Microsoft Band updated to include music controls and inactivity alerts

Just a few months after the new Microsoft Band came out, the company is adding functionality with a small software update. The two biggest features of this update—music controls and inactivity alerts—contribute to the band's identity as part smartwatch and part fitness tracker. According to Microsoft's blog, you'll be able to control music playback on your smartphone from the Microsoft Band. To get up to speed with even the most basic activity trackers, Microsoft added customizable inactivity alerts to the band as well. Microsoft also has improved the band's Exercise tile and is adding a "What's New" tile. It appears you'll be able to choose from a few different workouts through the Exercise tile on the band; once chosen, the band will track duration, calorie burn, and heart rate in real time. Introducing this tile could mean the company plans on updating the band more regularly.