Microsoft Band is a new cloud-powered wearable fitness tracker

Microsoft launched its new fitness-focused wearable that plugs into the new cloud-based Microsoft Health tracking service today.

Dubbed Microsoft Band, the $199 device tracks users’ heart rate, steps taken, sun exposure, stress levels, calories burned and sleep quality. It relays this data to Microsoft Health to offer insights on companion smartphone apps (for Windows Phone, Android and iOS) on which exercises are most effective, and how well users sleep through the night.

In addition to tracking fitness stats, Microsoft Band also offers guided workouts based on users’ wellness goals, maps running routes via GPS, displays email and calendar event previews and accepts voice commands for Cortana, the assistant service on Windows Phone 8.1 devices. Users can see how they’re doing during their workouts and check their messages on the slim full-color touchscreen, and can expect about 48 hours of battery life on a single charge.

News about Microsoft Band leaked just hours ago via mobile app stores where the Microsoft Health app launched a tad early. The device will go on sale on Thursday at Microsoft’s online and retail stores.

➤ Microsoft Band