On Wednesday morning, Microsoft announced new updates that will provide broader integration of third-party apps, services and devices outside of the Microsoft Health app and Microsoft Band. The company revealed that in the coming weeks, the Microsoft Health app will now have the ability to collect biometric data from Android, Apple and Windows. Previously, Microsoft ported its Health app to Andriod, iOS and Windows Phone. Now, users don’t even need a Band and can simply use the sensors contained in their Andriod, iOS and Windows to collect daily steps and calorie burn.
Other new insights and features highlighted include:
– Comparative Insights: Measures data such as daily steps, sleep, workout frequency and calorie burn and compares it to similar Microsoft Health customers based on body type (height and weight). Customers looking for motivation can use comparative insights as a benchmark to understand their health relative to similar people.
– Sleep Recovery: Good sleep is the foundation of health, and something everybody does and needs. Microsoft Band tracks the length and quality of sleep. Use the Microsoft Health web dashboard to analyze sleep restoration, sleep efficiency, and wake-ups, to find out how well the body restores its resources during sleep.
– Fitness Benefit: Track fitness progress using historical data to measure improvement over time.
– VO2 Max: VO2 max refers to the maximum volume of oxygen used during exercise, and is the primary indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Traditionally, measuring VO2 Max is cumbersome. Not anymore. Microsoft Band estimates VO2 max based on heart rate information. Now customers can track how their VO2 max increases as they improve fitness level and achieve their wellness goals, simply.
– Run/Exercise Observations: Get more out of run and workout data with in-depth observations and insights. With a week of data, customers can determine which day of the week and at what time of day they perform best. Using historical data from as far back as five weeks, customers can track whether they’re maintaining, progressing, or need to re-dedicate themselves. Analyze detailed stats to find specific aspects of runs and workouts that can be improved.
– Expanded cycling functionality through partnerships with popular Bike apps, MapMyRide and Strava. Starting on April 23, Microsoft Band customers will be able to wear their device during rides and compare performance or share routes with other riders using these apps.
Source: Microsoft
