Microsoft's desperate to see you try Band: Giving away free Starbucks Card, kickstarts a contest

Before Apple begins to sell its Watch in April, rival smartwatch and activity tracking device makers are trying to use the remaining days to remind you about their wearable gadgets. Google earlier this week posted an extended trailer of its Android Wear wearable operating system, and now Microsoft is taking its turn on the podium to talk about its fitness tracker Band. The company is running two enticing deals to lure in users to test drive the Microsoft Band.

Microsoft is so keen to see you try the Band that the company is giving away $5 Starbucks cards to anyone in the United States who bothers to visit the Microsoft Store and checks out the Band. That’s it -- you aren't obligated to purchase the tracker. In addition, the Redmond, Washington-based company is also running a contest valid until March 22nd, wherein users from the US can participate and stand a chance to win $200. You can visit the Store here for more info and to participate.

Announced in October, Microsoft Band is the company’s first wearable gadget. The Band is more of an activity tracking device than a smartwatch. It offers distance tracking, as well as keeps a watch on the pulse, calories, sleep quality, and UV exposure while gleaning notifications from your phone, and showing time among other things. The Band is available to purchase in the United States for $199. Just recently, it became available for pre-order in the United Kingdom and will go on sale there on April 15th.