Microsoft's New Fitness Tracking Device Is a Welcome Surprise - NYTimes.com

Excerpt from a strongly net-positive review

"But compared to some of the competition, the Microsoft Band is a full-featured device that might be the most flexible wearable device on the market.

It combines useful smartphone notifications for incoming calls, text messages, emails and calendar items with fitness tracking that includes constant heart-rate monitoring. That feature is still rare even in fitness bands.

It tracks steps, estimates calorie use during activities at the gym, and has a built-in GPS so it can track your running or cycling route without your having to have your phone with you. It tracks your movements during sleep, and there is even a Starbucks app: You can load up a Starbucks card and make payments with the band."

Microsoft's New Fitness Tracking Device Is a Welcome Surprise - NYTimes.com