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# Wearable Hiking Devices
Microsoft's Band 2 Now Features the 'Explore Tile' for Outdoor Adventures

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-06-23 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/explore-tile
References: [phonearena](http://www.phonearena.com/news/Microsoft-Band-2-gets-ready-to-Explore-with-new-tile-for-hikers_id81187) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9OpAewxljc)

[Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worklife-balance) recently introduced the 'Explore Tile' for those who use its Band 2 wearable.

This new feature is tailored to hikers with a variety of tools for going on everything from casual walks to adventures on [rugged terrain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-smartwatches). In addition to featuring a [GPS for route tracking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trailmate) that automatically detects when a hiker has momentarily stopped their journey, there are additional safety features offered such as weather warnings, UV monitoring and reminders about nutrition and the importance of staying hydrated.

Microsoft also recently announced updates to its Microsoft Health social leaderboards, which makes it possible for users to check in and see how their stats measure up against others of a similar age and body type.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.2/10
- Popularity: 80% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Outdoor Adventure Wearable Devices:** Opportunity to develop wearable devices specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts with features such as GPS tracking, weather warnings, and health reminders.
- **Advanced Health Monitoring Wearables:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create wearable devices that go beyond fitness tracking to provide comprehensive health monitoring including UV monitoring and nutrition reminders.
- **Social Fitness Leaderboards:** Opportunity to develop social platforms and leaderboards for wearable users to compare their stats and compete against others with similar profiles, encouraging motivation and engagement.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Wearable Technology:** Industry that can benefit from developing specialized devices for outdoor adventures with advanced health monitoring features.
- **Fitness and Wellness:** Industry that can tap into the trend of advanced health monitoring wearables to offer comprehensive fitness and wellness solutions.
- **Social Networking:** Industry that can leverage the popularity of fitness wearables to create social platforms and leaderboards for users to connect and compete.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Smart-Designed Fitness-Tracking Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fitnesstracking-wearable.md)
- [Integrated Trail Navigation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trail-navigation.md)
- [Haptic Navigation Wristbands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haptic-navigation-wristband.md)
- [Adaptive Navigation Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-coros-nomad.md)
- [Off-Grid Adventurer Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-smartwatch.md)
- [Adventure-Based Fitness Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mount-fitness.md)
- [Active Lifestyle-Focused Smartwatches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aurafit-g12.md)
- [Wearable Monitoring Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tband.md)
- [Heat-Navigating Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wati.md)
