Microsoft Unveils $199 'Microsoft Band' Fitness Wearable

[zipa]

Although I'm not a fan of any tracker that's on your wrist. Anyone who has had a fitbit flex knows how exaggerated the numbers end up being.

I don't see how that would be an issue, unless someone thought that they bought a step counter, not an activity tracker. OK, it might be confusing to some people that they refer to their unit of activity as steps, but it should be obvious from the name alone that it tries to track your general level of activity, not some specific measures.

Most of the proper trackers can use additional sensors for step counting, cadence, heart rate etc. if you want more specific details.

 

[unplugme71]

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.

My HR monitor was $10 and connects via BT. Still much cheaper than these gadgets and I can monitor my HR for the entire activity. My phone measures steps too and sleep with a free app by laying next to my bed and determining my movements based on the sensors.

So I saved over a $100 and have the same functionality. Again, how are these not overpriced?

 

[maflynn]

My HR monitor was $10 and connects via BT.

Does your heart rate monitor, track your runnings via a GPS, steps and other cardio workouts thanks to a Accelerometer/Gyrometer. Estimates the calories burned, interface with other health apps like Runkeeper and myFitnesspal? Include a UV monitor. A microphone, sends you texts/emails that your phone receives? Interfaces with your calendar app to remind you of meetings?

True you can get something cheaper, you can also probably get a bunch of gadgets to do just about all that the band can do for less but then I don't want to worry about carrying a lot of gadgets when I work out.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

My HR monitor was $10 and connects via BT. Still much cheaper than these gadgets and I can monitor my HR for the entire activity. My phone measures steps too and sleep with a free app by laying next to my bed and determining my movements based on the sensors.

So I saved over a $100 and have the same functionality. Again, how are these not overpriced?

Sure and you can by a $25 burner phone to go along with your $79 Android tablet. No need for an iPhone 6+ now either using logic of your ridiculous comparison.

 

[unplugme71]

Does your heart rate monitor, track your runnings via a GPS, steps and other cardio workouts thanks to a Accelerometer/Gyrometer. Estimates the calories burned, interface with other health apps like Runkeeper and myFitnesspal? Include a UV monitor. A microphone, sends you texts/emails that your phone receives? Interfaces with your calendar app to remind you of meetings?

True you can get something cheaper, you can also probably get a bunch of gadgets to do just about all that the band can do for less but then I don't want to worry about carrying a lot of gadgets when I work out.

My iPhone does all this. I didn't need an extra device aside from the HR monitor. Like me, I'm sure many people keep their iPhones with them (or other smart phone). So why is there a need for this gadget?

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Sure and you can by a $25 burner phone to go along with your $79 Android tablet. No need for an iPhone 6+ now either using logic of your ridiculous comparison.

The iPhone provides a value that I find better than the 79 android tablet. That's the difference. The fitbit provides no "value" for those already having smart phones. So why is there even such a demand for this gadget.

 

[SHNXX]

My iPhone does all this. I didn't need an extra device aside from the HR monitor. Like me, I'm sure many people keep their iPhones with them (or other smart phone). So why is there a need for this gadget?

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The iPhone provides a value that I find better than the 79 android tablet. That's the difference. The fitbit provides no "value" for those already having smart phones. So why is there even such a demand for this gadget.

Because people who exercise want that information on their phones and see their progress.

I mean it only costs $199.
What the **** is the problem?

 

[zipa]

So all those people walking around bumping into me because they're staring at their phones is a good idea?

If you gave them a device with haptic feedback meaning they wouldnt have to take their eyes off the sidewalk/road etc. that would be a bad idea?

Not following that logic!

Unless you expect that watch to tap out the messages or web pages that people have their heads buried into in Morse code, then I don't see how it would be any better to have your face buried into a watch as opposed to burying it in their phone? Except that staring at a tiny screen on your wrist is sure going to look daft.

 

[unplugme71]

Because people who exercise want that information on their phones and see their progress.

I mean it only costs $199.
What the **** is the problem?

which free apps already give you, so what's your problem? Or are you mad that you didn't check the app store first?

 

[SHNXX]

which free apps already give you, so what's your problem? Or are you mad that you didn't check the app store first?

i'm not mad at the product.
i think it's not quite ready for my wallet but it seems pretty good for big wristed workout enthusiasts.

 

[Fenir]

Sold out online, and all four MS stores within a 3 hour drive (the Detroit and Chicago locations) are sold out.

Anyone have any idea when MS will get some more in? Hopefully in time for the shopping season starting next week, I'm really anxious to try and get one. On ebay they are going for almost double.

 

[Liquorpuki]

Sold out online, and all four MS stores within a 3 hour drive (the Detroit and Chicago locations) are sold out.

Anyone have any idea when MS will get some more in? Hopefully in time for the shopping season starting next week, I'm really anxious to try and get one. On ebay they are going for almost double.

I recommend going to a MS Store and getting your name on the backorder list. You don't have to pay anything, they just put your email and phone # on a list, and give you a call when they get a new shipment in

I gave them my name 3 days after they were all sold out, totally forgot about it, got a call last week, went in and bought it. They threw in a free Invisible Shield too

 

[Fenir]

I recommend going to a MS Store and getting your name on the backorder list. You don't have to pay anything, they just put your email and phone # on a list, and give you a call when they get a new shipment in

I gave them my name 3 days after they were all sold out, totally forgot about it, got a call last week, went in and bought it. They threw in a free Invisible Shield too

Just made the 2.5 hour drive to the MS store in Troy, MI. They aren't doing this anymore. They said any extras they were going to try and sell for BF.

 

[thefourthpope]

The MS rep told me it charges to 80% in 30 minutes. I didn't see that anywhere on the site.

So wake up and charge while I get ready for the day. Sounds totally sensible. I'm still not sure that I would sleep with it though. That's somehing my kids will probably be comfortable with but I'm probably too late to the wearables party (starting to feel ancient at 32)