Microsoft's cancelled Band 3 fully exposed
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Microsoft’s cancelled successor to the Band 2, the Band 3, has fallen into the hands of the WC team who have posted a review of the device.
The device is mildly improved over the Band 2, but features additional sensors such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, meaning it would be possible to get a more accurate heart rate and look at items such a beat variability etc. The device was also faster charging and had support for RFID readers, likely to enable NFC payments.
| Category | Band 2 | Band 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 12.8 mm x 32 mm | 12.8 mm x 32 mm |
| Display Type | Curved AMOLED | Curved AMOLED |
| Resolution | 320 x 128 pixels | 320 x 128 pixels |
| Battery | 48 hours (GPS may impact battery life) | 48 hours (GPS may impact battery life) |
| Average Charge Time | Full charge in less than 1.5 hours | Full charge in less than 1 hour. |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate sensor three-axis accelerometer Gyrometer GPS Ambient light sensor Skin temperature sensor UV sensor Capacitive sensor Galvanic skin response Microphone Barometer |
Optical heart rate sensor 3-axis accelerometer Gyrometer GPS Ambient light sensor Skin temperature sensor UV sensor Capacitive sensor Galvanic skin response Microphone Barometer Electrocardiogram RFID |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 LE | Bluetooth 4.0 LE |
Structurally the device was had slightly thinner bands, except in the area where the earlier bands often broke, where they were now more robust. 
The band also had a new faster changer, different-coloured buttons, and an extra microphone hole. The biggest improvement was that the Band 3 was now however waterproof and could now track swimming.
The last feature by itself would probably have justified the price of an upgrade but like in other markets like phones Microsoft would likely never have challenged leaders such as Fitbit and Apple. The Band 3 joins the heap of other promising Microsoft technologies which never managed to live up to their potential.
source: the WC
