With the holidays approaching and droves of upgraders switching to the Apple Watch Series 4, we are in peak band-buying season. AppleInsider has collected dozens of bands to pick out our favorites.
As they do throughout the year, Apple has refreshed their case and Apple Watch accessory colors for the season. There are now three new colors of Apple's silicone iPhone XS/XS Max cases and Apple Watch Sports Bands, and three new Nike options as well.
Accessory maker Nomad has released a new genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap just in time for the Apple Watch Series 4.
To go with the stunning new gold finishes of the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple has introduced a new gold option to their lineup of Milanese loop bands, and we've got one.
Alto has a history of crafting fantastic cases, sleeves, and other accessories from fine Italian leather. Its new line of Apple Watch bands brings that same quality to a new form.
Microsoft has pulled its Band fitness trackers from its online store, and confirmed that it won't have a new model out in 2016, suggesting that the company is rethinking its approach to a wearables market largely dominated by Fitbit and Apple.
Microsoft is taking direct aim at rival Apple in a new promotion, which offers Apple Watch owners up to $250 in credit toward the purchase of a new Microsoft Band 2.
Microsoft on Thursday sold out of its initial launch stock for the Surface Book, and updated its Health app for iOS to support the Band 2 fitness tracker.
In addition to showing off new Surfaces, Microsoft on Tuesday also revealed two high-end Lumia smartphones, a redesigned Band fitness tracker, and a Display Dock for Windows 10's Continuum feature.
With the Apple Watch set to launch in a matter of hours, Microsoft this week announced new capabilities for its own wearable device, including support for new cycling apps, as well as the ability to measure cardiovascular fitness through blood oxygen levels.
The wearable fitness tracking Microsoft Band received an update this week adding support for biking, and integration with MapMyFitness and Microsoft's own HealthVault service, but it still lacks compatibility with Apple's HealthKit tools and Health app for iOS 8.
The competitive price, strong feature set, and universal compatibility of the Microsoft Band will make it a compelling product for anyone in the market for a wearable fitness and health tracking device, though it does suffer from some of the expected shortcomings of a first-generation product.
{{ summary }}
Andrew O'Hara
Roger Fingas
Katie Marsal
Neil Hughes
