Cortana comes to the Microsoft Band 2 for Android users

There has been one puzzling omission from the Microsoft Band 2 for Android users. When Microsoft introduced Cortana for Android last year, it was expected that the company’s fitness tracker would include integration, especially since it was already available for Windows Phone users. However, that wasn’t the case until the most recent update.

The latest update to Microsoft Health not only aims to breed competition between you and your friends, but also opens up Cortana for Android to be accessed from your wrist. The $175 fitness tracker may not be the most beautiful option on the market, but with this new functionality, you can finally say that the Microsoft Band 2 can actually compete against others. Especially with the recent announcement and pending release of the Samsung Gear Fit 2, the Microsoft Band 2 can take the top fitness trackers head on.

What’s New

• Connect and compete with your friends – Create challenges for steps, cardio score, runs, and bike rides between you and your Facebook friends who also use Microsoft Health.
• Cortana is now available on Android – With Cortana on your Band, you can access your personal assistant for instant notifications of important events, communications, and voice-active info without reaching for your phone. Speak into the mic on your Band to Cortana to take actions for you.
• Bug Fixes

Folks may still opt for that Google experience, but it’s obvious that Microsoft is still attempting to turn Cortana into a full-fledged, cross-platform personal assistant. It’s going to be fun to see the fitness tracking market grow in the next year or so, as well as what’s up the sleeve of these various companies who are due for an upgrade to their fitness trackers.

Download on Google Play: Microsoft Health

Download on Google Play: Cortana