Band 2.0?

[jleebiker]

Ok, just want to say that I loved the Band when I had it. It's a GREAT device. Problem is that I feel like it was a test device. A barometer to see if the idea was viable. I'd say it is.

I just couldn't get over the fit. Does anyone know if there is any movement on a Band 2.0 device? If so, can you site any references? I can't seem to find anything referring to the next gen device.

I would really like to give some feedback on the fit. I've done the uservoice thing. Thanks!

 

[bigdog9586]

Band 2.0 is already out. Released on April 24th. It's called the APPLE WATCH. Am I ever glad micro mind wouldn't let us pre order them and made it first come lucky you. Now I have the REAL smart watch coming in a few days. I just wish my wife waited.

 

[ygtgngr]

Band 2.0 is already out. Released on April 24th. It's called the APPLE WATCH. Am I ever glad micro mind wouldn't let us pre order them and made it first come lucky you. Now I have the REAL smart watch coming in a few days. I just wish my wife waited.

Dude wrong forum

 

[hotphil]

Problem is that I feel like it was a test device. A barometer to see if the idea was viable.

It is exactly that. It was a limited-run technology demonstrator designed to get OEMs to pick up the sensor suite and technology. None did. MS had a surprise hit on their hands and no inventory. There may or may not be a successor. Only MS knows.

 

[CliveSinclair]

Microsoft had plenty of other wearables to rip apart and test before they launched the Band, so I'm not convinced it is/was a test device.

I had the original Samsung Gear. No sooner had I learnt how to use it and another one came out! Having been 'bitten', I was VERY hesitant to buy a Band - especially as it's pretty damn ugly. However after a month of having it, I love it. Notifications work well for me. Battery - 2 days minimum. Only real negatives are the 'soft' screen (prone to scratches without a protector) and the bulk. Even though I got used to wearing it, I don't own an item of long sleeve clothing that fits over it.

 

[hotphil]

Microsoft had plenty of other wearables to rip apart and test before they launched the Band, so I'm not convinced it is/was a test device.

Well, they said it was a demonstrator. With a first run of 5000 IIRC.
But Band isn't about the device. It's about the platform. There are other devices, but none with MS analytics behind it. That's the game they're wanting to be in. Any manufacturer can throw a few sensors in a rubber band, it's what happens with the collected data that makes Band.

 

[CliveSinclair]

Well, they said it was a demonstrator. With a first run of 5000 IIRC.
But Band isn't about the device. It's about the platform. There are other devices, but none with MS analytics behind it. That's the game they're wanting to be in. Any manufacturer can throw a few sensors in a rubber band, it's what happens with the collected data that makes Band.

True, it needs a combination of hardware and data collection. It then depends on if Microsoft write a decent app, or let developers (like me) do it. I have not studied the band SDK, but develop on all three phone platforms (less on Android/iOS and more on WP/W10).

As a developer it doesn't look good for Windows (if you want to earn a 'living'). Partly retired, I develop more as a hobby and not to pay the Mortgage. iOS and Android could do that, WP can't.

Yes it's catch 22, but try telling that to buyers of iPhone 6/7 and Samsung S6, Note 4/5....

 

[jleebiker]

Thanks all for the feedback. Looks like I may have to look at another device for now.

 

[pallentx]

Band 2.0 is already out. Released on April 24th. It's called the APPLE WATCH. Am I ever glad micro mind wouldn't let us pre order them and made it first come lucky you. Now I have the REAL smart watch coming in a few days. I just wish my wife waited.

You are right about one part - if you're looking for a "smart watch", the Apple watch is probably the best. (assuming you have an iPhone). The Band isn't really a smart watch. Its a fitness tracker with some minimal "smart" capabilities.

So, enjoy playing Angry Birds and looking at photo albums on your wrist. I'll be using my Band for bike ride tracking and not have to always have my phone nearby. Different devices for different uses. That's the cool thing about wearables.

 

[pallentx]

Have you looked at the FitBit Surge? That's the other device I was considering when I got the band. It has built in GPS, its more comfortable, and gets better battery life. Its also $50 more and doesn't have all the capabilities and sensors of the Band, no SDK for 3rd party apps, etc...

I did read one rumor that the Band 2 was actively under development and estimated to come out end of this year.

 

[t.mehoves]

Good Luck getting notifications to work on Fitbits right now though.

Have you looked at the FitBit Surge? That's the other device I was considering when I got the band. It has built in GPS, its more comfortable, and gets better battery life. Its also $50 more and doesn't have all the capabilities and sensors of the Band, no SDK for 3rd party apps, etc...

I did read one rumor that the Band 2 was actively under development and estimated to come out end of this year.

 

[hotphil]

Good Luck getting notifications to work on Fitbits right now though.

But at least Fitbit are actively supporting the features in the MS world that they can get access to. And have said they're investigating getting proper alerting working.

 

[t.mehoves]

But at least Fitbit are actively supporting the features in the MS world that they can get access to. And have said they're investigating getting proper alerting working.

That's what they say, but if its not implemented in the next couple months...version 2 "should" be out. That means those on v1 never had full support and never got what they paid for. You really think those that got v1 are going to get v2? I waited 4 months and I am now selling my FitBit Charge HR in favor of getting something that actually works (Band).

 

[Reverend67]

Band 2.0 is already out. Released on April 24th. It's called the APPLE WATCH. Am I ever glad micro mind wouldn't let us pre order them and made it first come lucky you. Now I have the REAL smart watch coming in a few days. I just wish my wife waited.

But unlike you, we've had our Apple Watch for a couple weeks. It's nice, but in my opinion, very underwhelming, especially for the price. It looks and feels great, to be sure, but doesn't even come close to the functionality of my Band with it's 2.5-day battery. But by all means, have fun with yours.

 

[jleebiker]

Have you looked at the FitBit Surge? That's the other device I was considering when I got the band. It has built in GPS, its more comfortable, and gets better battery life. Its also $50 more and doesn't have all the capabilities and sensors of the Band, no SDK for 3rd party apps, etc...

I did read one rumor that the Band 2 was actively under development and estimated to come out end of this year.

I am looking at the Surge. My concern was if notifications were available via WP. Looks like they resolved that.

Garmin also announced the 225 which FINALLY has a EKG caliber HRM built-into the wrist. It doesn't do 24x7 HR tracking though and no notifications.

I really see this class of device becoming more accepted. I'm seeing it in my office and more people are asking my staff how to pair their wearable with their laptops and phones.

 

[jleebiker]

I did read one rumor that the Band 2 was actively under development and estimated to come out end of this year.

Can you cite a source? Even if it is a rumor. Thanks.

 

[Indistinguishable]

Paul Thurrott wrote recently that Microsoft is working on Band 2.0.

https://www.thurrott.com/hardware/3357/next-up-for-microsoft-new-hardware

"Yes, Microsoft is working on a second Band. No, I don’t know anything about it, and I have to sort of think that the firm intended its array-laden initial Band release to serve as an inspiration of sorts for other hardware makers that could then also connect to Microsoft Health."

 

[Giddora]

Band 2.0 is already out. Released on April 24th. It's called the APPLE WATCH. Am I ever glad micro mind wouldn't let us pre order them and made it first come lucky you. Now I have the REAL smart watch coming in a few days. I just wish my wife waited.

So you weren't shopping for a fitness band, and still managed to buy one... Don't you read what you are buying?

 

[t.mehoves]

I am looking at the Surge. My concern was if notifications were available via WP. Looks like they resolved that.

Garmin also announced the 225 which FINALLY has a EKG caliber HRM built-into the wrist. It doesn't do 24x7 HR tracking though and no notifications.

I really see this class of device becoming more accepted. I'm seeing it in my office and more people are asking my staff how to pair their wearable with their laptops and phones.

The Surge does not have notifications on WP, they have not resolved that and still have no timeframe (if it ever even comes).

 

[Nate Silver]

I am looking at the Surge. My concern was if notifications were available via WP. Looks like they resolved that.

Garmin also announced the 225 which FINALLY has a EKG caliber HRM built-into the wrist. It doesn't do 24x7 HR tracking though and no notifications.

I really see this class of device becoming more accepted. I'm seeing it in my office and more people are asking my staff how to pair their wearable with their laptops and phones.

Before pulling the trigger on the Surge, I'd suggest that you have a good look at the FitBit forums. Lots of issues with inaccurate HR, which I can confirm from personal experience. IMO, it's a lot of sizzle and very little steak. Looks nice, but they market it as a premium device for serious fitness, and it just doesn't live up to that.