Microsoft announces Health and Band updates; cycling partnerships and expanded data access

I pop my Microsoft Band on my wrist occasionally and it's great to see Microsoft responding directly to customer feedback. Customers have been asking for broader integration, new insights, and more features. This new update and content partnerships are focused on these desires.

• Broader integration: Microsoft rolled out the bike tile in February and now expands that functionality with partnerships with MapMyRide and Strava.
• New insights: Starting on 27 April, you will be able to view the following in your web dashboard; comparative insights, sleep recovery, fitness benefit, VO2 Max calculation, and run/exercise observations.
• More features: You will soon be able to use sensors in your compatible Android, Windows Phone, or iPhone device to track steps and calories burned that are then shared to the Microsoft Health app.

Access to more services and opening up data for customers are the right moves for Microsoft Health and make the Microsoft Band a more attractive wearable device.

It seems that Microsoft is setting up the Microsoft Health service to support the next generation Microsoft Band since the current version will only last you for 3-4 hours in GPS tracking mode. Cyclists often go for longer weekend rides and the current Band may not last for a full trip, especially if Microsoft adds cadence/speed sensor support.