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'Microsoft Health' App for Upcoming Wearable Leaks as Google Launches HealthKit Rival

Wednesday October 29, 2014 7:04 pm PDT by Husain Sumra
As Apple completes the launch of HealthKit and the Health app for iOS, its competitors Microsoft and Google have been preparing their own entrances into the health sector. Today, Microsoft apps for an upcoming fitness wearable have leaked in app stores as Google launched a new HealthKit-like initiative.

In July it was reported that Microsoft was working on a fitness band that would work with iOS. Now, the official app for the device, which appears to be called the Microsoft "Band", has appeared on the Mac App Store. The "Microsoft Band Sync" app, which was first discovered by WindowsCentral, appears to allow users to sync the data on their device to the app for tracking.

Microsoft_Band
Another app called Microsoft Health has also been revealed for iOS and appears to include many of the same options as the "Microsoft Band Sync" app and also teases a future device called "Microsoft Band". A new privacy statement (via AppleInsider) on Microsoft's website also makes mention of Microsoft Band, Microsoft Health and Microsoft Band Sync.
Live healthier and be more productive with the Microsoft Health app for iPhone®. Achieve wellness goals by tracking your heart rate, steps, calorie burn, and sleep quality. Maximize your fitness with Guided Workouts, 24-hour heart rate monitoring and automatic activity counting. Be more productive with email previews and calendar alerts at a glance. Personalize your Microsoft Band and get new features as they roll out.
Although the "Band" doesn't appear to be a fully functioning smart watch like Apple Watch, it does signal Microsoft's desire to enter the health market and provides an alternative to the health-tracking features of Apple Watch or FitBit bands. Similarly, the Microsoft Health app offers an alternative to the health center that is the Health app, provided the user opts for the Microsoft Band.

Meanwhile, Google launched its version of the Health app for Android (via The Verge). Called Google Fit, the app tracks health goals and workout statistics and is compatible with Android Wear devices and third-party fitness trackers. Much like the Health app, Google Fit can also track walking, running and cycling without the use of external apps or fitness trackers.

Microsoft Health is a free universal app available in the App Store. [Direct Link]

Microsoft Band Sync is a free app available in the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

[ 50 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

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dannyyankou
63 months ago

Does it include Clippy?

Image (http://images.electricpig.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Clippy-150x150.png)


Nah, he's been the Clippers mascot ever since Ballmer bought them.

Rating: 15 Votes
Avatar
whyamihere
63 months ago
This is absolutely shocking. It's just called "Band"? I would have expected a name more like "Microsoft Health Tracker and Optimization Wrist Bracelet".
Rating: 9 Votes
Avatar
dannyyankou
63 months ago
First office leaks, now this? Microsoft needs to hire Stephen Colbert
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
John.B
63 months ago
Does it include Clippy?

Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
ecrispy
63 months ago
This looks amazing and has all the features of FitBit Surge, Basis etc and a lot more functions. It has an open platform unlike closed HealthKit and will work with whatever phone I own, not just one type. This is how you do a fitness accessory, and Microsoft makes great hardware.

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too little, too lame


On what basis?
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
laurim
63 months ago
When you die wearing it, does it display a BSoD?
Rating: 4 Votes
Avatar
dannyyankou
63 months ago

Wait! Remember Nintendo put out a press release a couple years back, saying they were getting in to the health market too? What ever happened to that? I think the article was on MR too...


You mean Wii fit? Lol
Rating: 4 Votes
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shanson27
63 months ago
Microsoft Band $199 :)

Rating: 2 Votes
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bawbac
63 months ago

Apple Watch is more sophisticated than this Microsoft Band.

Looks like your statement is incorrect.

Care to elaborate on your statement with sophisticated facts about the Apple Watch vaporware?
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
RickInHouston
63 months ago

The metro UI looks more at home here than anywhere else but it does highlight just how well designed the apple watch UI is. More sophisticated, nice to look at while being useful and without being dumbed down.


Apple watch more sophisticated? Said no one ever.
Rating: 2 Votes

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