Before the Apple Watch was announced, when we learned that Nike was abandoning its Fuel Band, there was speculation that the Apple offering might be more of a fitness band and less of a miniature iPhone. However, that didn't happen and the Apple Watch is indeed bulkier than most fitness bands. Potential customers looking for a smaller band may want to consider the Microsoft Band. Not only is the Microsoft Band smaller, but it's cheaper too, at $199.
Unlike Android Wear devices, the Microsoft Band was designed to be compatible with iOS as well as Android and Windows devices. It has a speaker and microphone, but the voice control feature required Cortana, their version of Siri. That means you can't use Siri with the Microsoft Band. Now we are learning that Microsoft may release Cortana for iOS as well as Android. This will help make the Microsoft Band more popular in the iOS world, and could give Apple a run for its money.
