According to recent reports, the Microsoft Band 2 fitness tracker has begun receiving its latest firmware update. More specifically, the firmware version 2.0.4829.0 26 R started rolling out to Microsoft’s wearable a couple of hours ago. Curiously enough, Microsoft has yet to officially address this update. We therefore don’t know much about it, though some information can be discerned from first user reports. Namely, a couple dozen of Band 2 owners reported certain bug fixes related to the recently added heart rate zone feature. Other than that, the latest firmware update also apparently added some minor user interface tweaks.
On the negative side, hundreds of Band 2 users took to online forums and social media to complain about battery life of their device in the last couple of days. Granted, not all of them mentioned the latest firmware update so that may just be a coincidence. However, that’s still something users should be aware of. In case you start experiencing battery drains after an update, there’s not much you can do until Microsoft fixes the issue. Some users suggest turning off Bluetooth as the simplest way of getting more life out of Band 2. Either that, or reduce how frequently the band syncs with your device. In any case, we’re waiting for Microsoft to officially announce this update and address any potential issues with it. The fact that it hasn’t yet done so may be a bit annoying, but it’s not unusual. That’s especially so if the firmware update is a smaller one.
The last firmware version was received relatively well as it added a bunch of new useful features. The biggest one of those was definitely Cortana Android support, something that people have been waiting for a while. Other than that, the Microsoft Band 2 was also recently updated with the aforementioned heart zone feature which lets you know when it’s time to slow down with your exercising. In related news, Microsoft Band 2 has recently been heavily discounted on the Microsoft Store. More specifically, you’re currently able to purchase this cross-platform fitness tracker for $174.99, down $75 from its original price. The offer stands until July 9th, after which the price of the wearable will return to $249.99.