Microsoft’s next fitness wearable looks much better than the Microsoft Band

Microsoft’s wearable fitness tracker only arrived in the UK in April, but leaked renders indicate that a Microsoft Band follow-up could be with us later this year.

The leaked images, courtesy of MicrosoftInsider.es (via Windows Central), indicate a sleeker device than the original Band, solving many of the issues we had with the Microsoft Band’s design. Taking some design cues from the Samsung Gear Fit, the Band 2 now has a curved display, tucking the battery away underneath – instead of occupying the Band’s wrist strap, as was the case before.

According to Microsoft Insider, the Band 2 is now capable of measuring the “height of an exercise”, indicating a possible inclusion of an altimeter. Beyond that, it’s believed the Band 2 will come equipped with many of the same features as before, including an optical heart-rate monitor, accelerometer, GPS, microphone, galvanic skin-response sensor, UV sensor and ambient light sensor.

It’s unclear exactly when the Microsoft Band 2 will launch, but with Microsoft holding a Windows 10 devices event on 6 October, it seems likely we’ll see it first there.