Microsoft Band vs FitBit Charge HR specs comparison

We pit the two latest fitness tracking wearables head to head

By Lee Bell

FOR THOSE LOOKING to keep tabs on their health, there has never been more choice on the market for wearable fitness trackers, and those after the latest gadget to do the job, the Microsoft Band and the FitBit Charge HR, both announced just this week, are perhaps the two devices that have caught the eyes of potential buyers.

We have pitted the two devices head to head on paper, to see which one comes out on top in terms of specifications.

Sensors
Microsoft Band: Optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, gyrometer, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, UV sensor, capacitive sensor, galvanic skin response.
FitBit Charge HR: Accelerometer, gyrometer, always-on heart-rate sensor.

When it comes to integrated sensors, both wearable devices tout the standard activity sensors for keeping track of calories burned while running, walking, climbing, swimming, etc, as well as sleep monitoring and heart rate monitoring.

But while the Charge HR boasts PurePulse, a feature that sees the band continually monitoring heart rate whether you're asleep or awake and funnelling the results into FitBit's app, the Microsoft Band features a UV sensor so it knows when your skin has had too much sun, a nice bonus for those who like to train outdoors and something lacking on the Charge HR.

Communications and features
Microsoft Band: As well as tracking biometrics, Redmond's Band wearable has a built-in timer, alarm clock and provides access to emails and calendar, all hooked up to Microsoft's Cortana voice command system to avoid having to fiddle with settings on the small screen.
FitBit Charge HR: A Caller ID function on the Charge HR helps users stay connected to incoming calls when paired with smartphone and the wristband vibrates and shows the caller's name or number when a smartphone is nearby.

In terms on keeping tabs on your communications, both devices hook up to a smartphone to make you aware of your most recent social notifications. However, the Microsoft Band seems to have an edge over the FitBit, with built in email and colander functions, all activated with optional Cortana voice command.

Display
Microsoft Band: 1.4in TFT full colour display with 320x106 pixels resolution
FitBit Charge HR: Horizontal OLED display; size unknown

It goes without saying that the bigger and more colourful display on Microsoft's Band wearable will appeal to customers in the market for a next-gen wearable.

Compatibility
Microsoft Band: Works with Windows Phone 8.1 update with Bluetooth, iOS 7.1 and later and Android 4.3-4.4 phones, with Bluetooth.
FitBit Charge HR: Claims to work with most recent smartphones models that have Bluetooth compatibility.

Although we haven't yet had official confirmation from FitBit on which devices the Charge HR supports, the firm has said it will work with most, so it's likely that both wearables in our spec comparison will support the same devices.

Battery 
Microsoft Band: Dual 100mAh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries equating to around 48 hours of normal use, although Microsoft says advanced functionality like GPS use will impact battery performance.
FitBit Charge HR: FitBit claims the HR will have a battery life of up to 5 days.

Clearly, FitBit takes the biscuit in terms of battery life, and is definitely aimed at users wanting a wearable for purely fitness tracking as opposed to a variety of other novelty features.

Design
Microsoft Band: Thermal plastic elastomer with adjustable fit clasp, weighs 60g, sweat and splash-resistant
FitBit Charge HR: uses a standard watch-like buckle instead of little snap-on prongs, for a snugger fit on a water-resistant, textured waterproof wristband design.

While the Microsoft Band is available in three different sizes depending on the thickness of users' wrists, FitBit's Charge HR has a standard watch-like buckle design for a snug fit. Both designs are unique in in their own ways, with each appealing to different users depending on their preferences.

Pricing and availability
FitBit's Charge HR will be available "broadly" in early 2015 for £120, while Microsoft hasn't yet announced any UK availability for the Band.

However is available in the US now for £200, which translates to around £125.

Overall
For those after a wearable fitness tracker, the decision between a Microsoft Band or a FitBit Charge HR is a close one to call.

While the Microsoft Band trumps the Charge HR in most categories - including display and features - buyers should also bear in mind that they may be let down in terms of battery life, something that is trumped by the FitBit Charge HR which touts more than double the battery life than the Band.

Android founder Andy Rubin is leaving Google

By Carly Page

Will create an incubator for hardware startups

ANDY RUBIN, co-creator of Google's Android software and more recently head of the company's nascent robotics efforts, is leaving the company.

The Wall Street Journal (paywalled) reported Rubin's departure on Thursday, revealing that he is leaving Google after nine years to create an incubator for hardware startups in the field of robotics.

Google CEO Larry Page confirmed Rubin's exit in a statement, and thanked him for his work at the company.

"I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next. With Android he created something truly remarkable with a billion plus happy users. Thank you," Page said.

Rubin joined Google when the company bought his Android startup in 2005. Since that time, Rubin has seen the software take on the likes of Apple's iOS to become the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.

In 2013, Android fell under the purview of Sundar Pichai, who had formerly managed the company’s work with the Chrome web browser and operating system.

Just last week it was revealed that Page has given Pichai more responsibility by putting him in charge of almost everything. 

Rubin stayed at Google after leaving the Android team to work on robotics, overseeing many acquisitions in the space, including that of Boston Dynamics.

Google research scientist James Kuffner will take Rubin's place to lead the robotics group. 

Rubin also played a major role in Google's legal battle with Oracle over the use of Java code in Android, testifying in court that, while working on Android, he had been under the impression that key Java APIs were copyrighted.

Microsoft's first non-Nokia Lumia device will arrive on 11 November

By Carly Page

Teaser suggests a mid-range smartphone is on the way

MICROSOFT HAS RELEASED some details about its first non-Nokia branded Lumia smartphone, which is scheduled to launch on 11 November.

Microsoft confirmed last month that it intended to ditch the Nokia brand on Windows Phone devices following its acquisition of the company, replacing it with Microsoft Lumia.

"In the coming weeks and months, you’ll start seeing even more brand experience come to life across different channels as we transition from Nokia Lumia to Microsoft Lumia," the firm said.

Microsoft offered a very brief teaser on Friday about the first phone to come with the new branding, which it said will be unveiled on 11 November.

"Microsoft is delivering the power of everyday mobile technology to everyone," the firm said, hinting that it will unveil a mid-range Windows Phone device rather than an expensive high-end model.

The posting also includes an image of a curved orange-coloured device with a focus on the front-facing camera, suggesting that it could be a cheaper version of the Nokia Lumia 735.

Chinese website Sina Weibo claims to have revealed some of the features of the incoming device, which seem to confirm that it will be inexpensive.

If the leak is legit, we can expect Microsoft's first Lumia smartphone - which is tipped to launch as the Lumia 520 or Lumia 525 - to feature a 5in display, a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB RAM and a 5MP rear-facing camera. 

That's all we know for now, so check back on Tuesday for all the latest. 

Google Nexus 6 Stand Folio and Tough Case Now Listed as "Coming Soon"

by Ketan Pratap

The Google Nexus 6 went up for pre-order by the end of October in the US, and earlier on Friday was listed as 'coming soon' with pricing on Google Play India.

Now, Google is gearing up to introduce accessories for the new Nexus 6 smartphone which includes Stand Folio Case and Naked Tough Case. Both the accessories are now listed as 'coming soon' on Google Play in the US.

First reported by Android Police, the Stand Folio Case for Nexus 6 is priced at $40 (Rs. 2,460 approximately) and Naked Tough Case will come at $35 (Rs. 2,150 approximately). Additionally, Google also listed the Nexus 9 tablet cover on Google Play India priced at Rs. 2,900 with a "coming soon" tag.

The Stand Folio Case offers a stand mode for Nexus 6 users, while the Naked Tough Case is a dual plastic layered cover that also provides a kickstand at the rear panel.

The Mountain View giant now for at least two years has been launching accessories for its Nexus range of devices. Last year, the company unveileda new Nexus 5 Bumper Case and LG QuickCover, and a Nexus 7 Sleeve.

Earlier on Friday, the Nexus 6 price in India was officially confirmed thanks to the official listing of the smartphone on Google Play. The Google Nexus 6 32GB variant has been priced in India at Rs. 44,000 for the 32GB variant, while the 64GB variant will be available in India at a price of Rs. 49,000. The prices are in line with NDTV Gadgets had exclusively reported earlier this week.

The smartphone will be available in two colours: Midnight Blue and Cloud White. There's no word yet on when the smartphone will be start shipping in India, but with the price now listed on the Google Play, the official launch should happen within the next fortnight.

Michael Dell clearly not a big fan of HP business split

By Quinten Plummer

Dell's criticism of HP's impending split continues. This time, the jabs come from the very top of the company.

(Photo : Charlie Brewer | Creative Commons)

As HP moves closer to executing its decision to split into two units, Dell's founder says he's still shocked by his rivals plans and points to all of the "dis-synergies" that could result from company's break up.

Michael Dell, CEO and founder of Dell, appeared to speak candidly with several reporters at his company's Dell World Conference, which was recently held in Austin, Texas.

Dell is still surprised that HP has decided to split itself into two companies, especially when considering all of the reasons the Dell rival had listed in arguing for remaining whole, he says.

"You heard about some of the companies that are splitting up and slicing and dicing themselves," Dell says. "And you have to ask yourselves, 'Who is this really for? Is this for the customers or the partners?' "

In answering his rhetorical question, Dell says the shearing and shakeups in the technology industry aren't all executed with the consumer's best interests in mind.

In early October, HP announced that it intends to spin its enterprise divisions and personal computing business into two separate companies in early 2015. The enterprise side of the company will be known as Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, while the consumer technology side will be branded HP Inc. and deal with printers and PCs.

HP CEO Meg Whitman said the move to spin in two underscores and exemplifies the efforts that company has been making to stay afloat since she stepped in to head up the company back in 2011. The company says the split will make it more nimble, but Dell's top officers were critical of the move long before the Dell CEO voiced his opinion on the matter.

Marius Haas, Dell's chief commercial officer, leveraged news of HP's split to encourage his company's investors when the news first broke. History shows that one or both halves of a split company fail, according to Haas' comments.

"[Our] customers and partners should be assured that working with Dell will remain streamlined and require a single interaction, and you will not have to navigate two companies with different compensation structures and channel offerings," Haas stated.

While the Dell CEO spent a good deal of time hurling some not-so-subtle criticism at HP during the Austin conference, the company founder indicated that stumbles by other rivals have made his organization feel especially bullish. IBM is struggling to cloud-lift itself and Apple is just now testing the enterprise market.

"We gained five times as much share as Apple in the most recent quarter in the U.S.; that's just a fact," said Dell. "Last quarter we gained more commercial business worldwide than any of our peers."

Facebook will be mostly video in 5 years , Zuckerberg says

by Zach Miners

If you think your Facebook feed has a lot of video now, just wait.

“In five years, most of [Facebook] will be video,” CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday during the company’s first community town hall, in which he took questions from the public on a range of topics.

He was responding to a question about whether the growing number of photos uploaded to Facebook is putting a drag on its infrastructure. But Facebook’s data centers have it covered, he said. The real challenge is improving the infrastructure to allow for more rich media like video in people’s feeds.

Zuckerberg took questions from a group of users who were invited to its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, and people also submitted questions online.

One of the most popular online question was why Facebook forced users to download its Messenger app for mobile.

The 30-year-old acknowledged not everyone was thrilled with the change.

“Asking everyone in our community to install another app is a big ask,” he said. But Facebook thought it could provide a better, faster messaging product if it split it off from its own app.

“We really believe this is a better experience,” Zuckerberg said.

One user in the audience asked him if Facebook is losing its charm or becoming boring.

The question of Facebook losing its “cool” gets raised from time to time, Zuckerberg said, but “my goal was never to make Facebook cool,” he said. Instead, he wants it to be a helpful service that just works.

Another asked why he always seems wear the same t-shirts and hoodies. Zuckerberg said he wants to spend as much time as possible on things that matter, like how to build products, even if it means thinking less about what he wears.

“Steve Jobs had the same approach,” he said.

Office Apps on iOS Are Now Free, Sort of

By Sam Rutherford

• Microsoft

Microsoft finally brings real functionality to Office programs to iOS and Android devices for free. That means, starting today (Nov. 6), you won't need an Office 365 subscription to edit documents in the cloud.

The update breaks out each program (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) into its own app. All the apps are compatible with Dropbox integration for cloud storage. While iOS users can take advantage of the new apps today, Android fans will have to wait until early 2015 for Microsoft to bring over the new Office apps.

MORE: 20 Best Productivity Apps

What's the catch, you ask? Some advanced features such as adding columns and custom tables are still only available to Office 365 subscribers. In Word, you can change fonts, but changing a document from portrait to landscape format requires a subscription, as does Presenter view in PowerPoint.

On a iPhone, the Office apps have been customized for use on smaller screens, highlighted by the new Reflow feature that shifts text and images for a more palatable view on your phone. The interface is clean and simple. Hitting a single button in the top right gives you access to font and type options, and a drop down menu for insert, layout, review and view. You can even use the voice dictation to convert your speech into text.

The least expensive Office 365 plan costs $6.99 per month and gives you full unlocked mobile apps along with a desktop version on one computer and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage. The next tier up costs $9.99 per month and increases the number of desktop and mobile installations to five devices each, and 1TB of storage for five different users. There are also Office365 Business subscriptions, although the cheapest $5 a month option does not include full mobile support.

Microsoft is not extending this "free program" to businesses, which are required to have an Office 365 subscription to access OneDrive or Dropbox for work. Meanwhile, Apple already offers its iWork apps on the iPad at no cost.