Microsoft Band 2 leaked renders reveal new curved design and metallic finish

It may be the weekend, but it doesn't mean leaks can't happen. Windows Central has been reporting for months now that the Microsoft Band 2 is due this fall with an announcement during the October 6 event. Today, the site MicrosoftInsider.es reportedly got their hands on some renders of the device codenamed 'Envoy'.

The images – if accurate – reveal what we reported back in July including a new curved display and availability in a wider swath of markets (the current Surface ones). Windows Central has attempted to verify the images and most of our sources believe the images to be legitimate.

The Band 2 has a new curved display addressing a big complaint from users of the first-generation device. Additionally, the battery appears to be now on the underside of the color display instead of the sides. Microsoft Insider also reports that the new device can measure the "height of an exercise" routine in addition to all the other sensors available in the previous version (plus your Starbucks card, natch). The Band 2 now features a slight metallic accent on the sides giving a contrasting appearance.

Band 2 Sensors (expected)

Optical heart rate monitor
Accelerometer/Gyrometer
GPS
Microphone
Ambient Light Sensor
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors
UV sensor

The Band 2 evidently maintains the 2 button setup of the Band 1 as well.

Overall the Band 2 is looking to be a solid continuation of the original health and fitness tracker. The phone companion is expected to continue to also work with iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. We have heard from our sources that Windows 10 for IoT would power the Band 2, but so far we lack further confirmation on that info.

What to expect from Microsoft's Windows 10 devices event in NYC
Microsoft Band 2 - All you need to know

All eyes will be on Microsoft come October 6.

Source: MicrosoftInsider.es; Thanks, Anidexlu, for the tip!

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

514 Comments

As long as it can be used for more than fitness...... (like games)
Maintain the fights on fitness. That's where it's going to succeed
It should carry mp3 and some micro sd.
Absolutely! It's why I didn't get a band. No sense wearing a band AND the motoactiv during my workouts. Small mp3 is all that's missing on the band and the fitbit surge.
Not sure why bands/watches dont have GPS AND intertnal storage. What if i want to run and listen to music. Oh I need a phone for one or the other.
The Band does have GPS.
i think I ephasized on the AND word pretty well. Yes the band has GPS yes most smartwactches have 6gb of internal storage. Do any of them have both? No
Sony smartwatch 3 has both.
It would be awesome to have it link to my Endomondo and use the band as my GPS and music, then go for a run, and just get back home within range and have it backup my workout! I'd love that!
GPS is a concern of privacy for many, that's one of the reasons OEMs are reluctant on adding it to watch/band. You can be easily tracked but it's slowly changing and people are ready to give up on that. The point of adding more and more sensors/bezel free display is howmuch progress the technology as a whole has archived on battery technology and putting together many components on same "die" to reduce the need of "juice". I see many complain about big bezel, but the point is OEMs can't make the display as big as the size of phone/band. higher resolutions displays draws damn amount of "juice".
This might blow your mind but how about a screen that takes up the bezel AND a larger battery to compensate? You can embed battery's all the way around the band and give it three week battery life if you wanted.
how about cook you breakfast and iron your shirt? how stupid are they not adding all these in a band?
"Hey Cortana, Start my Coffee maker."
Cortana:" first go and buy a coffee maker that I can connect to"
Plug cheap coffee maker into an Insteon on/off controller. "Hey Cortana, Insteon make coffee"
This isn't actually that far fetched. Just need the compatible coffee maker
@joshwin hahahha bro you nailed them with your comment
Hahaha
Yeah, fitness device first was their intent with debut of Health API. Now, controlling music via band paired with a phone, that seems reasonable. Don't know. Seems like it's all doable, just wondering if what their intentions are with v2.0.
That makes a bit more sense, just needs an app to make that happen... easy. =p
What no 50MP camera?
I'd rather a simple 4k maximum sensor that's physically large. On a phone, though. Don't need that shit on a fitness tracker. Actually, I wish they turned out into a full blown smart watch.
*adds "/s"* *licks screen/image of Band 2*
LOL
Band is about productivity and fitness, if you want games and other things to waste your time, well thats what the apple watch is for....
Actually that's what a smartphone is for..
Games on phones is write revolutionary anyway so games on a watch is not a bad wish at all, I day out everything on everything if people want it, don't make barriers
The thing is, MS never touted the Band as a smartwatch. It's a fitness tracker, with SOME smartwatch features. You don't games to distract you from making those gains. It does what it was made for well. Now, if they want to add a feature, the ability to connect with Groove music and allow you to select from your Band by swiping the track.
Sure enough as usual on a Android/iphone phone there were apps to control music and other additioanl features for this band. NOOOOO idea why that wasnt included on the WP. Cortana was though. And that was cool.
Actually that's what a console is for...
Actually that's what a GAMING pc is for
This
This guy...right here
"Band is about productivity and fitness, if you want games and other things to waste your time, well thats what the apple watch is for...." This is is what BlackBerry and their fan base said about the iPhone.
And that was a device with a reasonable screen. And PocketPC fans had been calling for a gaming-focued PocketPC before they put cell phones in them.
...of course some games would be fun!... tell your partner that you going for run and then sit in park and play gmeas on your band. It would be good if they count calories burnt with the games scrores!!!!!
Dream device of murica
If I were to make a game for Band 2, it would be a masturbation app, monitoring stroke frequency and hand speed, handing out achievements and social leaderboards with daily challenges like, "Fastest to Finish", "Most Times Doing It Before Brunch", "Fell Asleep while Doing It", and so forth. Really make use of those built-in sensors. I'd call it the Fap App.
Lol masturbation app. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/store/apps/Sex-Trainer-For-Band/9WZDNCRD...
That is one of the apps I developed, but the "Alone Sexion" part is just embrional, it only records your best avarage stroke frequency :)
Just F'App :P
Win.
That's one of my apps: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/apps/sex-trainer-for-band/9wzdncrd... The "Alone Sexion" part is just embrional, it only records your best avarage stroke frequency and stores it locally on the phone :) If the Band starts selling well I will put some time into it and develop it deeper!
Holy damn. Someone needs to hire you as an App Concept Designer. Bravo. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Does measure the sleep's quality?
From these renders I'm pretty sure that it can measure the amplitude of the sound when you are snoring...!! /s
maybe you can get an app that will notify you when you are snoring. Like a small little electical shock.
Like Pavlok?
Pavlov
Yes
With that screen you want games?
Seems like everyone wants every single specialty device to do everything.
Not to put too fine a point on this.... I wouldn't use the absolute "everybody" but "some" would seem to fit better in this case. The very last thing this guy would want is a gaming wrist thingie. YMMV.
Yeah, man... there'd be nothing better than going for a run while playing Forza on your wrist! I mean, it would be just so convenient getting sweet 'cheevos while exercising - two birds, one stone!!!!!1!!
So will you be playing the professional racer Fred Flintstone?
How about audio controls for music and other apps, is Pandora/iHeart Radio/Groove... etc.
Lol still waiting for a phone replacement think swap rebel/Samsung gear s
waterproof is what I'm looking for
For me it'll be useful ONLY if it'll be waterproof.
Waterproof is a funny thing. Currently is is good to 3 feet, which means you can wash your hands etc... but not swim. Would you be happy with 10 meter waterproofing? You can swim laps, but I would not be scuba/snorkel diving. We also don't know what waterproofing does to the capabilities of the device. If you need a microphone, how does that impact the ability to waerproof the device? You may be able to protect most of the device, but how do you allow the sensors to function if they need to "access" the exterior?
I'm calling bologna on this ^^^^^ My band lasted a whopping 6 mos.. before it went dead ... Never was wet other than sweat and MS sent it back saying it was inoperable due to being submerged. Really ? Definitely get insurance..... Cause I have a $200 trinket that was used specifically as indicated. Good Luck !
6 months?! I'm on my 5th replacement band in the last 8 months and, with the exception of one incedent where I got into the shower with it (and quickly got out and dried it off), it has always been due to sweat.
I would like to be able to shower, not worry when I'm out in the rain, and swim laps/go into the surf while wearing the MS Band 2. From what I've read from users the MS Band 1 really isn't even splash proof.
Same here.
waterproof = great
swimming function = awesome
This is one thing they have to be going for with this. It rains a lot here in Seattle... I would think the Band team over in Redmond would get that in a 2nd version. Splash proof is one thing, but waterproof makes it finally usable in the rain.
I live in northern Illinois, we get a lot of rain/summer showers as well. I'd like to be able to wear the MS band when I'm out without having to worry about it getting damaged.
Anyone have an educated guess of price for band 2?
$199. I wouldn't expect it to go up or down.
check out my UI/UX concept : https://www.behance.net/gallery/27663369/Microsoft-Band2-UIUX-Concept
Very nice!
That's actually pretty fucking sick. We cam hope, especially since this will be running a version of Windows 10.
Yeah jeez I love those! Xbox competing with friends is a great idea
Awesome, please make a Surface Phone concept too (and send it to Microsoft :) !!!
Wow man, that's great work. Send this to Microsoft with your resume :)
Ian, I actually hate your design and ideas... because they are so good that I know the actual Band 2 will never live up to that!
aha, i know. i kinda got a little bummed out when i saw these pictures. hopefully these renders aren't accurate and Microsoft surprises us with something similar to my concepts!
yeah, i was actually a little bummed when i saw these pictures. hopefully these renders aren't accurate and microsoft comes out with something better. and i hope the UI is a little like what i have imagined.
Really pretty. I hope this becomes reality.
I stopped reading when I saw playing music from the cloud. This would require a data plan. Can't imagine that happening.
Or.... Wi-Fi
I highly doubt MSFT would make something as good as this... :( Surprise me Microsoft...
This is just too good! Too good for microsoft second generation device. Maybe Band 4 will look like this.
Love that imagination - that's what Windows and WP need much more of - go and get yourself to the Microsoft design team (if there is one) - please. I will link to your concepts from my "Band To-Go" app Facebook page.
thanks man, mind linking me to your facebook page?
Pretty cool looking but I'd love to see it from the side. Curved screen? If not that's an even larger flat area than the current band. It's not bad but it's just borderline awkward. It this were curved it'd be solid.
in theory it's supposed to be a curved screen, however i focused more on the UI. my design is meant to be for a curved screen, because like you said; if this screen fit onto the band 1's hardware (flat and awkward) then it wouldn't work.
Games?! Did I miss something... This is a fitness band not be a couch potato band.
Also to answer calls and a beamer.
Games for what??? Sick of this people complaining on the device they don't know what is for. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Here we go!! More leaks good work Microsoft and cero surprise for the fans good work!!! :/
You can thank employees or vendors breaking NDAs and what-not for leaks like this.
Unfortunately, that's the norm nowadays. Overeager fans and employees wanting 15 minutes of fame ruin it for everybody else. Just look at once-secretive Apple's event. Every single thing got leaked weeks before, and there's not much anyone can do.
You say that, but look at HoloLens and Backwards Compatibility for Xbox. Both of those were not leaked, barely even thought about.
Soon will be leaks for sure before the event....
This^
Even the Surface Pro 4 has no info leaked out so far. I suppose it all depends on how serious they are concerning secrecy
Leaks aren't necessarily bad Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Hololens was not on production lines in China... that remained within MS bunker in Seattle until reveal just like the original Surface. Backwards combatiblity is software not hardware, it's much easier to keep software under wraps.
Don't forget surface.
Same for the Band 1, it just "showed up" on store shelves.
The HoloLens lab & dev team were litterly kept locked away in the deepest basement MS has more than a few stories under ground. Clearly with good reason.
Well thanks to this leak, I can start saving money for what looks to be a beautiful piece of technology, not all leaks mean negativity
I'm so sick of leaks. Leaks completely ruin the purpose of an official unveiling event. Just for once, it would be nice to be surprised by a presenter on stage at the official event.
I also hate leaks - that's why I'm hoping Band 2 is waterproof.
Nice nice hopefully the price will be close to last year model when it came out. If so its a buy. Posted from space
Hopefully they let us trade in our Microsoft Band 1 for a discount on this one. It would be a nice thing for Microsoft to do for us.
I would jump on it, given the design flaw in choice of rubber coating inside the Band 1's strap. I really hope they fixed that for Band 2.
If we have to wear the Band 2 on the inside of wrist, it would feel even bulkier. Hopefully, it would allow you wear on the outside of wrist like norma watch and rotate the tiles 90-deg for vertical scrolling. My wife just got a Fitbit HR. It is super nice.
I hope it has gorilla glass. these protective films always curl up on the corners and make the whole device just look terrible.
True! We were beta testing for them!
I guess I've essentially done this. Opted for store credit instead of a fourth replacement Band last week. But Band 2 can't come soon enough, I'm having Band withdrawal.
Fourth replacement?
I hope so too because I have an unopened unit that I was saving just for this occasion hoping to at least get $100 off of band version 2.
I wish so like, anything really.
Yup and this as well.
availability in a wider swath of markets
It's no use if you can't buy it right?
Much better contour design! The 1st gen straight design just got in the way half the time!
Looks like the Samsung gear that's not a bad thing
That's gotta suck for Microsoft. So close to the conference.
Yeah... so close, then some moron mucks it up for what, what do they get by anonymously tipping a site of their choosing? :( Messing up surprises for fans
Might have been that the anonymous person got some kind of a payday for this info...depending on how much, could have been way more than worth it
They should fire the person like they did the guy who leaked windows 8.
Wow! Only thing that put me off the original was how horrid it looked.
This, does not have that problem.
Sold!
Will this be good for a smartwatch?
If you don't demand a lot from a smartwatch...
It already does better then most smartwatches. They fail on the watch part already, with a bad batterytime with 'clock always on'. You know, a basic feature of a watch ;)
Uh...you clearly haven't used many smartwatches then.
I'm pretty sure the LG GWAR, LGUrbane, Huawei watch, the iWatch and the Gear S2 are all far superior to the Microsoft band. My GWAR, for example, lasts me easily 2-3 days with the always-on screen. So...
Sure. Only on your wrist. My collegues think different ;) Your credibility is going though the toilet fast....
Not only on my wrist. On everyone's wrists. Except perhaps your "collegues"...who probably don't have any smartwatches.
Go check out Tweakers.net fora then. With NO 'always clock on' you can get 2 days on an Android wear device, but with 'always clock on' ENABLED? No way José. A Band does.
But.... But... You have no evidence of this being inferior in any of those respects! Save your negativity until the day the battery runs out, only then will it seem fact based.
I thought the lead singer for GWAR died, jk, not about him dying, that did happen, sad
My first hem band lasted that same amount of time
That's all subjective...not to mention the fact that the Microsoft Band barely competes with any of the smartwatches out there. The Band is much, much closer to a FitBit, Jawbone, Pebble, etc than it is to a big-name smartwatch. Don't go comparing things that are barely similar and calling one superior over another...
I use Android mostly and have a Band (from when I had my 1520 as well before I bailed on WP for now). I also have gone through the Moto 360, LG G Watch, and Urbane. Nothing beats the simplicity and functionality of my Microsoft Band. I always come back to the band and this second gen looks great. Returned my $149 gen 1 360 yesterday. Android Wear is neat, but kind of a mess (swipe, swipe swipe swipe swwwiiippeee!!). Band does all I need and does it well.
It is meant to be used as a fitness gear, but it has some basic smart watch functionality like notifications, Cortana, typing messages, etc.
Not to forget 'always clock on' + decent battery time. Almost all smartwatches fail miserable on that part. IMHO They should not even be called watches.
Of course. It's even better as a watch. Because battery time is better with always clock on. Better as an app drawer? With Windows 10 IoT it looks to be better then with Band 1. Still, who would want an app drawer on on their wrist is beyond me.
It's not going to run W10 IoT.
Quote in the article: We have heard from our sources that Windows 10 for IoT would power the Band 2, but so far we lack further confirmation on that info.
if you need it for productivity, and basic message/call/facebook/twitter/calendar notifications go ahead.
If you want games, nope....
If you want to use it as a game controller, yep..
Just watch and some basic apps like PayPal, uber, and ESPN.
Love it.
I like it
Looks great & much better than gen 1... but I'm more excited that it could finally be coming to Australia (if the "Surface countries" bit is true)
I hope its water proof. That would be awesome. I would totally replace mine with the band 2
This is sorta the biggy question, I'd think.
Agreed I think waterproofing is a major lacking feature for the band, but not sure its possible with metal contacts not protected with something? And it might mess up sensor readings a bit.
You may be right that it isn't really feasible. But it would absolutely make the product more compelling if MS could pull it off.
Yeah waterproof = many more sales. Then they could make it a car key for when you're on the beach, that sort of thing as well.
What exactly do you mean here?: "Then they could make it a car key"
@Rune new Mercs (I think it's Merc) let you leave your key in the car at the beach and take a special Merc band instead. Be cool if this were the generic version of that.
Great idea... Leave everything in the vehicle, pop the lock by proximity when you return.
My TomTom multisport (triathlon version) is fully plastic+waterpoof
I really really want to buy the band2 but with out a waterproofing feature I may go for the sale off band1 ^^
While it looks much better without waterproofing I can not see myself spending $200 to upgrade.
Honestly I think it might be - if you look at the photos, the heart rate monitors on the strap look to be of a completely different design than the band1, and it looks to be possibly more "watertight" - here's hoping!
Day one purchase. I love my Band and cannot wait for the next gen.
If they have speacial offers for bundles, that would encurage me to get one
Coolgasms!
My question is, will this be scratch prone like Band 1? If it's not and lasts like a week long, I'm sold day 1.
This will use scratchproof glass, the Band1 was more of a prototype/showcase/test that accidently got too popular.
"accidentally got too popular" - are you for real?
That was my impression too. They couldn't meet the demand for a while.
How many scratches have you actually on the glass? I've pointed out in the forums in the past that yes the plastic bezel scratches but it's actually quite difficult to scratch the glass over the display. I haven't had the protector on mine ever since launch and I still have 0 scratches on the display glass(which is actually ALON btw)
Day one, I got a bunch of visible scratches. Not visible when it's on but you can still see them, not deep scratches but they're there
you have to wear it on your arm, not put in your purse with loose coins in it...
Gorilla Glass 4?
I hope this indeed arrive to Mexico (at least we have here the Surface 2, not the Pro, but the RT), meaby I'm gonna see it in the sad and terrible Microsoft stand in BestBuy or something.
Amazon es tu amigo :) http://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/aw/d/B00KHR4ZL6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=144277424...
T A K E M Y M O N E Y ! ! !
Take my soul!
Kan-Ra will be happy to do that for you.
I like the writing effect
Instabuy for me and my brother.
Looks pretty gud
As long as it works, I'll buy it!
I really hope they will sell it in Canada!
I hope so too! Looks like they will, since they're saying it'll be sold in all the same countries the surface is.
And I hope the pricing is done right...they mucked it up pretty big with the Surface 3.
Yeah I thought I would be upgrading to the third Surface, but then I saw the price... I thought the surface 2 had an alright price, even though it was much more expensive than android tablets, but with the surface 3 they boned us europeans hard, with almost doubling the price of the surface 2...
Looks better :D
Day 1 purchase. I hope they've waterproofed it. The rest will be great, as is gen 1.
Looks like a cheap toy, give me something stylish like the Apple Watch.
This is a fitness gear dude not some jewelry piece., what do you expect with all those sensors and a battery?
The Apple Watch has Fitness sensors. I can Wear something like the Moto 360 2 or the Apple Watch anywhere, this thing... no, imagine wearing it in a suit...
I've worn the current Band in a suit. It looks fine.
I wear it every day with a coat and tie I'm an attorneey it goes to Court with me etc.
Wear my band with a suit every day. Looks more professional than my metal band Moto 360 did. The 360 looked dorky as all get out. The band is subtle and professional, IMO. Also, it's commonly accepted to wear fitness trackers these days, especially when my HR/health folks give small bonuses for logging fitness data (for proposed reduction in health issues for active employees).
I wear the Band 1 with a suit, too. I guess only a few can pull it off. Teasing, bro.
then buy apple watch.
And put a price tag of Apple Watch? .. You betta go get an apple watch bro..
funny, I like the look of the Band, the apple watch looks like some $10 watch you get a 10 year old...
Exactly... Apple Watch is really ugly. Chunky, square lump, and most of the bands are ugly
I'd rather have something useful and functional rather than a fashion statement. But in my view, the design is pretty much perfect for my "style" and I can't think of anything i would change to make me like it more (Maybe that's why I'm not a designer!)
I intend to have this on one wrist and a proper mechanical watch on the other, if you want stylish get a Tag Heuer.
No one is going to give you things. Work for it and earn it.
If you think the Apple Watch is stylish then you might want to invest in some glasses
Yeah, bet it doesn't go well with your organic cotton t-shirt and fair trade pair of jeans. For the rest of us normal people, it works just fine.
Looks nice. May pick one up. I'm sure the build is much better now.
Decided to skip the first generation looks like I made the right choice if it turns out to be this band definitely a buy maybe two Posted via the WPC App for Android!
#BringTheBandToCanada !!!!!!!! That is all I have to say.
Agreed, they need to start including us for these if they're to be taken seriously here (Band, flagships, friggin Zune lol)
#BringTheBandToIndia
India?.. +1 .. And yeah.. Saudi as well..
I hope Dell will sell MB2 like they do with SP3..
that wouldn't be bad. I have a dell account :D
I'd love to come to Canada, send me two first class tickets from the UK and I'll bring a spare Band with me!
Our Border security may feel the band is a bomb. There are scary people in the uk .. ;) jk lol
THIS!!! Canada needs more. We never got the 925, 930, 1520, or band. I'm happy to have a Hong Kong country variant 1520, but would have preferred getting a proper Canadian 1520 from Bell or the Microsoft store at Yorkdale Mall.
To true. Bell needs to sell Lumia's!
Please let it have a better clasp! I've gone through three clasps in the past year. My current one is broken and I'm just waiting for the Band 2 to be released.
My clasp broke and I got store credit from best buy. Waiting for the second one which I hope the clasp I better.
This looks fantastic! Can't wait! Will definitely be upgrading mine and my partners v1 Bands. Also, it looks like the optical Heart Rate sensor is no longer on the clasp. But, it looks like there are two metal prongs, which I'm guessing is for ECG, like is what the UP3 uses. That would be a welcomed addition, as ECG data is typically more accurate than an optical sensor (which can be thrown off by a weaker pulse, tattoos, or light hair). ECG also provides more than just the heart beat, so this could really expand the feature set of the Band.
It depends on where though. Optical sensor is very accurate at finger tip, but not your wrist.
Gorgeous.
So no Brazil for Band 2 (Surface is not selling here)? :(
Needs to be water resistant and scratch resistant. Those two issues are deal breakers for me.
Water-proof** the band is water resistant. But yea add some gorilla glass please
The screen of the Band 1 is pretty scratch resistant, its the area around the screen...
It's already "water resistent" against sweat, rain, etc. Seems as good as most electronic devices. But all those contact sensors will preclude it from being water resistent for things like jumping in a pool, etc.
I really hope the band 2 has a good ipxx rating.
Fingers crossed for music playback without needing to carry my phone on my run!
check out my UI/UX concept : https://www.behance.net/gallery/27663369/Microsoft-Band2-UIUX-Concept
I hope it would come as a bundle with the new Lumia 950 or 950 XL.
thats like hoping that your xbox one would include a tv, sorry not gonna happen
Didn't someone have a TV and Xbox One bundle recently? Found it: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2015/08/best-buys-500-deal-bundles-xbox-one-with-40-inch-samsung-tv/ I'd like to see a bundle, even if it was $10 off.
Looks awesome. Hope it comes to India
Does anyone have a guess on where the charge plug is? Maybe on the side rather than under the screen? I reacted to the other charging plate, so hope that's the case!
And it can be yours for *just* $400 and IF you live in the USA...
And anywhere else Surface is sold
as if that means a lot of countries....
Someone doesn't get sarcasm... (The band won't cost $400 you know? I mean it could cost...and sell 10 units)
It'll most likely be the same price as the original band, a nice, cheap, $200 ($180 for me because student)
Because it isn't sarcasm. On Ebay A LOT OF Bands were sold for USD 400 and more. With or without shipping included. Because at launch a Band was only available in the States. If you wanted one, you had to pay serious money. When the Band was available though the UK store, price dropped to a reasonable level.
400USD?.. Explain it
Wrong again. It's available in the EU. Anyway, it says Surface countries, so that means EU too.
You're not only dumb, you can't read apparently.
Here you go http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.314504900 Also, from the UK site It will ship to the mainland. So you sir, need glasses.
That's comment need a good shot of whiskey
Chill out DJCBS. No need to call people dumb just because they're not Nokia/Sony fanboys.
So... why are you still lurking around here again?
REKT....by truth.....lmao!!!! Posted via.........deez nutz!!!!!!
Band 1 hasn't yet got out from US and UK :/ ... Will it ever be available to other countries??
Did you try to read the article ?
Band 1 was a test product, which is why it's only available in the UK and US, and at least initially only in small numbers. Band 2 is likely the first real consumer ready version. As the article states, it will likely be sold in all "Surface Countries".
Tittywinkle
Yep, getting this for sure! I've been waiting a year for 2.0; it's been incredibly hard not to buy a Band but this will be worth it!
Looks sleek.
I thought they were gonna give it a new look, but i guess they stuck to the same design
A band is a band. The screen size is the screen size. But the design and build quality will be quite better. Battery life? Waterproof to 10 meters? Wiereless connectivity? Speech recognition? Finally, what powers the Band? Will Intel build a 14 nm SoC to run the Band?
Just don't get the price to high or my Casio G Shock will still be on my wrist.
I hope it still lends itself to having the display in the inside of the wrist.
Designwise a big step up from the original, at least ergonomically. Now, if we can get music controls... :-) And bloody Cortana outside a handful of countries!!!
Portait mode?!
This. Especially when wearing it on the up side of your wrist this would be a welcome addition...
I wish the Band have screen rotation feature so you can wear it correctly.
Why?
Because you can't wear it on the outside of your wrist like a normal person, as it's almost impossible to use it in landscape mode in that position.
Did you mean to say 'portrait mode'
I'm keeping my Band One this doesn't look to be much of an improvement to me :/
looks amazing. the metal frame gives the touch of premium to it.
Its so beautiful!!!!
PLEASE be more durable
Man, I was expecting a better curved display! It shoulda curved further.... Suck. Looks like the band 1 all over again lol
Bummer. I was hoping for something more impressive
Like apple watch?.. :D .. You are on the wrong ship
Maybe you are, if all you think about it's the Apple Watch.
Wait until the event and proper photos
Hahaha
They shoulda expanded more on UI
But you haven't seen the ui.
It looks like the band 1 by the pic that's shown! The screen looks the same, albeit slightly curved
But that's the lock screen. Its like comparing the lock screens of W10 Mobile and WP8.1 and saying the UI is the same.
I know its not a watch, but god dammit Microsoft, it looks like u don't wanna get ahead!! I'm sorry, I just looks like the last band but curved. Please people. If we're all windows fans then we deserve pushing the envelope! Every "leak" is mediocre... Sorry if I offend anyone but it I what it is
It's ALSO a watch. You know, with a clock and date and stopwatch.
Cool! I like the design of the Band 1, just felt the screen should be curved. To me, this looks great.
check out my UI/UX concept : https://www.behance.net/gallery/27663369/Microsoft-Band2-UIUX-Concept
That's really good !
Agreed. Those are really good concepts, and not outlandish either. Don't see anything there that would stretch the envelope.
That thing is sexy
I really hope it's going to be waterproof. I just can't stand watches that aren't. Such a deal breaker would be a shame.
...and as usual few batches to Us markets and couple of thousand for amazon. Will never see and FEEL this device like the first version.
Huh?
But it sure looks nice and would be a buy, but...
The character limit on plain notifications and email is my biggest complaint right now. Hopefully with a more powerful firmware on this it can offer some more options here.
Wow. Nice new Band!. Now we have lots of old Band owners preparing to sell 'em at Ebay, I hope. (would be a nice opportunity to have one used, as MSFT doesn't give a * about selling it here on south portion of America).
Definatly don't buy a used Band unless you can get it for 50 bucks.
Better have a function for payments #nfc
Hopefully by there hasn't been anything said about what Microsoft it's doing to keep up with apple pay.
They said awhile ago that W10M supported host card emulation, the basic underlying tech that Apple pay uses. Odds are they'll announce windows pay or whatever they call it alongside the new Lumias. I'm not counting on them putting nfc in the band to support it but I also wouldn't rule it out.
Yes, so when you are jogging to do a fast stop to pay the electricity bill
If it's waterproof, lighter, with better battery life, and the same price, I'll get it. Sure hope it has Xbox Live achievement though, that'd be awesome!
Holy cow!
Anyone know where the Galvanic Skin Response sensor was on the original Band?
The sensors on the original band were at the bottom.
Quite ugly renders but I am definitely buying one of these. Been telling myself to hold on the past few months. Can the name do notifications for all apps eg WhatsApp?
Yes.
I doubt WhatsApp. Fb notifications are possible. But with win 10 it would be implemented.
Didn't expect anything less. Isn't this what second generation products should do? Improve. Just as I suspect the 3rd generation to do as well.
I can't ask Santa for Surface 4, 950xl and a MS Band2.... I'm screwed
Looks pretty.
Well, what a bummer. Only Surface released countries :(
Surface is expanding to more countries too.. so...
I need to see how thick this thing is. That's what turned me off from the first one
Looks good like the first one but if its made using the same materials and built by the same cats that built the first one, it better be less expensive than first one. I mean in the 80 dollar range. At least have a replaceable band. The first band lasted all of 6 months and its never been in water, never been abused but after 6 months, you'd think it was in a war zone.
I hope MS store does a trade up offer like they've done before with surfaces and last gen consoles...and you know, they don't mind that my band 1 is completely beat to hell
Let's hope the new phone designs look as good.
The only thing I don't lime about it, is the strap. I wish it would have a strap like on fitbits, where I could still be rubber, but use the classic clasp to keep it on. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Moto 360 has custom straps, and large display to bezel. This band still ugly strap and tiny display, and excessive bezel.
Heart rate moniter seems to be missing.... Isn't it (UK? may be!!!) police department boughts MS Bands for their offices because of the heart rate monitor?
I thought it would be a Samsung gear 2 style watch with sim tray but I was wrong. This looks shit just like the first one. Oh well just have to wait for the band 3.
You probably need to hope for the Microsoft "Watch", then. Chances are that while this thing (and future iterations) is called a "Band", it will stay in this form factor.
Now just make the screen a bit bigger than the last one with an sd card slot, Wi-Fi enabled, can access the store and the ability to play music without being connected to a phone and I'll gladly buy one.
[Nice nice hopefully the price will be close to last year model when it came out. If so its a buy.]² What about using USB Type-C for charging as well? We could all use the connectors from Cityman and from Surface Pro 4. BTW, the same goes for future Surface 3 Update or Surface 4...
looks great, if it is waterproof and covered in gorilla glass 4 its an insta-buy
It will sell like hot cakes again, no doubt, the fitness buffs will eat this up and love it. I can't at all knock it as it will be a good fitness strap. However to me it is useless. Yes yes people have said 100 times ignor the fitness aspect and only use the connection apps....but I don't need all the extra hardware in it, and it still will not do the First and most important feature of a Smart Watch........a Watch Face. If I need a good car and go to Ford, why buy a Mustang, if all I need is a Focus or an Escort....... Nokia had a Watch ready to go that could also sell well with the Band.....is Microsoft afraid of success?????? After all not all of us need a Band to tell us we had a good sleep.....I know that information as soon as I wake up. I even think the step counter in the Moonraker ( Nokia LS-50), was over kill....I know I walk a few miles at work already, it's why my feet hurt after work. I wish Microsoft would wake up and run both Product Lines The Band and The Watch Band ( It even sounds cool).
I agree. They really should release a smartwatch or make the band with a bigger screen with all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch
Hear hear!!! Feel the same way! Its as if Microsoft is deliberately tryna fail. Smfh!!
If it's water proof or at least water resistant, SOLD. I'm on my second band so crossing my fingers.
Take my money now!!!
I know that they had to do it... But using win10 lot will probably mean a reset in all the software features. Hopefully, they will put everything back. I will probably get this one :)
Time to flip me and the wives Band 1.
Looks nice. My Band is definitely showing signs of wear and tear, but I can't really replace it until after the first of the year. Too many other expensive tech toys to buy.
Hey, look! A render that looks premium and is super sexy!
The issue I see with this, and all curved displays, is that wrist size variable. Wider wrists having the case stabbing them on either side, or fitting harshly. Smaller wrists which have the same issues as flat devices; just over-laps too much. Will see how this goes. It was popular, not sure if it was popular enough to have varying sizes... And for some, they may be dissappointed that's it's not as smart watch like as, you know, smart watches, but many may still like the design.
Band 1 come in 3 sizes, why would you think 2 would not? If anything they they will add a larger size as I heard they made some bigger ones for professional athletes
Does it also reveal gorilla glass???
Renders reveal gorilla glass? Come on!!
it would be cool if it had a small speaker built in. I love being able to dictate to my band but it would complete the loop if it could communicate back by reading texts, giving verbal exercise feedback, etc
Band 2 will be mine and looks great.
a smaller screen bezel would have been cool..
Reposted thought I got deleted. lol .. . Only thought BRING THE BAND TO CANADA!
The os looks to be the same from the picture. The Band 2 will be running a version of Windows 10 so I'm not sure of this is authentic.
The bezel sucks.. Looks like band 1
Screen size sucks!!
I'll say it again..... SAME SHIT BUT CURVED! PROVE ME WRONG MICROSOFT
Hope they sell this in Canada
I want the whole collection of hardware announced on October 6. Just take all my monies.lol But for real I want the phone and the band and the Surface early next year.
LEBANONNN PLEASE !!!! Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Music? Pretty please...
hope it's water proof
Considering none of the HR capable competitors are (without a separate HR sensor, ie chest band) it would be nice. However, since all of them use an optical HR sensor and I can only find one specialty product that is waterproof and optical (temple sensor), I think it is a problem.
this is great news I hope that it has gorilla glass as well I hate putting a protector on mine.
I still want more of a watch from Microsoft. Not a band...
MS is not claiming it to be smartwatch.. Its a Band.. It is what it is.. And about a MS smart watch.. Agreed
Yea I know, just wish they would introduce a watch along side this band. Then there's two markets they could sell to.
My only hope is that you can load some music onto it and play via Bluetooth. It would be nice to leave the phone at home.
Yeah, they really need to enter soon before the market saturates again and became late. They can just license at least Windows 10 IoT but for Smartwatches to OEM and let then make smartwatch comparable or better than Android Wear. Then Microsoft can release their own Smartwatch.
Water proof and long battery life
If the real thing looks like this, I'll be upgrading both mine and my partners. She absolutely loves her band, best pressie she's ever had she says. It's helped us both to lead a much healthier lifestyle which is it's main purpose. All the extras such as notifications etc are just an added bonus!
It's just that Some people over here does'nt get this idea ...
Agreed. Waterproof. Battery life. The new TomTom watches look good but this looks really sweet - can't wait to get more information!
Finally!
I'll just drop a blank check at the Microsoft Store.
Ha
Wonderful!
Interesting render but it doesn't jive with the description. The optical sensor is definitely missing from the picture, the two pad set up looks like a conductance based monitor set up. This brings an interesting question because the optical sensor is one of the problem with waterproofing the system and getting performance data. I doubt the optical sensor is under the screen because that would mean the charging system would have to changed too. Either the render is wrong or the system no longer uses an optical heart sensor.
Maybe the optical sensor is on the back of the screen, like Fitbit does...
That would be a big redesign of both the head unit and the charging system.
Looks great. Way more appealing than either of the "flagships". Too bad MS stupidly killed off their Health & Fitness app though as there's no diet tracker in the Health app.
Use one of the connected apps
Yeah, I'm going to have to. Dumbass MS.
I don't know if this is good enough. It looks much nicer than the original, but it's still to chunky, and I'm just not sure the design compares well to other wearables. I thought it would be thinner and lighter, but at the buckle and screen it looks as thick as the original. Secondly, I thought the screen would be a bit larger. I'm also not sure the screen is curved enough. We'll see what the actual device looks like. Microsoft with the 950/950XL and the Band 2 are perhaps 0 for 2 in the design department. We'll see if the actual devices look better. Maybe I'm just being too negative.
Well I find this Band 2 at least the looks isn't bad as 950 and 950 XL. Band 2 is clearly and improvement from the first one. But yeah I wish its got larger screen and maybe bit more slimmer. Also please color options, its a wearable so its very personal device. Maybe Band 3 will be 3rd time the charm.... Also Microsoft really needs to enter Smartwatch very soon or else they will be late again to the market.
Surface Band ?
not sure why I said that though
I'll buy one.
could of had smaller bezel! otherwise quite nice
I was close to buying one but this looks to fix everything that caused me not to. As long as its not thick bastard.
One question I always have with people complaining about the design or function of the original is whether they actually had one. I've had one for about half a year and here are my thoughts. Size: It is not clunky on me, I'm a larger guy and wear a large, but have never had an issue with it looking big. Battery: One day with solid workouts and watch mode on, two days when not using GPS. Smartwatch: Great basic functionality, if you want an app store on your wrist get an Apple Watch, this does the basics (calls, texts, notification, etc.) well. The new one seems to streamlined the design (curved), but I'm not sold this render is accurate.
And... Sold! To the gentleman throwing money.
Looks pretty sweet to me. I'll be looking forward to more info come October 6th.
Just this available every where and make it affordable
Looks great!
I have the band and I find it to be effective and comfortable. When mine breaks id upgrade but otherwise no complaints. New one looks nice though.
Exactly
+1520 no complaints of mine that seemed to be addressed with this, would be awesome for basketball support like golf
With the builtin GPS golf was a no brainer, so much of club selection is "how far is my shot from the hole"
Oh, merciful heavens, that thing looks PAINFUL to wear! Talk about torture! What the heck is Microsoft thinking? Oh, wait, nevermind. Ever since that fool Nadella took over, I should learn to stop asking that question.
And I'm guessing you haven't even tried the first one.
My wife loves her Fitbit Charge HR. I've tried it on. THAT is comfortable. There's no way the Band 2 is comfortable. Plus, I don't see the value of having that on my wrist anyway. I wear a dive watch. A Band would be such a waste of money.
Well the first gen has been comfortable for me and quite functional. Yeah, if I was into diving, I'd wear a dive watch but I'm not. It makes for a great biometric fitness tracker with excellent HR accuracy (I've had reason to have it checked) and gives just enough communication info/options for me to leave my phone in my pocket most of the time. Throw in the Cortana integration for quick notes/alarms/etc and it is quite useful.
for me to be interested. needs better strava integration, as strava is king of social media for workout/gps tracking/sharing needs a camera camera must auto post to instagram, as intagram is the only way to post images on strava for images taken in the same duration of strava effort,.. . nobody wants to have to stop mid ride and fumble around with taking out a phone to take instagram photos. if garmin does this first, i'm not sure if I care about the band
Strava it's already one of the connected apps. As for the rest well, that would be an altogether different larger beast
I'm not sure why people call it a smartwatch and the the usual crowd attacks the Band as a poor smartwatch, say against the iWatch. First of all, its a band, a smartband if you want. It is a full featured fitness device that outclasses fitness wareables and adds some smartwatch features at a price much cheaper then other smartwatches. An iWatch can do things the Band cannot, but then the reverse is true as well. Band was never pushed as a smartwatch since its form factor is clearly of the fitness band variety.
Exactly, a fitness wearable with just enough smarts
Does it have street smarts?
Indeed, Microsoft Band isn't really an answer to smartwatch so it doesn't directly compete Apple Watch or any smartwatch out there. I wish Microsoft should really just enter Smartwatch market before it saturates. Just release Windows 10 IoT for Smartwatch, license it to OEM and let the market rolls.
screen looks little small :/ can't wait to see all the new stuff :D hopefully not too much leaks before the oct 6th event... would be nice to have some surprises left :)
After the HoloLens surprise I think anything is possible, they just don't have enough deep dark basements to keep every single project buried underground. Maybe they should build a new office completely underground and forbid anyone from leaving while something is being developed, then we would have a chance at being surprised for every event!
Hope they included a Gorilla glass this time... They did it, right? Right?
Looks like they are not going to give us some kind of a smart watch, which is a shame. Could've made a great companion for W10. They probably will, Apple once again dominates the market.
I was so hoping Microsoft would cook up a real smartwatch with the looks of a real watch....like a dress watch or something. Nevertheless their band is a bloody cool piece.
It's rumored they are working on a smartwatch. But we know nothing yet.
I don't want it to look like a watch, form follows function, not Visa verca ;)
I meant a watch in addition to this band. I love this band and if I'm not wrong it's probably the best in its category. It I think even doubles as a smartwatch too but for a watch i would love a different form factor.
No 50MP camera, No Snapdragon 820, No 4K Display, No deal!
Omg i was just about to say that.
Windows Phone is doomed.
Let's all go wild and destroy Ferguson Missouri just cause Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
LMAO
So wait a year get a phone then or buy an android.
Looks great. I'm pleased that they've largely preseved the design of the first generation because I quite liked it. I just hope they've addressed the critical issues of sweat seeping into the electronics and the rubber coating delaminating. Oh yeah, and corrosion on the metal contacts.
Looks awesome and hope it hits the market - boding well for the phones ..
It should have good Bluetooth integration with tv and home theatre.
Why?
We can play songs directly from out smartband with cortana
Actually pretty tired waiting for "the next best (hardware) thing from Microsoft"
that finally fulfills what MS has made us believe/expect of the current products. MS better should have some pretty awesome new offerings in October.
One more disappointment. What is with Microsoft and large bezels. The screen should be larger and a bit higher res, and the bezels should be smaller.
Yeah, how else will I watch Netflix in HD while pretending to work out. (Sarcasm)
Excessive bezel, means the display to bezel ratio is even worse than an Apple Watch. Moto 360 has the smallest bezel, maximum display.
Why is it so hard... Not a smartwatch... Fitness tracker with some smart features, different beast.
When Band 1 was released it was said that the plan was to make this as a platform for other fitness companies to use the hardware and develop their own software to integrate with Microsoft Health. Of course as some readers here opined predictably that it won't happen.
I now hope that Microsoft have at least a dedicated team to fully develop the fitness features of the Band because it is very lacking at this point after 3 years of development.
Do you mean software or hardware? In terms of hardware the device is well ahead of comparably priced devices and challenges pricier versions. Take Fitbit for example, it is cheaper than their highest end wearable, yet does more. The unit has more sensors and capabilities than practically every wearable out there, and an independent GPS. The software side could definitely use some development, but the hardware is nothing to sneeze at.
Mmmm It's been awhile since their were any news about project Astoria and porting of apps. Wonder what's going on in that department.
I don't know, but surely posting randomly in a completely unrelated comments section will get you some answers!
Awesome. I know I just picked up the first one like back in January but I'm already hankerin for the upgrade
Overall nice design but I don't like the screen to body ratio, it seems it's quite small. Why those huge bezels? It makes it look like it's some cheap Chinese gadget.
Well unfortunately the screen looks the same as before. Well this is meant to be more like a fitness tracker and least fashionable device. I wish it was but its here anyways. At least the looks great than before, only if there was a color option though.
It is not supposed to be like a fitness tracker, it is a fitness tracker.
Sexeee! Would've liked less bezel, more screen but still an improvement over band 1!
This looks way better than before! Gladly curve screen and slimmer design! Now I wonder though this have color options, since looks not. I wish there is a color options since wearable's are quite personal and slightly fashion devices.
I can't wait to get one! Thank you Microsoft! Much Appreciated!!! Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Nice, batteries on the side was very uncomfortable in v1
Personally haven't noticed them.
only if it will be sold in Canada.
It will Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Prove it only when I see it ..
Posted by an os that seams faster! Than android!
But when you see it there's no need to prove it...
Seems faster LOL
Why are these renders always so poorly done? and the watch is missing so much it looks awful and out of proportion
October 6 can not come fast enough.
Fake as the display area is too shallow to fit the display, processor board and led heard rate monitor, which is not shown on the current place. Someone's idea of a joke...
There are many things about the render that make me question it, but the lack of the optical sensor in it's current (gen 1) location is most troubling. If it were true they would have to completely redesign charging, batteries and the optical unit. I think the impression (more curved) is true but the render itself is inaccurate.
Can we get an actual smartwatch please?
It isn't supposed to be a smartwatch.
I'll get one, hope its waterproof
Ehh, doesn't seem like much of an improvement. I'm still not a fan of dark hardware with light metal accents. Hopefully they offer it in multiple colors.
I hope it has multi color support and higher resolution screen..
I hope they fixed the clasp. My clasp broke and best buy didn't have anymore replacements so they gave me full store credit. I will get the second one as long as the clasp is better.
We've been lucky, wife and I have had no problems with the clasp.
Year, I've got 3 Bands and the claps are all great.
So how does one type on a curved display? I liked how Gen 1 was flat to make it easier to type on.
Looks awesome, I'll upgrade immediately. Hope it has bigger battery
It could be the fanciest watch/smart band ever but if the screen isn't scratch proof this time around i'm not going near it! Hate having to fiddle with screen protectors every month on my Band.
I want wireless charging and a surface Keyboard with a qi charging coil
It's definitely sexier than the first one.
I am hoping that the Band 2 will be able to calculate or estimate Blood Pressure. It has been suggested earlier.
Very difficult to do passively with any kind of accuracy.
Exactly, the watches & phones that claim to monitor/read blood pressure are extremely inaccurate.
The holy grail in the US for fitness might be a good passive blood glucose reading, but alas the best results still require a blood sample.
They really need ANT+ intigration. Actually, this thing is packing enough power, I'm not sure why it couldn't be a full blown ANT+ BTE bridge.
Still have to wear it upside down?
You don't have to wear the original upside down. They suggest to to "keep notifications discrete" but there is no change of function either way. I find it more comfortable display up personally.
All Microsoft had to do is enable portrait mode do to speak On the band where if you're wearing it right side up and turn your wrist towards the time sounds to a vertical position. If it you're looking at the tile screen, they rotate in a stacked position.
You wear it on the inside of the wrist for more accurate sensor data collection, not notification discretion.
I'm just citing Microsoft own reasoning from their website. Personally I see no difference in sensor accuracy in either orientation, and I have no problem reading it when the screen is on top. Wear it whichever way you want, there is no "right" way.
Has anyone noticed that ISN'T an optical hear rate monitor on the underside. Anyone want to place bets they use both ECG and optical for a more accurate read? Music storage and better waterproofing are the only features I am curious about. Don't turn the Band into a stupid app-tastic mini-phone.
Facebook is available again in the contact app...in the section "what's new" I see all the posts from facebook :)
I mentioned the lack of the optical sensor above, it makes me question the render.
Microsoft should surprise everyone and release band 2 and the smartwatch that they never released. Remember the images that were released earlier this year?
That was Nokia's response to the Apple Watch but with the acquisition, Microsoft canceled it.
Impressed. Looks a LOT nicer. I still don't want one though.
Please just add NFC and an LED for a flashlight. What good is the UV sensor?
The UV sensor is a great tool for those of us who are highly sensitive to UV due to illness or medication. Though the times to burn on off, the qualitative measure of UV intensity on "sunny" days helps us plan.
I still think it looks like something you would wear so your patrol officer can track you. I wear mine most everyday, but it isn't for the style.
Please add water proof, gorilla glass screen, and better band material
Two things. Display area looks smaller in width. Not so great for those of us already straining to read the screen. Looks more like it's meant to be worn with the face on the outside of the wrist instead of on the inside which can be easier to read. If render is accurate, at it's angle, then there's no rotation of the screen so that you could maybe read the screen in a vertical positioning. Would I give up my first gen band for this? Will have to wait. Have had mine since Christmas 2014 and battery life has been consistent, although material covering batteries and sides has started to give. Unless the current device decides to die or there's a compeling feature of the new version that I can't live without, I'll keep this one and wait. Ok, if someone else in my family really wants it (none are WP users), I'd happily get the next version and let them have this one.
No way this screen is smaller.
Real question would be, is it water proof?
Does it have altimeter to give accurate altitude?
Well that sucks... I was hoping for a watch this time....
Does it tell the time? Hey, it's a watch!
Add Groove music capability and I'm sold.
This thing is soooo klunky and akward. Who reads off their wrist like that? Please give me a smartwatch soon!!!
#iWantToBelieve
Can I answer to WhatsApp with the MS band?
I'll be happy if it just comes with the ability to dismiss phone alarms.
\ #iWantToBelieve
take the money. looks sweet. to think we have 950, SP4 and Band 2 all about to be released it's not gonna be a cheap few months.
Hope the MS phone team take cues from the MS Band team and add a bit of Metallic Finish to the upcoming flagship phones so that there could be a touch of premium-ness to the phones.
as long as the materials start to peel away within a few months of light use, i'm in!
How about releasing it in sweden this time? Tired of "us" only
availability in a wider swath of markets
This is all I want know! Well, and the price as well since our currency is like s**t now.
I've only seen one single operation wearing the iWatch in the UK since its intro. It doesn't look like its very popular at all.
I was hoping for a little more.
Hmmm I don't like how it looks hopefully I change opinion once released
if it can finally control my music (vol, next, previous) without Cortana, I'm game. this is the reason why I skipped Band 1.
Waterproof! For me this is the most important factor. Difficult I know with exposed metal sensors, but if this is waterproof then it's a no brainer...tbh looks so nice may buy it anyway.
Cant wait for this!
Just perfect. Hope it comes to the Netherlands
If they win with battery life like 3 days or something. Microsoft won for me at least. Bcoz doing whatever with the band as a fitness tracker if its able to provide around 2 and half to 3 days battery life then ppl would say 'shut up and take my money'.
Did anyone notice that width of the screen is no longer 3xheight+, bit strange.
Looks better but still ugly as hell. Huge bezel and the wristband is grey and looks cheap.
Just hoping that the glass is scratch resistant this time.
nn bcb n NBC NBC nn bcb
Bb
It's okay. But I hoped for a different much better design and function. Maybe I'm hoping for a smart watch! Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Really pretty. Just three things I'm hoping for... Less bulky, water-proof and MP3 controls. *crosses fingers*
I hope it's really waterproof. Not like deep sea scuba diving waterproof, but waterproof like I can swim and shower with it. Also, I want it to make me a sammich on demand.
please be waterproof.... when i take a shower and forget to take it off waterproof...
Only if it comes in midnightblue
Waiting for the Tech Sheet on this before comment. Looks nice, but did they add features that customers want like tilt to view time/status and water proofing? Remains to be seen.
Yes, very nice. Big improvement on the appearance! Version 1 was very nice to begin with, but hope the battery life, features, and software is improved also. If so, this could be under a lot of Christmas trees this year. Hope they make enough!
I like watchs but forget to put them on my wrists so I keep a bandless watch in my fanny pack. This one look so good I might try to wear wrist watch again. I wonder how much it will cost ?
My wife likes her, but here is my issue with the band. It could be so much more! I have tried to send MS my ideas about this and I will continue to try by posting here. Make this an admin device. Find a way for this thing to be able to authenticate you on a machine on approach. Find a way to send commands via scripts and Group policies through this based on hand motions and audio commands. I would love to be able to walk into a computer lab and say a 'magic word' and wave my hand in a specific way and adobe reader updates or a critical patch downloads or whatever I have written in a certain script. Plus I have the added benefit of looking like I can perform magic (which is what technology should look like to those who don't understand it). There is my 2 cents....
Looks great. It will be interesting to see if it has any additional functionality. It would be hard to replace my Band with this one just on asthetics alone. I still might, but it would be harder.
I am wondering what the price is going to be! Want one for xmas
cool
I was hoping Microsoft would have something to compete with Apple watch. Disappointed...
Sleek new design... Seems faster 8D
People want games? Oh the irony of games on a fitness watch. :P
hey Daniel! It looks like the windows central community is imploding again! We need another rousing article from you to set us all in order again.
Looking good, hopefully available in Canadian Micrsoft stores this time.
Hey if this has support for Japanese font I'm all in! "The current Surface ones" should mean Japan is getting it too. :D
Let me tell you what are the main issues with first gen: - rubber material prevents you to take of your long sleeved shirt or jacket (EXTREMELY ANNOYING!!!) - durability is so low that buckle completly fell of after 4 months of super light use (no exercise and I am super careful about my gadgets, didn't drop the phone in years) - battery covers peel of after 3 months It doesn't look like they changed much in that respect and I don't expect 2nd gen to last until 3rd gen.
Will be buying along with my new 950XL.

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Band 2 Sensors (expected)

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