Listings for the Microsoft Band 2 fitness wearable have been removed from Microsoft Store sites worldwide. Microsoft has confirmed that they have sold through their current Band 2 inventory and also state they have no plans to release a Band 3 device in 2016.
The Microsoft Band 2 listing has been removed from the "Devices" top menu on the Microsoft Store sites in the U.S. Canada, the UK and Australia. Searching for the Band 2 on those sites also does not bring up its store listing anymore. The company still has a website for the Band 2 itself, but clicking on the "Buy Now" link to the Microsoft Store simply takes you to the front page of the site.
ZDNet got a statement from Microsoft about the removal of the Band 2 from its store sites:
"We have sold through our existing Band 2 inventory and have no plans to release another Band device this year. We remain committed to supporting our Microsoft Band 2 customers through Microsoft Stores and our customer support channels and will continue to invest in the Microsoft Health platform, which is open to all hardware and apps partners across Windows, iOS, and Android devices."
ZDNet adds that it has received reports that the Microsoft Band 2 is also being removed from some of Microsoft's brick-and-mortar retail locations. Listings for the Band 2 have also been taken down from Dell and Best Buy's retail sites, but it is important to note that other online retailers, like Amazon, are still selling the Microsoft Band 2.
Thanks to William and Jim for the tips!
Reader comments
Microsoft Band 2 no longer being sold at Microsoft Store sites, no Band 3 coming in 2016
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My MSBand2 has stop working since Nov 2016. Waiting for the MSBand3.
Just got a Microsoft Band for Christmas 🎄 and love ❤ it so far. Unfortunately it came with the S sized band and it is just enough on largest position. The Pimp My Band app comes handy for some more personalization options if the factory 🏭 ones shipped with Microsoft Band app weren't enough. A bit disappointed 😞 though that internationalization is very limited even with the Pimp My Band app. So now I need to use a Band in English with possible Cortana support, while my location does not support it.
Can they at least open source the software and hardware design so we can rule the world without Microsoft?
-m
I just tried registering my band which I bought 3 months ago and the band has not been shown as one of my devices on the microsoft account. It looks as if all references to the band are being removed.
So is there away we can transfer our data to Fitbit?
Late reply (better than never), but I think I've found a way to xfer MS Band data--at least the past year's worth--to Fitbit.
There's a website called FitnessSyncer dot com that I used to import data from Microsoft Health into it, and it then allows you to export the data to Fitbit.
I was forced to switch to Fitbit today after I took my MS Band 2 back to the Microsoft Store for another replacement due to torn band, and was notified that MS is no longer offering the Band 2, and they offered me any Fitbit I wanted in exchange (I chose the Charge 2).
The FitnessSyncer website appears to work, but my data export/import (into Fitbit) in stuck in a long queue. Currently, I think that's our only option...
I think Microsoft had no choice but to end Band 2 sales and remove stock from stores. For each Band 2 sold per customer needs to be replaced 2-3 times, and in some cases more. At this point they are giving away/ replacing a lot of stock. So a big break between band 2 and 3 is needed, if Band 3 was available now they might have to exchange faulty band 2's with 3's giving away/ replacing stock, not a good position to be in. There will be a band 3 in some guise when we least expect it and it maybe a partnered product like the hp elite.
Pretty much, the Band line was probably bleeding money because of it.
Last update, Cortana no longer works with windows 10 mobile in band 2.
What a shame. I bought a Band 2 to train for the 2016 NYC marathon and am loving it so far. I definitely would've purchased he new version.
Microsoft have declined to repair my band because of the common issue with the strap fault. They are saying this is because it has a tiny scratch on the display and they are classing this as major physical damage, When they wont admit they have not stock left and can't issue me with a replacement and don't want to give me the refund. I am so angry right now.
Should have bought it while it was still in stock. Now i gotta wait till 2017 or 2018 to get a smartwatch.
does anyone know what other wearable besides band2 supports phone / message / app notification? if fitbit just track health then it's not not so good.
A lot of media are reacting to Microsoft Band end of life. (probably the best advertising MS Marketing ever achieved !)
It is very interesting to read articles from "non Microsoft fanboy" sites (such as Apple fanboy sites), their comments on the band being discontinued are interesting... you will read things like:
"I had no idea this existed.....and now it doesn't."
"I didn't know about this product. Nice Marketing, Microsoft."
"Wait... this was a thing?..."
"I'm not sad since I didn't even know MS had a Band. As someone else said, great marketing..."
"wasn't even aware this existed..."
"...Yes, the Apple Watch has Apps, but for my purposes, the Band does what the Watch does not. I am sad to see it go."
"Pity if Microsoft gets rid of it, cause it was one of the better activity trackers."
"This had impressive technology at that pricepoint. GPS+ Heart rate tracking alone is great at $250. But its gone now."
Once again, Microsoft Marketing is barely noticeable vs Apple etc.
The reason is probably because Microsoft has little to no interest in consumer markets and pull all their resources to the entreprise markets (complete opposite to Apple positioning who is well positioned in the consumer market and tries to go to the entreprise side)! Microsoft is a "Cloud" company, a la IBM, whereas Apple is an hardware company and then and OS company.
A real shame as the Microsoft Hardware are usually innovative and quite good, but nobody buys them as they barely know it even exist or it is a "US only" thing in a worldwide market!
Anyway, the consumer confidence is certainly badly damaged now and a lot of long term loyal fans are also abandoning ship since the Microsoft's captain decided to sink it!
:(
I dunno, all of this disappoints me. I really dug the Band2. I wish Mr. Catfish's statements come to fruition but I'm not holding my breath. Besides what would this replacement device be called? Surface Band, Surface Health, Sky Band, Sky Health Band, the Band formerly known as Band 3... As much as I think the next iteration would have been a stellar product it just sadly doesn't seem to be a feasible conclusion that there will be another Health based MS wearable. :-(
don't commit suicide! get HP x3 Elite!
This is the way things are. Time to move on and leave Micro$oft behind. Pity I have to stay on Windows on my laptop.
Im glad I didn't buy into this one. Another failure
I certainly hope that some of Catfish's comments we're genuine. I have used WP devices for quite some time now but not for the love of Microsoft as much as a dislike for Android and iOS (e.g. Transition from WM to WP.) Like others I was actually excited for band 2. I use it daily and am 100% convinced that it contributed to my weight loss. Being a realist I know it will eventually fail (on 3rd one,) I skipped the warranty on this one so without an improved band I will be forced to switch to a FitBit or Garmin, unhappily, unmotivated...perhaps I will be surprised, but this isn't good news no matter how one spins it IMHO.
Do you recommend buying it now ??
Band 3.1 for Workgroups will be huge!
My heart is broken... like the strap of every Band 2 every manufactured. Junk product. 3 of them tore on me when they came in contact with sweat. Utter garbage.
I think MS is clearing the mess in its divisions and joining them into one major one - the successful Surface team - for hardware and one - Windows team - for software as part of their strategy of having it all connected. Software was the first step and now they moved to hardware. There might or might not be a "Band" or a "Surface phone" but if either a wearable or a phone comes, it will come from the Surface team. I hope it does.
Today is a sad day... the Band is dead...
I chatted with a Microsoft UK Store representative this morning who, after putting me on hold for a couple of minutes (seeking internal advice), was honest to tell me that "sadly the band product line has been discontinued" (her words)...
I asked her if I should wait for the band 3 and asked if it will be released in 2017, to which she replied "very unlikely" !
In El Reg today, someone commented that he only got to know the MS Band "thanks" to all the current discontinued/ killing rumours online. He looked at it and described it as a very good wearable, if only he knew it existed before ! (Bloody useless Microsoft Marketing!)
Anyway, I have been the happy owner of band 1 and 2 since day one. this was the perfect wearable for me, the right form factor, all the sensors and tracking (hiking) I wanted, perfect. I guess it will now be time to give a closer look at the Garmin.
A pitty really as the Band 2 was great and I was ready to upgrade to Band 3 whenever released!
A sad day indeed...
It had the potential just not the quality. I went through 3 band 1 an 2 band 2 replacements.
Another great achievement by the almighty Satya ******* Nadella. I hate this man.
First Mobile and now Band..way to go..
MCSFT is a quitter. Can we name all the products they dropped because they could not get it right. Manly because they were late to Market.
When are they going to give up on mobile?
I am down to my last Windows Phone and will soon part ways with it. My wife does love her Band 2 and I am disappointed in MSFT decision on this, but these are the kind of moves that gave me reason to quit on MSFT. Sadly, soon my gaming PC will be all that's left for their products in my world. But I still have my Samsung Blackjack to remember what could have been.
This one I'm pissed about... If I knew my band would last a few years, I wouldn't care. But since its got such bad build quality, I know it will only last a few months. They should offer refund to current owners... They screwed this one up.
This one I'm pissed about... If I knew my band would last a few years, I wouldn't care. But since its got such bad build quality, I know it will only last a few months. They should offer refund to current owners... They screwed this one up.
Should I sell now or later when the value has dropped to rock bottom? THAT'S the question! Might actually keep it and buy another one when the price does fall for my partner. She'll probably never use it though.
Its quite depressing seeing so many people not using their head to think with. Microsoft Band 2 have some issues , and some bad issues at that. The battery in the band was made of poor quality that made it not charge within a period of 6 months. The rubber in the band it self sometimes tore and broke. I have returned 5! Of my band on warranty bases and Microsoft have been awesome replacing them all with brand new units. Sadly I am not alone doing so. To fix this issue they have to redesign and make big changes to the band 2 and that isn't an option when they have worked over a year on the next version of the band. So what they are doing is stop selling the units before the stock have all run out. The remaining units in stock will be used as warranty devices for as long as the stock last to still meet the warranty requirements for the consumer. But don't worry folks , there will be a "band 3" or "Surface band" or whatever they are going to call it but we do have to wait a couple of months. :)
Band 2 actually was a very good device to which Microsoft (Nadella) failed to promote/launch everywhere. In Nadella's regime Microsoft has been unsuccessful to execute its Mobile & Wearable strategies. I think, Nadella should voluntarily leave his position for people like Joe Belfiore.
its weird to think a few years ago i was all ms. surface,wp,ms services and xbox. slowly ive replaced them all with apple products because they just work and i know apple will be there. come november i might say bye to the xbox for the ps pro. its a shame really.
You know that you are becoming disenchanted by a platform when you first time consider uninstalling the Windows Central app. That's were I am now. Just cant take any more sad news. Sorry.
This is getting annoying now. I'm trying to convince my brother to not buy a Windows Mobile device so bad. They just butchering products like its crazy. Imagine when the windows mobile market hits less than 1%. WhatsApp, Facebook and other major companies will stop developing apps for this platform. I better start saving some cash to buy a mid range android phone before I loose my mind. The uncertainty of this company is just getting into me.
Lol. Band 1 a d Band 2 are expensive, Microsoft will not learn to sell product with less price.. Which idiots will pay more for microsoft band same thing they did for Lumia 950... Idiotic Microsoft please reduce your product price to 50%, so that at least people will think of buying your products .. Lol... Windows platform does not have good apps and many official apps support are ending... It's time for officially announce to stop windows 10 mobile. And of course if surface mobile is true then it Will be bogger flop than windows 10 .... Any ways it will be flop because you people will definitely quote higher price with no better hardware and apps... So good luck for your next flop produt
P.S Microsoft fan....
Admittedly, I wouldn't mind seeing them removing the Band 2 SDK and sending out a completely new one for existing Bands. Yeah, I know... keep dreaming. I haven't entirely given up on them. If they see what Samsung and Apple are doing, and they really want to compete, they'll release something. It is true, though, they only stated that there would be nothing in 2016. That gives hope for 2017. Not giving up yet.
I can see Surface Band from a mile away.
When's Xbox and surface gonna go.
Can we at least have Band 2.5? The Band 2 interface is perfect. We jsut need updated straps. :( I have to go replace mine now due to the splits.
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Ha Ha Ha. More disappointment keeps coming. The last down the ladder is Windows Mobile.
Microsoft, is always killing off things that actually work in design and technology. Things that have potential to beat the others. Nowadays, they're pushing updates and releases towards the Xbox seems, like a constant reminder that it COULD be next! The kind of philosophy with these 'letdowns' that Microsoft has built in the minds of the public (fans and non-fans alike) is scary enough. No one's gonna want to invest in it anymore. Even, if the Surface products hit next year, that won't go far. It's not pessimism. It's a realism that the Microsoft philosophy has bestowed on me now.
EBay has band 2 sales heating up fast. Kinda funny to watch the prices going up already
Look on the bright side: The article says that the Band 3 isn't coming in 2016. It doesn't say that it isn't coming at all. For all we know, the Band 3 could be coming in 2017 or something.
Although if the Band 3 never happens, I really hope that a Windows Watch comes out to replace the Band line. That'd finally give Windows 10 Mobile users a Windows-exclusive smartwatch, like how the Apple Watch is iOS-exclusive or how Galaxy Gear is exclusive to Android.
As long as the continue to replace them under warranty, I'm fine with this.
So now we need an review of viable alternatives. My band1 just broke today.
"Viable" it's a relative term. Fitbit is obviously out in front here but even there you'll find gaps in the capabilities compared to what Band does. It's mainly MS's fault as they don't support the GATT tech required for some of the functionality and we won't see that on W10m production until RS2.
I'd question Fitbits continued funding of W10m development at a time when MS seems hell bent on destroying their own presence in mobile. That said I am really happy that they do.
Surface phone and surface Band coming? lol
:(
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Dead.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Seems like MS has no major hardware for 2016 other than Xbox One S. Not the end of the world but very disappointing. 2017 better be much stronger. Xbox Scorpio, Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 5, Surface Phone, Band 3?
Sad thing... I was talking to MS folks at Ignite last week. The security area where they were talking about the companion framework. They had non MS Band wrist bands to demo with. I asked about the band, they said they had the bits and it was already working but they were not part of the band team and did not know why it was not out. Basically, the MS Band already supports the Windows 10 Companion Framework for login.... but won't release it! What the @#$#@$@#
I wonder if decomm of HealthVault app, renaming of the Health app and decomm of band 2 @re all related?
That's gotta be the dumbest thing I've seen a company do. They hyped the crap out of Band 2 and health and then do a complete 180 and toss it all in the garbage. I hope they at least had a basketball hoop on the garbage can.
"no plans to release another Band device this year" != "no plans to release another Band device next year"
I don't understand MS. I think when ballmer was in charge he was trying to get MS to be like apple. Make their own products, but allow third parties to make stuff too because that's the pc side of computing. Of course the execution was off but the surface line gave them the foundation to work off of. But the shareholders are impatient and they want results and ballmer hasn't shown results so he gets shitcanned for nadella mr cloud. He changes direction, gets the shareholders all happy but pretty much reverses' everything that was being worked towards to be back like old MS where it's just the OS and software that matters. but kept Surface since it was now making money. Plus it seems that if whatever MS creates doesn't explode in popularity within two generations they just pull the plug. But half the time the execution is half assed which didn't help it's cause.
Seems to me this is the end of the line for the Band. I can't imagine some genious at Microsoft came up with a plan to kill a current product without annoucing it's replacement, only to wait until everyone jumped ship to annouce a v3 of this product. Unless the folks at Microsoft are all out to lunch, this signals the end of the line for the Band. It's too damn bad, I don't know if there is another wearable out there that works as well as the Band and works with Windows Phone. Microsoft is getting an A+ for killing all reasons for Windows Mobile users to stick around.
I'll be first to say I'm sorry if somehow this Master plan comes to life and blows my mind. Until then, I will continue to use my Band 2 until such time as it no longer works or is supported.
They killed the Lumia line without confirming the Surface phone. They do it all the time
Spot on windows fanboy or fangirl
Fitbit does. They have an app. The only issue is, whether or not Fitbit continues support for the long term. I'm glad I just got mine replaced. Hopefully, it will last for another year or so.
no band 3 but maybe watch 1 ?
I can hardly believe all these efforts in implementing this marvelous product going to oblivion...
Long as the software/updates are maintained I be wearing my one of a kind band2 !!
Good becuse that's what all People would do
... Or the strap breaks...
Hoping wearables and the IoT just goes away. They're part of Petreaus' surveillance honeypot.
stupid MSFT. Honestly Nadella is scks, all he cares about is "productivity" "cloud" "business". Never once has be mentioned he places MSFT customer first and foremost..
True I feel like I'm second class
So lets figure this out.... Microsoft says they are giving up the consumer market for mobile and focusing on the enterprise/corporate. Now they are dropping the Band (at least for this year, but probalby gone for good). The Surface (not the pro) which was a consumer tablet with ARM processor is dead. I am thinking that unless MS is hugely successful in a a particular consumer market, they seem to be leaving this market and going corporate. I know Office and XBox are around. I also realise that anyone can buy a SurfaceBook and a Surface Pro and a Windows 10 Mobile. I am thinking it is time to accept this new world and new Microsoft. Too bad I like Windows 10 Mobile, I was thinking of getting the Band, but wanted to get the one running a Windows 10 core. So I guess I better decide on Android or IOS....
"The Surface (not the pro) which was a consumer tablet with ARM processor..."
The non-pro Surface 3 is not a tablet with ARM processor.
You are right. My bad forgot the Surface 3 had the intel processor. Thank you!
It's not a "new" Microsoft. They were always focused in the business market but also sold their products to consumers and the synergy between them is what made MS what it is. Xbox and Band were branches that are consumer-focused but are not part of the whole company strategy. And both of them weren't hugely successful - Playstation always sold more and the Band, well, I've never seen anyone using it. In my expectations, I don't know if a new Xbox is coming but a new wearable which might not be exactly a "band" will certainly come but with more productivity and less fitness focus.
Bastards
Most Band2 owners I know are on their 3rd Band at least, this product is just badly designed
Having to replace them for so many customers multiple times deletes any chance of making money on a product so I was surprised they were still selling these at stores.
The Band1 was never supposed to e a real product, Microsoft was just showing off the capabilities of their health platform so combined with the build quality issues it makes no sense to keep going with Band. They'll have to figure out a better solution for the band itself so it doesn't tear and make it one size fits all if they ever do a Band 3
Having owned Band 1 and Band 2 and having to replace both for different reasons - Along with all the other stories you hear about them being replaced, I'm inclined to agree. I don't think replacing pretty much 100% of the devices sold was going to hold up forever.
It needed a replaceable strap which isn't possible with the current setup due to how the components and sensors are distributed.
Dan Rubino said on Twitter something about them having found a hardware partner for the product that would be able to replace the MS Band line - Not sure if that's just a guess or from sources he has
At last a sensible comment. They were losing money on Band 2, why should they keep selling it?
Because it's about the bigger picture, band supported the W10m platform better than anything, and provided some level of parity with the completing platforms.
All I see here is another reason to leave this sinking/sunk ship as this move further undermines W10m.
Indeed my wife has just switched to Android and is not taking the MS services with her.
How? The Band 2 doesn't work with Windows 10.
Advertising direction for all there products lack that awe inspiring moment, that I definitely need that moment, that only on this product moment. What sets the surface apart from every other win 10 2-in-1 on the market other than design, or the band from every other smartwatch-fitness wearable. The only innovative device they have currently is the Hololens and they are killing all interest in that device by the time it comes out. While being very expensive. It's meager specs might not be able to run any thing smoothly enough by the time its release. Like the Surface hub they presently have, that other companies are already 1 uping them.
:( As a famous newcomer to politics might say, "NOT GOOD."
Dang it! I loved my Band and Band 2. Sure I had the battery fail issue, but the second one works great! It looks good and is more functional than the other fitness trackers.
My issue is MS MARKETING! So they even have a marketing department?
I see better marketing at lemonade stands.
I had the battery fail issue on my Band 2 (dead) and the replacement has very poor battery life. Up to 35% loss in a 7 hour sleep tracking session :-/ I need a replacement for my replacement damnit
Two attempts to get band right, and both were not of merchantable quality. Had 4 band 1 and now returned my wife's 3rd band 2. One with the battery covers that fall apart, and the band 2 with the comedy of issues! Split bands, damage to the clasp mechanism when taking it off for charging, 'paint' peeling off around the HR sensor, no coating on the contacts to stop irritation....and so on. I ended up with serious skin issues due to the nickel reacting was salt in sweat. Granted MS did their bit, after I reminded them of the Fitbit law suit, and allowed me to try another one with a display dock thrown in for my 950xl. Alas, the band 2 caused the same issues. They refunded me and I bought a Fitbit blaze. Due to Cortana and Keyboard issues, I dont miss the band. I dont miss the notifications either.
They need to make sure any future device is PROPERLY tested!!
Good point about FitBits, even though they don't support notifications this might not be a big deal to a lot of people
Well, I don't personally know someone using a wearable device, so does this mean wearables are dead?
No, they're not dead, but they're part of a niche market that will never grow as smartphone market grew 5 years ago.
You must not know any healthy people then. Fitbit's company has been growing year on year and sports wearables are now a multi-billion dollar business. Sure, general wearables have not been as big a success as smartphones, but they are growing unlike the saturated smartphone market which is now reduced to single digit growth.
What's this witchcraft in the articles main image? The band is charging yet doesn''t appear to be connected to any charger
Phone I use is Lumia 950 xl. What should my replacement fitness wearable be for Band 2?
Depends if you need a heart rate monitor or not. The Fitbit Alta is a nice sleek alternative, though you won't be able to get phone notifications because of how W10M works as a phone/wearable server. If notifications are important, then perhaps buy a Band 2 via Amazon before the last few sell out.
I think Fitbit Charge 2 is a better fit. Alta is too basic, without even a heartrate monitor.
You can get compatible fitness trackers, and even more if you just need PC support. FitBit will do the health tracking stuff; just not notifications right now.
It also will not show a live feed of your current heart rate on the phone. I find that quite useful for interval training at the gym.
Maybe they will finally give me money back for the piece of crap one I have. It does not work, strap is torn almost in two, and they voided my warranty. Wow.
Getting rid of music pass will be my last straw. I should keep quiet before I give them any ideas -_-
I hope they can swap mine out again when the strap fails again, love the Band2, all it needs is a stronger strap!
I can't wait to get an Android phone and smartwatch!
Wow. Look at all the dislikes. You know it's true. The only smartphones I've EVER had were running Windows but I know it's time to jump ship now. I am probably one of Microsoft's biggest fans but I want the best Microsoft experience (which is on Android) and I also want a usable and customizable phone (also Android).
Yeah
I get a sense that the 1st one was a 'prototype', There was a secret release. I got an email a few days early, that the were going to sell it, I call the store and no one knows what I was talking about. Go there the day of release, and snag one before it sold out. I was told that most of the empolyees did not even know it was being reased that day. My understanding was that it was a piece of hardware that was designed to test many things. Thus limited 1st run, sold out for months, but popularity demanded that they make more. The overall problem was that there were design issues (with the band itself pealing, cracking etc), so they quickly re-designed it and released the Band 2.
I think that they over engineered the Band 2. There are some of us that actually use it for heart rate monitoring, and it does not work when exercising (I compare it to my polar chest belt). The Band 1 worked almost flawlessly. Then there is the sudden 0% charge issue that is very common. I recently had my Band 2 replaced a 3rd time (my work partner has gone through 6 in the last 10 months). The last time the girl at the store told me the problem is using a power brick to charge the band will spoil the battery, and that is the cause of the problem. Thus use a slow lower mA charger like on a USB port on a computer and that will prevent the battery from getting spoiled and preven the sudden dead band that is prevalent.
My suspicion is that there are many quality control issues, and software issues that still need to be ironed out. If they can fix them (and maybe they have all the data from Band 1 and Band 2) then a Band 3 could be possible. Personnaly I think there will be a Band 3 at some point, but probably after some of the other hardware that is proposed (Xbox Scorpio, Surface Book 2, Surface Phone etc).
I'll bet a dollar that MS announces it is buying Fitbit before the end of the year
is fitbit up for sale? i thought that was one company that was actually doing well in the market?
LinkedIn was doing well and Microsoft bought them (in process). Fitbit are on a growth seeking phase now, so if Microsoft are gonna make an offer they need to do it now, before Fitbit gets too big. Also with Apple recently remarketing the Series 2 Apple Watch as a fitness device (rather than a designer watch), perhaps Microsoft also want to control that market going forward.
Wouldn't be a stupid idea if they got it at the right price. AFAIK Fitbit are the leader in the fitness wearable space right now, and also are cross-platform already; like the Band.
In capitalism EVERY company is for sale. Every company can be sold if someone with the money to buy it appears.
I hope that Microsoft replaces the Band with an actual smartwatch. I want a real smartwatch, not just a fitness tracker. I also want something that looks good enough to wear to the office, not just to the gym.
Posted via my Moto X Pure Edition using the Windows Central App for Android
They won't. They make software.
Great.... so when my Band 2 band inevitably tears again, I guess I can't just swap it out for a new one in store anymore.
My Band 2 has been awesome, people dissing it or calling it unfinished - well that's not my experience. Its sensors are exceptional, it's served me well and in fact based on the sleep monitoring it did I became aware of a sleep disorder I didn't know I had, and my doctor confirmed the results after further diagnosis and testing. The announcement is that they have "no plans to release another Band device THIS YEAR" so why is everyone saying band is dead. This year does not mean forever. Quit jumping to conclusions based on Fox News style "facts" and lets see what happens in 2017.
I'll echo your Band 2 comments. We'll see what the future brings.
Yes, I love my Band 2. It does worry me the MS does not advertise its products and then wonders why they fail. I hope there is a Band 3, and a Surface Phone for that matter.
Unless there is nothing to see.
Unfortunately a good number of people on this site are excited any time something bad happens to Microsoft. They can't wait to see Microsoft go down and any time there is any kind of news that does not look good they start clamoring for Microsoft to go bankrupt and just stop trying and sell the company.
Why these people like to spend their time hating a company and wanting less competition in the market is beyond me. It has been well proven that it is never good to have few competitors or worse just one company. I do not like Apple nor Google (Alphabet, whatever their name is now) but I certainly do not wish them to go away. I like the innovation all companies provide and the exiting of a company is not to heralded as good news. I would be sad if Apple was in this position rather than Microsoft. Even though I cannot stand Apple, I would never wish them harm.
I assume you don't use Cortana on your Band then, which is cool, I imagine a lot of people don't, buy that is where the majority of my problems lie.
That and it only measures heart rate when you are exercising.
It's for these reasons that i wish I had gotten a Fitbit instead, as they are cheaper, have longer battery life, 24/7 sensor and, while they don't have Cortana integration, it didn't work anyway.
I know this is too optimistic in thinking but the "no Band 3 coming in 2016" doesn't mean they can't announce the Band 3 this year for release in 2017.
If they've disbanded the entire Band team it kinda sorta sounds like it will be hard to develop a new Band, don't you think?
I can't remember her name but I think it was Laura somebody who did the Band 2 reveal presentation; anyway she put on Twitter a little while back she was leaving and moving elsewhere to work for another company. Wonder if it had anything to do with this. AFAIK she worked within that team on the marketing side of things
Looks like microsoft are done with anything consumer expect the Xbox one
and Surface line obvi
And you look at the PS4 Pro specs and you wonder... "Is now the time to jump ship on this also?" It's no wonder there are some great deals on xbox S right now!
Definitely not the right time, in 12 months you'll be in the same situation looking at Scorpio that's more powerful still. For the sake of the consumers MS and Sony need to re-sync on release schedules for further upgraded consoles IMO - For our sake rather than their own lol
Nadella wants to shut down anything that doesn't bring money to Microsoft.
Good riddance! Ugly mofo
Just to add, i bought a zune, ms band 1, my wife has a band 2, bought 3 windows RTs for my kids. Typing this on a lumia 830 and my wife has a 640xl. so the question is : What has msft done to instill an confidence in any new product. I was planning on upgrading to a band 3. Not now i guess.
Stop buying the products I like, every one you buy gets cancelled ;-)
Great timing, just as the strap on my first replacement looks as if though it's about to split open... again. Twelve more weeks and we'll be set into a new year, 2016 has been lacklustre (hardware wise) from virtually all the big tech giants.
******* hell, only 12 weeks to go. **** me that went quick
Why bother have stores anymore. Phones are disappearing. Bands are dead. Store displays will have i-phones with minecraft and office apps
Might as well close the stores.
Maybe this is the reason Nadella canceled the Band so he could close the stores?
But wait. Nadella introduced a new piece of hardware today. Its a book called A cloud for global good. Any Insiders to hunt down bugs in this book?
Yeah that tells you all you need to know about Nutella. Cloud this, cloud that. Cool hardware to access the cloud services, f-that!
Poor Microsoft... they just can't seem to come up with mobility or wearable devices that consumers want to buy :-(
Because their designers are idiots. Look at the clasp on the band. It's horrific
I hope they end up developing a new one. The Band is a great fitness tracker.
Good I wouldn't have bought it anyway. Maybe next time they'll release a finished product that works all the time instead of half the time, doesn't require a restart every day of the week, and doesn't start crapping out after a month.
And maybe next time they won't purposely withhold features from the new gen product that could easily be brought to the 1st gen device which shares the same specs.
Now I don't agree with all of that but the witholding features thing was annoying for sure!!
Who needs a band when it will be replaced by bots anyway.
I don't need a Band. I've got my web browser :-p
Why buy anything from Microsoft when, in the back of your mind, you're thinking "Wonder when they'll throw in the towel on this line?"
Classic MS. another failed product. another wasted fortune.
Well in addition to all of that they never updated their servers so that Fitbit notifications would come to wphones. So when the 950 us paid for our breaks its an android or iPhone for me should've bought one instead of the 950.
Now now, they've announced the required GATT server will be part of RS2. I'm so glad they're implementing this cutting edge feature so quickly /s
Also, the good news is that the HP Elite X3 is now on display in all the Microsoft stores I checked on, and they have stock! Bought one today!
Thanks for staying the course.
I love my Band 2, but i'm so frustrated with Windows devices right now I will probably switch to an iPhone and fitbit pretty soon
Im frustrated with their inability to stay active in the mobile space for sure. The Band line was a solid attempt, but in an overly saturated market. I've been thinking about switching away from Windows Phone to an S7 Edge. I've adored the platform since getting my HTC trophy in 2010.
I had switched to android and just switched back to wp... Bern using Windows phone since wp7 and just love it too much
I want a Band 3 soon, everyone in the family does. I will preorder at least 2 the day they are announced, surface phone too...
Well the Band was always a flop. It launched almost nowhere and it never presented ANYTHING extraordinary or that other health bands don't offer better and cheaper.
I think if Microsoft is wise they won't ever produce a Band 3 and focus on their Microsoft Health platform which, as they saynin the statement, is cross platform.
Again, leave the hardware to those who know how to do it and focus on the software. Which is what MicroSOFT was always supposed to be about.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Does anybody put data INTO Ms health except band users? I send mine OUT to Strava since they don't have a W10 app. I don't see the incentive for third parties to put their data into MS health by default when there are more popular options already....stava,endomondo, android health platform, apple health platform
That's why Microsoft must improve their software offering. As long as they don't present consumers with a reason to use their service, people won't do it.
Too bad I was looking forward to the band 3. Well msft better get that GATT server running ASAP on Windows 10 mobile so we can make the Fitbit devices more useful then just a HR monitor and step counter.
That'll never happen
Well I got this from the Dev team a couple of weeks back.
"The Bluetooth team is hard at work adding GATT Server APIs to Windows and we expect GATT Server should be in the Windows Insider Preview builds and SDK later this year. When APIs get added in to the OS and SDK, any developer can start updating their app. Once the next release of Windows is available, any app that want to use these new features will be able submit an update to the Store.
Clint Rutkas [MSFT]
Admin, Windows Developer
"
Nadella has ruined too many aspects of Microsoft.
I wonder what the Microsoft presenters will wear during a Microsoft Event?
Probably Rolexes bought with money made on great business decisions such as this one. /s
Can't wait to see statement this from MS:
"We have sold through our existing Lumia 950/XL inventory and have no plans to release another Windows Mobile device!"
Coming Soon!
thats really coming soon....not trademark'ed coming soon!
Mine broke for the second time this year, so I took it back to Argos and got the money back in Xbox vouchers.... Lots of games goodness for me this holiday :)
Nothing new to see here please move along...
Thanks Nutella!
What a slap in the face!!! .... well there been many slaps on our faces so now we have to get used to it.
anyways it sounds like if not this year then something next year!!!!
We'll probably see apps developed for Apple Watch and Android Wear. The new Microsoft is about providing the service for all devices- if they're having trouble selling their own hardware, they'll likely make an app for the devices that do sell in the hope that people continue to use those services.
Booo. Was hoping for another sale to replace my wife's band 1. That sucks...
Band 2 is the only electronics in recent years that excits me, and the only one in my life I pre-ordered. Its functions fit my lifestyle and needs very well, I really enjoy using it.
It seems Microsoft is slowly leaving the consumer business in chase of quick profits. I don't like that.
I agree with the current CEO on his vision of cloud first and mobile first. But I cannot agree with him on his business practice.
My life has not changed at all as a result of this.
Band 2 was severely flawed. My first Band 2 split completely across where the metal ends and rubs against the rubber. Microsoft sent me a replacment that was clearly used and already had a small split in the same place. They've now sent me a 3rd that I expect will last for 6 months or so before I'll have to replace it with something else.
I hope the continue with wearables, but they really need to fix the design.
Yeah, mine lasted all of two months before it tore. My replacement has the thicker rubber, and it's so far so good. I don't expect it to last much longer, which is quite sad for a wearable.
Mine is having issues and I would like a replacement. Is this still possible?
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
You are still covered under warranty so they can still exchange it for a refurb (this is what they always do anyway). I need to get mine replaced too. My replacement has crappy battery life. Just got the replacement a couple weeks ago
Im glad I replaced my non-functioning (i.e., wouldn't charge) Band 2 over the weekend. I wonder how MS will handle these issues once stock runs out?
Other than the four countries mentioned it's almost impossible to purchase a Band anywhere else and being constantly in and out of stock what did they believe would happen. Microsoft are far too big not to have a clear roadmap for devices divisions.
I don't know if I can keep trusting in Microsoft's products...
If you don't know, I'll tell you: you can't. Nobody can because the future is too uncertain. Apart from a few "retrenchment" statements, Micro$oft keeps shtum, plus has a proven record of abandoning several projects and leaving their customers standing in the middle of nowhere.
In my eyes, they have "retrenched" from a trusted technology provider to a completely unreliable company. All that within no more than two years since Nutella took over.
Yeah, I agree. Amazon still sells the latest pieces at least!
best place to buy from if you are going to buy a MS product, amazon are fantastic, MS wouldnt replace faulty band under warranty, so told amazon and they sorted me out instead, and this was after 4 months (not 30 days)
My Band 2 is the last bit of MS hardware I own and use regularly. At current pace, it will be my last. As I move away from MS on more devices, the less I need their apps and services. I already gave up on OneDrive after they pulled back the storage. If I'm going to pay for the storage I need, I'm buying something that is more reliable. I never saw myself as a Apple customer, but with my dislike of Google and MS slashing and burning, that's slowly what I am becoming. How scary is that?
"I already gave up on OneDrive after they pulled back the storage. If I'm going to pay for the storage I need, I'm buying something that is more reliable." - that makes no sense what so ever. OneDrive is completely reliable - you're crying because they reduced the FREE space and then saying you are going to go and BUY somebody elses cloud storage? Eh? That's just cutting off your nose to spit your face.
No, OneDrive is a terrible experience for me. On Apple devices, you must allow "always on" location to enable background uploads. Why is that necessary? And even then, accessing your gallery on the OneDrive app is slow compared to others. I have fast broadband, yet scrolling through pictures results in blurry images until a higher quality version appears. Again, competing services are seemless. I Use OneDrive at work with office 365, and I get sync errors all the time. I have to login at least once a week to save files to it. I'm not an idiot when it comes to using these things, and a call to IT suggests I'm not alone.
And yes, I need more space than the free account provides--both before the storage downgrade and after. Yes, I am willing to pay for extra storage versus selling my soul to Google (Photos). A dollar a month is livable, but it's not going to OneDrive. And my point about reducing the free storage was just an example of another consumer kick in the face from MS. Again, if I'm willing to pay, it's going where I get better service. That isn't OneDrive.
Rumor has it that Microsoft is in late stage negotiations to acquire fitbit.
It will buy fitbit and then will go into retrenchment mode and abandon it.
If MS cant figure out how to run W10 on the Band, im not sure they'll have more success running it on fitbit...
Great, if the first thing they do is open the GATT servers so we can get get smart notifications on the Windows fitbiot app for Mobile and PC.
dont know why u guys are complaining. band 2 is ahead of its time, and can easily aquire one on ebay through 3rd party for like 50 bucks. if you are still on band 1, this is a great time to own this. as WP owner, all features still work from music, to texting, and microsofts health app is superb. There's really no need for this to be upgraded just yet. All I see are whiners brainwashed into a yearly upgrade that apple started.
Its not just about not releasing a new band, its the withdrawal of stock from shelves so no one can purchase one. Are your rose tinted glasses so thick you cant see the issue? How much good is being ahead of your time when you cant purchase one of these future devices?
you can easily buy them on ebay.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575095911&t...
Why areyou even ********? Do you even use one or pretend you give a **** about other peoples issues?
They have a history of quitting to charge after 4 months or so. Unlesss you're really close to a MS brick and mortar store, it's a pain.
Well, too bad.
Microsoft would be well advised to stay in the Band product line.
Guess I will be eying the Fitbit Charge 2 then.
Can we use these with W10M, just not for notifications?
I just bought one last week after my band 2 quit working. It's great but would be even better if MS would open the GATT servers to let us get smart notifications like Android and Ios get. ARGH!
I hope that they ultimately do make another "band" category device or work out something with Google and get android wear on Windows phone.
Microsoft gives the mddle finger to the cosumer market under Satiya Nadela. They're offering business services and they're letting google beat them at it. no phones, no bands, crappy outlook.com client on the web, none of the major businesses want to offer a business app for their mobile platform. They're going to turn out to be just like IBM. IBM only has watson to talk for them. Microsft will only have cortana with bots integration to talk for them. Good luck M$
Just wait until they start closing the brick & mortar stores.
That's a real shame. The band 2 was the best fitness device I've used. Typical Microsoft, kill off anything that's of any use and pour resources on stuff few want or need.
awwwwww,
Though the experience as been interesting for me. I never wore anything on my wrist until band1. Never felt the need for one. I still look back wondering what a band gives me and whether it actually helped improved myself in anyway. I still record workouts and sleep but I never look back at it.
My biggest take away from the band is a phone companion for notifications really.... I'm kinda back to, do I really want to wear a watch all the time again? It's interesting, a few times lately I've forgotten to put the band on.
I just took my Band 2 back to Best Buy yesterday for warranty exchange. They had none in stock and none to order. They had to issue me a refund.
I bought mine from BB too with the extended warranty. I was wondering how they would handle that. Thanks for the information.
I was waiting for the band 3 but now I think I'll opt for the Garmin 235
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