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What bugs me, is that it looks more "fashionable" if you wear it so the display is on the inside... (at least that's how MS thinks of it)

What is this ? Cools-vill-high ? 90210 ?

Its like you have something to hide.

You pretty much have to use it with the display on the inside.

It's more comfortable just flipping my wrist and interacting with the display
 
The "sleep tracking" on wearables is sketchy at best (I certainly don't want to wear **** all night) and there are apps, though equally as sketchy, ....

Not really true. The Basic I have had for about a year is rather good at tracking sleep and I have no issues wearing it at night, it's smaller and lighter than a regular sports watch. It does track sleep automatically, it breaks it down to light, deep and REM, it has toss and turn, overall sleep quality, etc.. The sensors are pretty good, even if the software implementation leaves a bit to be desired.

But it's definitely much better than any of the apps I have tried, both on iOS and Android, so these are not direct competition.

The Basis Peak will have real time heart rate monitor. The Fitbit Surge appears to bring a similar features mix, with 7 days battery life, plus GPS on board. Both devices look pretty good, although we'll know for certain only after we see them on the market. The same goes for the Apple watch.

If the Apple watch has only a day's worth of juice and it doesn't do sleep tracking, it will be in the same bucket as the other smart watches already on the market. None of them are doing too well.
 
When I first saw the MS band online, I thought it might be the perfect compromise between watch and fit band, but I have been reading reviews and looking at unboxing videos, and I had a similar observation about the size and bulk. This band is really more of a large bracelet. I would really have to weigh the inconvenience of wearing and charging this thing to the features that it would bring that i don't already get with my phone. In fact, much of the functionality provided by the device requires that you carry your phone with you.

My iPhone 5s already has gps and activity tracking (steps and distance) that integrates with all kinds of apps. I think there are pulse rate apps for the phone. How many sensors do I really need to do a simple workout? If I want exercise guidance, I am sure there are apps that give guided workouts.

Another issue for me is that i need reading glasses for almost any print, and I need to reach into my pocket for glasses just to read notifications. So, a small readout on my wrist doesn't really add much convince for me. I might as well use my phone, so i can reply if needed.

How did it fit when you tried it? Were you able to get one of the 3 sizes to fit and then fine adjust it? Why did you find it bulky, too big? Small wrist?
 
As in "$companyname" "$productname" branding being unique to Apple?

Like Microsoft Windows? oh you were replying. Every company does this anyway. Nike Air etc.

No, but I doubt they would have called it Microsoft Band if Apple hadn't called it the Apple Watch. It's certainly their prerogative to name it that way. But what I'm really getting at is the name Microsoft sounds really nerdy and lame. Besides, name one Microsoft hardware device that has ever been called "Microsoft [Generic Hardware Name Here]." They always name it something weird like Xbox, Zune, Lumia, Kin, LifeCam, Surface, Intellimouse, SideWinder, Sculpt, etc.
 
I am reading all of these comments about which watch is better and how competition is good and the back and forth on how this one does nothing while the Apple watch can make me toast...

And yet I still find myself wanting nothing to do with any of these smartwatches (if that's what we are calling them).
 
i grinch when people complain: "does it work with google now or siri?" and love to answer, does those two work with WP?

And they expect it to work with both platforms flawlessly, like it is a requirement. "it doesn't integrate with <insert intelligent assistant here>, so i'm out", even though it offers more than any current fitness bands without IPA features. :rolleyes:

When nothing is enough...
 
Yeah, i rather carry a brick in my pocket with all kinds of "pulse sensor" apps etc, than quite small wristband with a lot of functionality that tracks my workout.

Especially when i run or do push ups, jumps etc...

Now now, let's not get snarky. This isn't a personal attack. Just an observation that the band really looks like a pretty large bracelet in the review videos. I never said that I own one, but some of the folks that have return it have made the observation that it was just too bulky....and I can understand that.

Also, I can get most of the same functionality with my iPhone, and when exercising, I can put it in an arm band (not my pocket for goodness sake!). When not exercising, I have my phone in my pocket anyway, and it measures my steps and distance walked. So, I haven't quite figured out how this would fit into my life.

Perhaps, it is just the perfect thing for you...and that's just fine.
 
Besides, name one Microsoft hardware device that has ever been called "Microsoft [Generic Hardware Name Here]."

Microsoft Mouse?

The-Microsoft-Mouse-Celebrates-Its-30th-Anniversary-2.png
 
You attack the Apple watch for what it lacks, yet list items it actually has. Additionally, it's clear from both brand's product information pages, that Apple's product is intended to be a smart watch with fitness features, while the Microsoft band, is a fitness product that has Smartwatch features.

Contrary to popular belief, many people who have reviewed the Apple Watch demo, or have spoken with Apple about the product, have stated that it will support many functions without being connected to a phone. While I 100% agree with you that the lack of GPS is huge, it's not a deal breaker for me personally.

The other sensors (accelerometer, Heart rate sensors, etc.), and ability to play music stored on the device over bluetooth headphones, will make it a good fitness option for people that don't track their workouts via GPS. For me personally, I don't need GPS tracking when I am on a stationary bike, elliptical, treadmill , or while running flights (stairs), as it is pointless. Like workout styles, different individuals will have unique key features they seek out from a fitness wearable, which makes all of the choices on the market quite awesome.

you do know that the only people that got to review/see the apple watch so far are those that will always say glowing things about apple? apple chooses its audience and media members very 'carefully'
 
Who wants one of these?

If you wait a couple of weeks it will be on sale at $1.99 :)
 
I know that it sells at $199, but I was hoping less than that.

Why, the apple watch, doesn't even include a GPS but will sell for a lot more. Granted, its a more general use devise, but still, the MS Band has some pretty neat features like a UV sensor, GPS, heart monitor.

I've not had that much opportunity to test it out on my work outs - recovering from a cold, but on my last run it worked well. The only thing I wish it had (unless I missed it) is that it doesn't have an auto-pause, so when I wait for a light to change so I can cross the street
 
It's just that my iPhone can track my steps for free. Why would I want to have yet another device worn on me that costs an absurd amount of money?

They have activity trackers for under $30 bucks that track your steps. Nike had one years ago for the iPod, not sure if its still around. But there are other brands too.

If that is all fitness trackers did, then maybe so. But the current range of high end ($100+) wearables are more feature rich than you describe -- the are true fitness trackers not glorified pedometers. For $149 you can get a band that tracks your HR and quality of activity, not just steps taken, which is really meaningless.

Like I said before, if it's of no use to you that's fine, but its unfair to go calling them "overpriced gadgets," because of they don't fit your personal needs. Clearly there is a sizable market and people who do find tremendous value in them or they wouldn't keep selling and the segment wouldn't keep growing.
 
you do know that the only people that got to review/see the apple watch so far are those that will always say glowing things about apple? apple chooses its audience and media members very 'carefully'

Well aware of that, however what does that have to do with the offline functions they mentioned?

Do you think apple lied to them, or are they lying to us?
 
I found some at the Staten Island store this morning. Walked up and said I'll take the large band please. The woman asked if I'd like to try it on and I said sure. It's very nice. Well built. And seems fast. I also took the Office 365. Then the woman comes back and says they sold the last one to a guy that came up behind me. I flipped out. They gave me a free copy of 365. $70. Not bad.
 
And It's Gone!

Wasn’t able to get one; they are sold out in all California stores and online :(. I wonder if Microsoft has a breakdown of which phones customers use? Although I’m guessing most were Windows users, I would not be surprised if Android and iPhone users represented a sizable minority.

Just going by my research, as a 1.0 device, the Band is pretty sweet:
- Nice price point
- Compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android phones.
- Doesn't try to over do it with regard to productivity:
*** Receive texts and emails with capability for simple replies
*** Notifications from apps
*** Calendar
- Hits the sweet spot as a fitness device:
*** GPS (which can be toggled on/off as needed)
*** Can be used independent of a smartphone
*** Great sensors and capabilities to include UV and sleep monitoring

The next version only has to be a little prettier, water proof (swimming), store a little music, and allow access to Google Now and Siri. All items which can probably be done very easily, cheaply and is probably already in the pipeline.
 
not bad

Not bad, i wouldn't mind trying it out. ten health sensors... doesn't anyone have a list of all ten?

I only see 4 listed.
 
Real user reviews are pouring in on Windows Central right now. Apparently the Band is a total dud. Inaccurate measurements on things like steps, heartrate. One person had to return it because the tightness of the band causes tendon swelling and other reports of general wrist discomfort. Also the screen scratches up like crazy.

#scuffgate
#wristgate

out of the box. Did Microsoft even attempt user testing with this thing?

Definitely not "Designed for Humans". More like "Designed by Apple Envy by amateurs"

Tim Cook once is laughing his ASS off at Microsoft's feeble attempts at mimicry.

Once again Redmond - fire up your photocopiers and try again next time.

----------

Not bad, i wouldn't mind trying it out. ten health sensors... doesn't anyone have a list of all ten?

I only see 4 listed.

Optical heart rate sensor
3-axis accelerometer/gyro
Gyrometer
GPS
Ambient light sensor
Skin temperature sensor
UV sensor
Capacitive sensor
Galvanic skin response
Microphone
 
Real user reviews are pouring in on Windows Central right now. Apparently the Band is a total dud. Inaccurate measurements on things like steps, heartrate. One person had to return it because the tightness of the band causes tendon swelling and other reports of general wrist discomfort. Also the screen scratches up like crazy.

#scuffgate
#wristgate

out of the box. Did Microsoft even attempt user testing with this thing?

I noticed "one" person mention the inaccurate measurements "when compared to professional equipment strapped to the chest" and "one" person with tendon swelling.

less than 10 negative comments don't seem to overwhelm the large number of positive.
 
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