Microsoft Band 2 is a smartwatch disguised as a fitness tracker

Microsoft, among all the other devices they had on display at their event last night,also launched the new and improved Microsoft Band 2. The fitness band is the company's second attempt at the segment after a first model that didn't quite hit the mark.

In keeping with leaked renders that emerged some time ago, the Microsoft Band 2 is a circular device, designed to fit your wrist comfortably, with a curved (320x128) AMOLED display and Gorilla Glass 3.  It has built-in GPS, UV monitoring, guided workouts, sleep and calorie tracking, and also phone notifications. It does everything a standard smartwatch would do, as evidenced by its support for apps like Uber, Starbucks, Subway and Twitter, with a few added bonuses. For instance, the device has Cortana integration, and also ties in with a fitness app supported across Windows Phone, Android, and iOS platforms.

The Microsoft Band 2 also has a barometer added in, to track your elevation, as well as a new VO2 max meter, which measures the percentage of oxygen your body is capable of using; the better the percentage, the better your performance. It even detects the kind of shots you're playing during a round of golf. The wealth of information this device presents you with can be downright daunting, and it has a decent 48 hour battery life with a charge time of under 1.5 hours.

Preorders are open for the band, with shipping beginning Oct 30. The Microsoft Band 2 is priced at US $249 (Rs 16,200).