Apple Watch 2 vs Microsoft Band 2: Smartphone-independent wearable and Cortana-enabled wrist band

There has been very limited information being shared by two of the biggest tech companies in the world, Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation. Still, a lot of followers of their respective devices have been speculating that this year will see the two tech giants clashing with their well-known wearable electronics kit. For Apple, it is expected that the new look of the Apple Watch will be out later this year while the Microsoft Band 2 is expected to contend with Apple's upcoming gadget by adding more fascinating features. Fans of the Apple Watch and Microsoft Band can't help but compare the two with respect to their functionalities.

First of all, the Apple Watch 2 is rumored to be released during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2016 which will be held this month. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Band 2 has been around for a while in the market, although Microsoft is expected to step up their game with the anticipated arrival of the new Apple Watches this year.

Microsoft Band 2 has been very popular among the health-conscious tech users due to its very efficient health program app. With this, Apple Watch 2 must surpass this feature of Microsoft Band 2 if the company wants to make their new wearable technology a hit. According to a Time report, Apple has hired seven full-time nurses that will help the team developing the Apple Watch 2 and its applications to create a more effective health and fitness regimen guide in the Apple Watch application. The tests are needed to improve the sensory and radio aspects and all other technologies used in the current Apple Watch.

Another rumored strong point of the Apple Watch 2 is its expected independence from an iPhone device. As reported by Engadget, the Apple Watch has most of its features only accessible when it is paired with an iPhone. This time, the new Apple Watch will be more functional without the need of being linked or tethered to an outsider handset. For example, a new Apple Watch that can be used to access basic functions such as text messaging and phone calls.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Band 2 is reportedly bringing Windows 10's resident virtual assistant, Cortana, to Android phone users. As Techno Buffalo reported, Android users can now say various of commands that Cortana will perform on their phone, as long as the device is linked to the Microsoft Band. For example, Microsoft Band 2 owners can ask Cortana to check the latest weather condition in a specific area. Likewise, Cortana can arrange reminders for the users with particular voice commands, open messages, and do a quick search, among many other things.