Microsoft Band 2 goes on sale in the US

Microsoft's second generation smart band is now available for purchase in the US via Microsoft Stores and a few select partner retailers. The wearable was announced at Microsoft's Windows 10 event on 6 October along side a bunch of new Windows 10 devices such as Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, Lumia Windows 10 flagships- Lumia 950 and 950 XL.

There are total 110 Microsoft Stores across the country that are now selling the new band called Microsoft Band 2 at a suggested retail price of $249.99 (£161). You can also purchase it online on Microsoft's official store, as well as from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Dell, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sport Authority, Taylormadegolf and Target. The wearable comes along with a USB charging cable.

For those in the UK, Microsoft is currently accepting pre-orders for the Band 2 and has priced the device at £199.99. The Redmond-based company would start shipping the device by 19 November. You can also trade your original Microsoft Band for the new model and get discounts of up to £70. A bunch of retailers such as Argos, Currys, Very and Wiggle have confirmed that they will sell the device once it is available in the UK, but are yet to commence pre-orders. However, Amazon UK is already accepting pre-orders and would begin deliveries from 19 November onwards.

The Band 2 is cross-platform compatible and allows you to use it with iOS, Android and Windows devices. Featuring a curved screen with a metal trim, Microsoft's news smartband packs total 11 sensors such as optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis accelerometer/gyro, gyrometer, GPS, Ambient light, Skin temperature, UV, Capactive, Galvanic skin response, Microphone and Barometer.

Microsoft has claimed that its battery would run for 48 hours of normal use after one charge, but noted that features like GPS could impact the battery performance. The device supports Bluetooth version 4.0 and is water resistant.