It looks as though those predictions about wearable Health Tech products being the hot gift this holiday season were on target. If you try to buy a Microsoft Band on the product’s website, you will find a message asking you to “Check back in 2015, or visit your local Microsoft Store for product availability.” I’ll grant that 2015 is less than a week away, but the statement is pretty vague about exactly when next year the product will be available again.
It apparently does not matter whether you want the small, medium, or large model; none of them are available for sale on the website. You can sign up to get an email notification when they do become available, however.
The Microsoft Band does go beyond the simple step-counting fitness bands. It does have its own GPS, and it also monitors your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to warn you when it’s time to cover up or put on sunscreen. It also measures heart rate with an optical sensor, skin temperature, and galvanic skin response. It connects with your smartphone — iOS or Android — using Bluetooth LE. And when it’s available, it cost a penny under $200.
