine on approach. Find a way to send commands via scripts and Group policies through this based on hand motions and audio commands. I would love to be able to walk into a computer lab and say a 'magic word' and wave my hand in a specific way and adobe reader updates or a critical patch downloads or whatever I have written in a certain script. Plus I have the added benefit of looking like I can perform magic (which is what technology should look like to those who don't understand it).
There is my 2 cents....
I like watchs but forget to put them on my wrists so I keep a bandless watch in my fanny pack. This one look so good I might try to wear wrist watch again. I wonder how much it will cost ?
Yes, very nice. Big improvement on the appearance! Version 1 was very nice to begin with, but hope the battery life, features, and software is improved also. If so, this could be under a lot of Christmas trees this year. Hope they make enough!
Waiting for the Tech Sheet on this before comment. Looks nice, but did they add features that customers want like tilt to view time/status and water proofing?
Remains to be seen.
Only if it comes in midnightblue
please be waterproof.... when i take a shower and forget to take it off waterproof...
I hope it's really waterproof. Not like deep sea scuba diving waterproof, but waterproof like I can swim and shower with it. Also, I want it to make me a sammich on demand.
Really pretty. Just three things I'm hoping for... Less bulky, water-proof and MP3 controls. *crosses fingers*
It's okay. But I hoped for a different much better design and function. Maybe I'm hoping for a smart watch!
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Just hoping that the glass is scratch resistant this time.
Looks better but still ugly as hell. Huge bezel and the wristband is grey and looks cheap.
Did anyone notice that width of the screen is no longer 3xheight+, bit strange.
If they win with battery life like 3 days or something. Microsoft won for me at least. Bcoz doing whatever with the band as a fitness tracker if its able to provide around 2 and half to 3 days battery life then ppl would say 'shut up and take my money'.
Just perfect. Hope it comes to the Netherlands
Cant wait for this!
Waterproof! For me this is the most important factor. Difficult I know with exposed metal sensors, but if this is waterproof then it's a no brainer...tbh looks so nice may buy it anyway.
if it can finally control my music (vol, next, previous) without Cortana, I'm game. this is the reason why I skipped Band 1.
Hmmm I don't like how it looks hopefully I change opinion once released
I was hoping for a little more.
I've only seen one single operation wearing the iWatch in the UK since its intro. It doesn't look like its very popular at all.
This is all I want know! Well, and the price as well since our currency is like s**t now.
How about releasing it in sweden this time? Tired of "us" only
as long as the materials start to peel away within a few months of light use, i'm in!
Hope the MS phone team take cues from the MS Band team and add a bit of Metallic Finish to the upcoming flagship phones so that there could be a touch of premium-ness to the phones.
take the money. looks sweet. to think we have 950, SP4 and Band 2 all about to be released it's not gonna be a cheap few months.
\
#iWantToBelieve
I'll be happy if it just comes with the ability to dismiss phone alarms.
Can I answer to WhatsApp with the MS band?
#iWantToBelieve
This thing is soooo klunky and akward. Who reads off their wrist like that? Please give me a smartwatch soon!!!
Add Groove music capability and I'm sold.
Well that sucks... I was hoping for a watch this time....
Does it tell the time? Hey, it's a watch!
Does it have altimeter to give accurate altitude?
Real question would be, is it water proof?
Two things.
Display area looks smaller in width. Not so great for those of us already straining to read the screen.
Looks more like it's meant to be worn with the face on the outside of the wrist instead of on the inside which can be easier to read. If render is accurate, at it's angle, then there's no rotation of the screen so that you could maybe read the screen in a vertical positioning.
Would I give up my first gen band for this? Will have to wait. Have had mine since Christmas 2014 and battery life has been consistent, although material covering batteries and sides has started to give. Unless the current device decides to die or there's a compeling feature of the new version that I can't live without, I'll keep this one and wait. Ok, if someone else in my family really wants it (none are WP users), I'd happily get the next version and let them have this one.
No way this screen is smaller.
Please add water proof, gorilla glass screen, and better band material
I still think it looks like something you would wear so your patrol officer can track you. I wear mine most everyday, but it isn't for the style.
Please just add NFC and an LED for a flashlight. What good is the UV sensor?
The UV sensor is a great tool for those of us who are highly sensitive to UV due to illness or medication. Though the times to burn on off, the qualitative measure of UV intensity on "sunny" days helps us plan.
Impressed. Looks a LOT nicer. I still don't want one though.
Microsoft should surprise everyone and release band 2 and the smartwatch that they never released. Remember the images that were released earlier this year?
That was Nokia's response to the Apple Watch but with the acquisition, Microsoft canceled it.
I mentioned the lack of the optical sensor above, it makes me question the render.
Facebook is available again in the contact app...in the section "what's new" I see all the posts from facebook :)
Has anyone noticed that ISN'T an optical hear rate monitor on the underside. Anyone want to place bets they use both ECG and optical for a more accurate read? Music storage and better waterproofing are the only features I am curious about. Don't turn the Band into a stupid app-tastic mini-phone.
Still have to wear it upside down?
You don't have to wear the original upside down. They suggest to to "keep notifications discrete" but there is no change of function either way. I find it more comfortable display up personally.
All Microsoft had to do is enable portrait mode do to speak On the band where if you're wearing it right side up and turn your wrist towards the time sounds to a vertical position. If it you're looking at the tile screen, they rotate in a stacked position.
You wear it on the inside of the wrist for more accurate sensor data collection, not notification discretion.
I'm just citing Microsoft own reasoning from their website. Personally I see no difference in sensor accuracy in either orientation, and I have no problem reading it when the screen is on top. Wear it whichever way you want, there is no "right" way.
They really need ANT+ intigration. Actually, this thing is packing enough power, I'm not sure why it couldn't be a full blown ANT+ BTE bridge.
I am hoping that the Band 2 will be able to calculate or estimate Blood Pressure. It has been suggested earlier.
Very difficult to do passively with any kind of accuracy.
Exactly, the watches & phones that claim to monitor/read blood pressure are extremely inaccurate.
The holy grail in the US for fitness might be a good passive blood glucose reading, but alas the best results still require a blood sample.
It's definitely sexier than the first one.
I want wireless charging and a surface Keyboard with a qi charging coil
It could be the fanciest watch/smart band ever but if the screen isn't scratch proof this time around i'm not going near it! Hate having to fiddle with screen protectors every month on my Band.
Looks awesome, I'll upgrade immediately. Hope it has bigger battery
So how does one type on a curved display? I liked how Gen 1 was flat to make it easier to type on.
I hope they fixed the clasp. My clasp broke and best buy didn't have anymore replacements so they gave me full store credit. I will get the second one as long as the clasp is better.
We've been lucky, wife and I have had no problems with the clasp.
Year, I've got 3 Bands and the claps are all great.
I hope it has multi color support and higher resolution screen..
Ehh, doesn't seem like much of an improvement. I'm still not a fan of dark hardware with light metal accents. Hopefully they offer it in multiple colors.
I'll get one, hope its waterproof
Can we get an actual smartwatch please?
It isn't supposed to be a smartwatch.
Fake as the display area is too shallow to fit the display, processor board and led heard rate monitor, which is not shown on the current place.
Someone's idea of a joke...
There are many things about the render that make me question it, but the lack of the optical sensor in it's current (gen 1) location is most troubling. If it were true they would have to completely redesign charging, batteries and the optical unit. I think the impression (more curved) is true but the render itself is inaccurate.
October 6 can not come fast enough.
Why are these renders always so poorly done? and the watch is missing so much it looks awful and out of proportion
only if it will be sold in Canada.
It will
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Prove it only when I see it ..
Posted by an os that seams faster! Than android!
But when you see it there's no need to prove it...
Seems faster LOL
Nice, batteries on the side was very uncomfortable in v1
Personally haven't noticed them.
I can't wait to get one! Thank you Microsoft! Much Appreciated!!!
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This looks way better than before! Gladly curve screen and slimmer design!
Now I wonder though this have color options, since looks not. I wish there is a color options since wearable's are quite personal and slightly fashion devices.
Sexeee! Would've liked less bezel, more screen but still an improvement over band 1!
Overall nice design but I don't like the screen to body ratio, it seems it's quite small. Why those huge bezels? It makes it look like it's some cheap Chinese gadget.
Well unfortunately the screen looks the same as before. Well this is meant to be more like a fitness tracker and least fashionable device. I wish it was but its here anyways. At least the looks great than before, only if there was a color option though.
It is not supposed to be like a fitness tracker, it is a fitness tracker.
Awesome. I know I just picked up the first one like back in January but I'm already hankerin for the upgrade
Mmmm It's been awhile since their were any news about project Astoria and porting of apps. Wonder what's going on in that department.
I don't know, but surely posting randomly in a completely unrelated comments section will get you some answers!
When Band 1 was released it was said that the plan was to make this as a platform for other fitness companies to use the hardware and develop their own software to integrate with Microsoft Health. Of course as some readers here opined predictably that it won't happen.
I now hope that Microsoft have at least a dedicated team to fully develop the fitness features of the Band because it is very lacking at this point after 3 years of development.
Do you mean software or hardware? In terms of hardware the device is well ahead of comparably priced devices and challenges pricier versions. Take Fitbit for example, it is cheaper than their highest end wearable, yet does more. The unit has more sensors and capabilities than practically every wearable out there, and an independent GPS. The software side could definitely use some development, but the hardware is nothing to sneeze at.
Excessive bezel, means the display to bezel ratio is even worse than an Apple Watch. Moto 360 has the smallest bezel, maximum display.
Why is it so hard... Not a smartwatch... Fitness tracker with some smart features, different beast.
One more disappointment. What is with Microsoft and large bezels. The screen should be larger and a bit higher res, and the bezels should be smaller.
Yeah, how else will I watch Netflix in HD while pretending to work out. (Sarcasm)
Actually pretty tired waiting for "the next best (hardware) thing from Microsoft"
that finally fulfills what MS has made us believe/expect of the current products.
MS better should have some pretty awesome new offerings in October.
It should have good Bluetooth integration with tv and home theatre.
Why?
We can play songs directly from out smartband with cortana
Looks awesome and hope it hits the market - boding well for the phones ..
Looks great. I'm pleased that they've largely preseved the design of the first generation because I quite liked it. I just hope they've addressed the critical issues of sweat seeping into the electronics and the rubber coating delaminating. Oh yeah, and corrosion on the metal contacts.
No 50MP camera, No Snapdragon 820, No 4K Display, No deal!
Omg i was just about to say that.
Windows Phone is doomed.
Let's all go wild and destroy Ferguson Missouri just cause
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LMAO
So wait a year get a phone then or buy an android.
I was so hoping Microsoft would cook up a real smartwatch with the looks of a real watch....like a dress watch or something. Nevertheless their band is a bloody cool piece.
It's rumored they are working on a smartwatch. But we know nothing yet.
I don't want it to look like a watch, form follows function, not Visa verca ;)
I meant a watch in addition to this band. I love this band and if I'm not wrong it's probably the best in its category. It I think even doubles as a smartwatch too but for a watch i would love a different form factor.
Looks like they are not going to give us some kind of a smart watch, which is a shame. Could've made a great companion for W10. They probably will, Apple once again dominates the market.
Hope they included a Gorilla glass this time... They did it, right? Right?
screen looks little small :/
can't wait to see all the new stuff :D hopefully not too much leaks before the oct 6th event... would be nice to have some surprises left :)
After the HoloLens surprise I think anything is possible, they just don't have enough deep dark basements to keep every single project buried underground. Maybe they should build a new office completely underground and forbid anyone from leaving while something is being developed, then we would have a chance at being surprised for every event!
I'm not sure why people call it a smartwatch and the the usual crowd attacks the Band as a poor smartwatch, say against the iWatch. First of all, its a band, a smartband if you want. It is a full featured fitness device that outclasses fitness wareables and adds some smartwatch features at a price much cheaper then other smartwatches. An iWatch can do things the Band cannot, but then the reverse is true as well. Band was never pushed as a smartwatch since its form factor is clearly of the fitness band variety.
Exactly, a fitness wearable with just enough smarts
Does it have street smarts?
Indeed, Microsoft Band isn't really an answer to smartwatch so it doesn't directly compete Apple Watch or any smartwatch out there.
I wish Microsoft should really just enter Smartwatch market before it saturates. Just release Windows 10 IoT for Smartwatch, license it to OEM and let the market rolls.
for me to be interested.
Strava it's already one of the connected apps. As for the rest well, that would be an altogether different larger beast
Oh, merciful heavens, that thing looks PAINFUL to wear! Talk about torture! What the heck is Microsoft thinking? Oh, wait, nevermind. Ever since that fool Nadella took over, I should learn to stop asking that question.
And I'm guessing you haven't even tried the first one.
My wife loves her Fitbit Charge HR. I've tried it on. THAT is comfortable. There's no way the Band 2 is comfortable. Plus, I don't see the value of having that on my wrist anyway. I wear a dive watch. A Band would be such a waste of money.
Well the first gen has been comfortable for me and quite functional. Yeah, if I was into diving, I'd wear a dive watch but I'm not. It makes for a great biometric fitness tracker with excellent HR accuracy (I've had reason to have it checked) and gives just enough communication info/options for me to leave my phone in my pocket most of the time. Throw in the Cortana integration for quick notes/alarms/etc and it is quite useful.
I have the band and I find it to be effective and comfortable. When mine breaks id upgrade but otherwise no complaints. New one looks nice though.
Exactly
+1520 no complaints of mine that seemed to be addressed with this, would be awesome for basketball support like golf
With the builtin GPS golf was a no brainer, so much of club selection is "how far is my shot from the hole"
Looks great!
Just this available every where and make it affordable
Looks pretty sweet to me. I'll be looking forward to more info come October 6th.
And... Sold! To the gentleman throwing money.
One question I always have with people complaining about the design or function of the original is whether they actually had one. I've had one for about half a year and here are my thoughts. Size: It is not clunky on me, I'm a larger guy and wear a large, but have never had an issue with it looking big. Battery: One day with solid workouts and watch mode on, two days when not using GPS. Smartwatch: Great basic functionality, if you want an app store on your wrist get an Apple Watch, this does the basics (calls, texts, notification, etc.) well. The new one seems to streamlined the design (curved), but I'm not sold this render is accurate.
I was close to buying one but this looks to fix everything that caused me not to. As long as its not thick bastard.
could of had smaller bezel! otherwise quite nice
I'll buy one.
Surface Band ?
not sure why I said that though
I don't know if this is good enough. It looks much nicer than the original, but it's still to chunky, and I'm just not sure the design compares well to other wearables. I thought it would be thinner and lighter, but at the buckle and screen it looks as thick as the original. Secondly, I thought the screen would be a bit larger. I'm also not sure the screen is curved enough.
We'll see what the actual device looks like. Microsoft with the 950/950XL and the Band 2 are perhaps 0 for 2 in the design department. We'll see if the actual devices look better. Maybe I'm just being too negative.
Well I find this Band 2 at least the looks isn't bad as 950 and 950 XL. Band 2 is clearly and improvement from the first one. But yeah I wish its got larger screen and maybe bit more slimmer. Also please color options, its a wearable so its very personal device.
Maybe Band 3 will be 3rd time the charm....
Also Microsoft really needs to enter Smartwatch very soon or else they will be late again to the market.
Looks great. Way more appealing than either of the "flagships". Too bad MS stupidly killed off their Health & Fitness app though as there's no diet tracker in the Health app.
Use one of the connected apps
Yeah, I'm going to have to. Dumbass MS.
Interesting render but it doesn't jive with the description. The optical sensor is definitely missing from the picture, the two pad set up looks like a conductance based monitor set up. This brings an interesting question because the optical sensor is one of the problem with waterproofing the system and getting performance data. I doubt the optical sensor is under the screen because that would mean the charging system would have to changed too. Either the render is wrong or the system no longer uses an optical heart sensor.
Maybe the optical sensor is on the back of the screen, like Fitbit does...
That would be a big redesign of both the head unit and the charging system.
Wonderful!
I'll just drop a blank check at the Microsoft Store.
Ha
Finally!
Agreed. Waterproof. Battery life. The new TomTom watches look good but this looks really sweet - can't wait to get more information!
If the real thing looks like this, I'll be upgrading both mine and my partners. She absolutely loves her band, best pressie she's ever had she says. It's helped us both to lead a much healthier lifestyle which is it's main purpose. All the extras such as notifications etc are just an added bonus!
It's just that Some people over here does'nt get this idea ...
Water proof and long battery life
I still want more of a watch from Microsoft. Not a band...
MS is not claiming it to be smartwatch.. Its a Band.. It is what it is.. And about a MS smart watch.. Agreed
Yea I know, just wish they would introduce a watch along side this band. Then there's two markets they could sell to.
My only hope is that you can load some music onto it and play via Bluetooth. It would be nice to leave the phone at home.
Yeah, they really need to enter soon before the market saturates again and became late.
They can just license at least Windows 10 IoT but for Smartwatches to OEM and let then make smartwatch comparable or better than Android Wear. Then Microsoft can release their own Smartwatch.
this is great news I hope that it has gorilla glass as well I hate putting a protector on mine.
hope it's water proof
Considering none of the HR capable competitors are (without a separate HR sensor, ie chest band) it would be nice. However, since all of them use an optical HR sensor and I can only find one specialty product that is waterproof and optical (temple sensor), I think it is a problem.
Music? Pretty please...
LEBANONNN PLEASE !!!!
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I want the whole collection of hardware announced on October 6. Just take all my monies.lol But for real I want the phone and the band and the Surface early next year.
Hope they sell this in Canada
I'll say it again..... SAME SHIT BUT CURVED! PROVE ME WRONG MICROSOFT
Screen size sucks!!
The bezel sucks.. Looks like band 1
The os looks to be the same from the picture. The Band 2 will be running a version of Windows 10 so I'm not sure of this is authentic.
Reposted thought I got deleted. lol .. . Only thought BRING THE BAND TO CANADA!
a smaller screen bezel would have been cool..
Band 2 will be mine and looks great.
it would be cool if it had a small speaker built in. I love being able to dictate to my band but it would complete the loop if it could communicate back by reading texts, giving verbal exercise feedback, etc
Does it also reveal gorilla glass???
Renders reveal gorilla glass? Come on!!
The issue I see with this, and all curved displays, is that wrist size variable. Wider wrists having the case stabbing them on either side, or fitting harshly. Smaller wrists which have the same issues as flat devices; just over-laps too much. Will see how this goes. It was popular, not sure if it was popular enough to have varying sizes...
And for some, they may be dissappointed that's it's not as smart watch like as, you know, smart watches, but many may still like the design.
Band 1 come in 3 sizes, why would you think 2 would not? If anything they they will add a larger size as I heard they made some bigger ones for professional athletes
Hey, look! A render that looks premium and is super sexy!
Looks nice. My Band is definitely showing signs of wear and tear, but I can't really replace it until after the first of the year. Too many other expensive tech toys to buy.
Time to flip me and the wives Band 1.
I know that they had to do it... But using win10 lot will probably mean a reset in all the software features. Hopefully, they will put everything back. I will probably get this one :)
Take my money now!!!
If it's water proof or at least water resistant, SOLD. I'm on my second band so crossing my fingers.
It will sell like hot cakes again, no doubt, the fitness buffs will eat this up and love it. I can't at all knock it as it will be a good fitness strap. However to me it is useless. Yes yes people have said 100 times ignor the fitness aspect and only use the connection apps....but I don't need all the extra hardware in it, and it still will not do the First and most important feature of a Smart Watch........a Watch Face.
If I need a good car and go to Ford, why buy a Mustang, if all I need is a Focus or an Escort.......
Nokia had a Watch ready to go that could also sell well with the Band.....is Microsoft afraid of success??????
After all not all of us need a Band to tell us we had a good sleep.....I know that information as soon as I wake up. I even think the step counter in the Moonraker ( Nokia LS-50), was over kill....I know I walk a few miles at work already, it's why my feet hurt after work.
I wish Microsoft would wake up and run both Product Lines The Band and The Watch Band ( It even sounds cool).
I agree. They really should release a smartwatch or make the band with a bigger screen with all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch
Hear hear!!! Feel the same way! Its as if Microsoft is deliberately tryna fail. Smfh!!
looks great, if it is waterproof and covered in gorilla glass 4 its an insta-buy
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