Monday Poll – What do you think of the new alleged Microsoft Band 2 renders?

I'm effing buying it. They fixed the one thing I disliked about my 1st Gen band

What was it you didn't like? The flat screen?

yes. and the simple fact that it was a 1st gen. hoping this will be windows 10 aswell and longer battery.

I think it looks great I just wish it had no bezel around the screen.

Same^ or at least a much smaller bezel... but I'm still a day 1 buyer. I've been waiting for this since I returned my v1.

Same too ^ Was hoping the screen was a tad larger, 10-15% or the bezel was a littel smaller. Or both. 

I agree. Actually, i wish they would comeup with 2 or 3 sizes. Maybe, "Small", "Medium", "Large" (maybe a """Band PRO""" Version too)for different user's needs. I ride Motocross, and i would want larger screen to see, while I'm riding. Band 1 is an awesome device, but for me is too small of the screen. However, my wife loves it and loves its features and accuracy. 

True, the sensors at the latch look a bit bulky though and thicker than the rest of the band so will have to wait for reviews to hear comfortable it is in the end. For sure better than 1 of course. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Wish the screen was bigger and had a speaker for calls but other then that looks like a winner. I'm getting

Calling Dick Tracy, Calling Dick Tracy...come in, Tracy! =p

Wrong number, this is Tracy Dick, Dick's arch nemesis.

HMMM "talk to the hand as I wont answer"?

agreed, I was really hoping for a larger screen, smaller bezel, current version wastes a lot of space with that bezel that is easily scratched. i am still getting one of course, but really wish they had stretched out the screen just a bit!

Admit it you wanted an iwatch made by Microsoft

Yes, please :)

If Microsoft made something like the apple watch I would get that along with the band 2. The band doesn't go well with dress clothes. It would be cool to be able to have both sync to the app without deleting the other.

What's an iWatch look like?
I would like to have something closer to Android Wear or the Apple Watch.

Some people sometimes call the Apple watch the iWatch due to Apple's tendency to put the letter 'i' at the beginning of their product names. Apple wanted to call the Apple watch "iWatch", but the term was already taken by someone else at the trademark office.

Ah, that makes sense. I assumed it was another product.

The irony is if someone tried to find the original item the won't now lol Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

That never stopped them before - Cisco owned iPhone way before Apple went there.
The Watch choice of name is more about making the device seem personal rather than a piece of tech - trying to blur that line.
Still sucky though.

From MS I would like a mechanical watch with a smart band like the Kairos Mechanical with the Tband... https://kairoswatches.com/tbands/tband-awatch/od/msw_chrome/

Oh btw, The Kairos watches are supposed to be Windows Phone compatible.

For some unknown reason you've got a downvote. Anways, I hope Microsoft will enter the Smartwatch market soon before it gets saturated and became anotehr "too late" situation for them. New Android Wear is improving overtime while Apple Watch as expected gains popularity bit by bit.

Yeah idk why they down voted me maybe they don't like the idea of a mechanical / band hybrid. For me that would be the perfect watch. I don't think Microsoft should get into the mechanical watch business but maybe partner with one to create a hybrid. Just a thought!

I think it wouldn't be the worst move for Microsoft to delve into the smartwatch market. I don't like when websites review the Band against the Apple Watch or Android Wear because they aren't even competing. We can only wait and see.

I had the original band but I have the Apple watch and it is a world of different.  Not heavy don't need to lug my phone out for messages and or calls it tracks my fitness without having to download anything before midnight and today it got a app that will also track my sleep. 

You said everything bro. They could have made a much smaller bezels, it would look much better, but maybe that's a decision to save battery life!

Or the bezel is there to give the screen more strenght and protection.  After all it is meant for exercise.

The less bezel requirement comes up as a comment for most of MSFT's design (also referencing cityman & talkman renders). By now, I hope they (msft) have gotten the message that little (or no bezel) is the way forward in design appeal. Take a leaf from dell's xps laptops or Samsung's curved phones

check out my "stretched" UI/UX concept, aha : https://www.behance.net/gallery/27663369/Microsoft-Band2-UIUX-Concept

Very nice! I might prefer if the screen tapered into the band so there wasn't such a break between the two. But very very nice design. 

THIS I would buy!

Ahhhh....maybe in alternate Universe this conept is a real product! I wanna get that! Microsoft please take a look!

This is the problem with design, it's not bound by the laws of physics, only imagination. Where would you put the battery necessary to run such an immersive interface?

Exactly. Designers dont have to worry about physics, i am sure Microsoft has more talented designers, but they have to work within given parameters. These sorts of fan made concepts are just people patting themselves on the back. 

  You could embed batteries directly into the strap.  If you used tiny mah batteries in series,  you could probably embed enough of them to power the watch for weeks,  

Same gear s seems to be the closet thing since others like swap rebel wont be compatible with most networks in the future

Just duct-tape your phone to your wrist and be done with it :P

Looks nice..just wish there was less bezel.

This

They need to add option in poll "It looks good, but it can be better"

this option would always be winner

I like it so far, although I'd like to check it out in a store before passing final judgement. The issues with my current banned look like they may be resolved (plastic over the batteries wore/tore off)

Much nicer...the original band looks too bulky. Might get band 2.

Waterproof is a must in this iteration.

And it doesn't have to be able to go deep sea diving. Just enough water resistance to survive a dive in the lake or running around on the Sea-Doo or Kayak.

Don't quote me 100% on this as things may ahve changed, but I believe the reason why they aren't is due to the sensors. A while ago I've read that none fo the fitness bands are waterproof due to it being extremely expensive to make the sensor work right and still be waterproof.

Fitbit Flex is waterproof.

Water resistant. Different thing. A company, I think Microsoft is one of them, can claim water resistant which allows you to wear the device in the rain or something like that. Not saying everything that's resistant is only rain proof, but it's something the companies do to 'add a feature'

can you swim with it on?

You are correct, it is due to the sensors and the charging port. There are a few out there that are water resistant. The Garmin comes to mind and I believe the Fitbit Charge is (not the HR model). The downside with both of these devices is the lack of Windows Phone support for the companion features. I still think the Band is the best out there and if the new model doesn't like the water, I'll continue to track my kayaking adventures with Endomondo.

Fitbit Flex is also waterproof.

Water resistant. Not proof. Same as the band 1

I want to be able to do swimming laps with it.

Exactly! this alone would justify an upgrade for current Band owners

No waterproof - no deal, at least for me. Isn't swiming one of the most popular fitness activities? If the sensors are really the blocking issue to make the band waterproof, than make Band 2S with less sensors but WR100. M$, please have this marketing advice for free this time.  

Agreed no waterproof no deal. In my opinion we have reached the point with technology that this needs to become a standard feature. I fish, I swim, I kayak/canoe if technology is to be a part of my life it needs to be compatible with it. If I can't use it where I want to go then I don't really need it.... Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

I think it looks more sleek an attractive that the first. I will definitely be getting one.. hope it tracks thing's better an maybe track blood pressure to would be good.. water proof would make it awesome Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

Is there any device that monitors blood pressure without a cuff?

Looks like it may be a better fit. Hopefully the fitness side will be expanded. Also I'm hoping it will be durable. I got my current band in June and I'm in the process of sending it in for repair. Ugh

This ^^^^  Mine lasted less than 6 months.. never wet (no shower, rain, hand washing)  just plain old sweat every day !  DEAD. Sent it to MS .. they sent it back and said it had been wet.  $200 trinket.   Maybe they should offer a trade in program for the previous non-durable version... :)

these fitness bracelets are still way too big and thick for me to take them seriously.  the technology needs a few years before they can make them small enough to really go mainstream.  i don't want something on my wrist that can't pass for just a regular fashion bracelet.  Fitbit is close, but this MS band still looks way too big.  it is nice looking though

Like smartwatches. Still they do sell. Personaly I got used to my Band very quick. Very often I need to check whether I'm wearing my Band. So perhaps it isn't as bad as you think it is.

But when in India.. Atleast band 2 please !!!

No.

It looks so sleak and comfortable. I have wanted one for a long time but have been holding out on getting the Microsoft Band, now, I have a good reason to wait for this new one. Will work nicely with my Lumia 950 XL that I'm holding out for too.

Can't wait to get it. First one was done well and one of the best fitness tracker I had. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

While the Band is primarly focused as a fitness device and secondly a smart watch.... I hope for a new device that is opposite of the band.  Heavy in the smart watch area with some fitness rolled into it.  

FITNESS should continue to be the focus. Maybe the SURFACE Watch should focus on productivity

check out my UI/UX concept : https://www.behance.net/gallery/27663369/Microsoft-Band2-UIUX-Concept

That's pretty awesome. You should seriously send this over to Microsoft, and apply for a position with the design team.

Or just twitter @MicrosoftBand.  The render makes a good wish list, if nothing else.

This one time, my band clamp made me play an F sharp instead of D flat on my flute. Let's hope V2 causes no flute hijinx. Huge improvement in the looks department.

I somehow read that as: "this one time, at band camp..." And then the flute comment made it even more confusing at first xD

You're not alone. #ThatIsAll

Then the "F sharp and D flat".

Doesn't address either of the issues I had with my 1st gen model.  It's still has no raised bezel (a must for any sports/fitness watch), so scratching the screen will be easy; and its clasp mechanism still appears to be a single point rahter than a dual point that would dramatically improve stability and lock strength.  Unless there's a major battery life bump or they added waterproofing for swimming I think I'll pass.

Meh, I guess if you want a fitness tracker it would be OK but I don't see myself spending that much on one.
Microsoft really has nothing to rival android wear or the apple watch. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android on my Oneplus One

Except that they work with all three of the big smartphone os'. That way if you change phones you can still use your band with it

It has. It's just you can't see it. And no, I will not start educating.

It is a fitness tracker. That's literally the whole point.

Looks better, but I am not shelling out another $200 for one. I still want a watch form factor and not a band

If it looks like this, I will be buying one.  

By the way can someone tell me which are the 'Surface countries'?

i would like to know too... in germany we have the surfaces but no band

Like it. Hope the screen is mor scratch resistant.

Screen should have been larger!... It looks the same. I can't imagine anything new or innovative to go along with that "same" screen

If it comes to Canada I will be buying one as soon as its released.

Unfortunately, we'll be paying an extra 50 or 60 bucks.

Looks great on two conditions. These conditions, if met, is truly a masterpiece in design. First, they need to fix the optical HRM for accurate and consistent measurement. Better yet switch the manufacturer to the top tier optical HRMs such as Valencell. Second, They need to make useful suggestions and results for all the data collected from the the multitude of sensors on the Band. What good is a sensor that doesn't tell you anything or suggest anything useful.

I honestly think the flatness face components (screen, battery, charging port, etc.) and flatness of the optical components in the clasp contributed to the HRM being inaccurate. I had a nurse tell me that, even though her count of my heart rate was extremely close to what my Band measured, the Band might be taking my HR in an off position. With the new curved screen, I'm hoping that fixes those innacuracies.

I like it. Its subtle enough to go unnoticed and looks comfortable enough. Very glad that it is positioned as a fitness band and not a smartwatch also. Imo Microsoft needs to double and triple down on the health services and get to the predictive side of things. That would be their differentiator not everyone needs the latest app on their wrist, but eventually everyone will care about their health.

I like this design a lot. It needs durability improvements though. Mine is going back to be replaced as the material covering the parts where the batteries are peeled away.

As a Band 1 owner, moving the batteries from the sides as well as the curved screen should make the Band 2 much more comfortable.  Now, hopefully it will be thinner, waterproof, and have improved battery life FTW!!!!

I think it looks good, and my GF (and anyone with a small wrist) appreciates the curved screen since it should make the fit for her much more comfortable. I'm optimistic but concerend about one HUGE flaw that I have with my current Band. Basically everytime I play sport/work out and sweat a lot the charging contacts get very dirty and I have to spend literally 15-20 minutes trying to clean them otherwise the device won't charge. If that hasn't been fixed on the Band 2 then my GF will probably get the new one but I won't.    

Totally agree, biggest problem I've had with mine, the only problem really, charging is often a problem. A small rubber cover, like on most digital cameras, would definitely help. Currently on holiday in Singapore and the humidity is killing me and my Band!

Weird. Charging has never been a problem on mine. Must be the type of sweat or something like that.

Clean with a rubbing alcohol wipe. Should not take more than a few seconds

Why don't they make the face/screen detachable from the band, with the band housing the battery. This would allow you to charge one while wearing the other. You could swap the battery-band, allowing you to continue wearing it at night. MS could provide 2 battery-bands with the initial purchase and sell colored battery-bands for variety.

Great idea! You should put that on user voice for band 3

If you take daily baths or showers, that's the best time to charge it, since you'd be taking it off anyway. It charges pretty quickly (from 0% to 80% in just half an hour, and if you're charging it every day, it won't be even close to dead when you start charging, so the charge time during showering is pretty much perfect for most people's Band usage). This way, you can use the band for all other activities, including sleep tracking. And if you don't bath or shower daily (I personally know some teenagers who fall into this category), you may want to ask Cortana to remind you to do so. Something like "Hey Cortana, remind me to take a shower and charge my band when I get home". And now that I think of it, maybe the Band should have a body odor sensor to help those who are "nose-blind" to their own odor.  

I always charge when getting ready in the morning... never a dead band.

Thank You for the Humor, that was good.

I looks like it could be more comfortable.

I like this design, was thinking of getting the Surge as a GPS health device but I guess I will wait now.I only hope they release in my country?

The side view looks wrong in that it doesn't have the metal sides. Hoping it is fine than it looks. Buying it for sure though

Band looks great might get one, 950/XL looks borring might not get one... Apple has an overall design language, MS has random design you cant see that it is from the same company!

The main problem I had with the band was that the rubber material started to peel off after a few months. It happened to both my and my wife's bands. I know Richard Hay, and Paul Thurrott also had issues and had theirs replaced like we did. Hopefully the material they are using is more durable, but from the picture, it looks the same.

The batteries have gone from the sides to the top. So it can't look the same.

very bulky

Quite like the look of it, and that curved edge under the face can't fail to make it more comfortable and less likely to smash it against things... It doesn't LOOK like they've gone down a waterproof route though, which is a shame as it is the only thing I really missed and needed in my original band. We'll see in a couple of weeks, I guess! 

Mildly annoyed at them getting the screen orientation wrong again. Otherwise looks great

Guess I need to sell my Band v1 before 6th Oct. if I want to make some money out of it :) Really good looking, I could even start wearing it all day long, instead of sports-only. I love my all-steel watch though, don't know if I want to get rid of it :(

I hope its a glass display as supposed to plastic, but we will see. I really hope its waterproof. And more durable.

Looks like a solid upgrade though I still would prefer a larger screen with less bezel.  As long as battery runtimes have improved though, I'll be picking up one of these come October/November.

I think they should launch it soon, so that band 1 price will come down then I will buy that

October 6th.

Wonder if Canada will get this one....

Hope they have larger option. I have the first gen band (size large) and I can barely squeeze it onto my wrist. My wrists are not that much bigger than the other athletes I am lifting with at the gym.

All I care about is battery life of 5-7 days. If it hits 5 days I am interested. If it gets 7 days, I am totally getting one.

I regularly switch between my Band and Charge HR.  The Band is far superior with notifications and some of the tracking feature.  The Charge is lighter and has a longer lasting battery.  The Charge is good for traveling, and getting through the weekends without recharging.  The Band is preferable during the week when I get a lot of texts and calls but don't want to pull out my phone.  I wear my Band facing down because it's easier to read so this may not be much difference with the curve.  My big issue is battery life, and the charger connection.  Hopefully this can be improved.  Will I get one ?  Probably ... especially if there is a trade incentive for my existing device.   

Dan do you use band (gps) when biking? I think it needs social aspect as I liked that on Fitbit but I only use band now.

I
I like it. It definitely looks like the one Ssung device that has been around a while that caught my eye before, but I hope the Band 2 is much more advanced. Im 70% sure I will buy one at launch.

I like the new look, but I'm still going to wait for version 3 before I would consider getting one. I'm not a fan of the bulky area on the underside of the band. I know it's for sensors, but there has to be a better way to incorporate them. Hopefully the battery life has been extended and uses Qi charging to get rid of the connector port. If Apple can do it with their Watch, then I don't see why the Band 2 can't.

Because Apple can't. It has a high bulky screen side. Somewhere the battery and elektronics have to go. Only time will make components go smaller. Though little progress has been made on the battery side.

I use my Band mostly as a phone companion (notifications) and a general health monitor and less as a true fitness/workout device. I also like the Band design over the traditional watch design. Based on those renders, I'll definitely go for Band 2.

Get rid of the damn rectangle screen and I'll consider it. I think I'll stick with the apple watch though

Looks a little better than the first version. I hope they have decided to use a different metal for the contacts this time. I had to have my band replaced twice. Once for not charging anymore and the second time because it was giving me a rash on my wrists (yes it was thoroughly cleaned almost daily). All in all i will probably be getting one.

My wife and I along with several medical staff at our local hospital have been eagerly waiting to get them in Canada. Interestingly, while not available here, if you call Microsoft's Canadian support line over the past few months, there is a support option for the band.

Would you still wear this with the screen on the bottom of the wrist or top? 

I love the way the Band II looks but I'd rather have a watch from MS.

Wish they went in the direction of watch instead of fitness band. But it looks nice, still a bit too thick for my liking.

I hope they do something about the band sizes. I have a MS Band. I wanted to buy one for my wife too. Even the Small size was a little lose for her wrist (which results in innaccurate heart rate reading). I hope they make something like Fitbit- one size fits all

I said it in the previous post and I'll say it again. I'm definitely getting a Band 2 because I love my Band. It's a MAJOR contributor to my new healthy ways in trying to beat my daily fitness goals and staying on point with my workouts. Personally, I only have comfort issues when I get the end of my day. The 2 looks even more comfortable.

This thing is equal of the first the only variant is this is curved

Looks easier to destroy :(  Kettle bells gonna tear it up!

Thick like most smart watches, small screen, unattractive.

MSFT band2 still looks bulkier and thick strap around. Could have little more speaker.

Could have been more sleaker

"Fitness on the Band 2, in my opinion, needs a big overhaul in terms of data: friends, social, sharing, and more. What I want to see is more Xbox integration in terms of achievements, social, and challenges. I keep using Fitbit because I like to see what my friends are doing." Exactly. It's part of what keeps it fun and keeps the motivation up. It will be hard to give up my fitbit in favor of this, but it looks like a solid product. The same goes for Groove by the way. Listening to it feels like listening to CDs, and not in a good way. Not being able to share a great song easily with someone without having to go to Spotify or Youtube is a big limitation, and there is no sense that it's connected to the outside world at all.

Looking forward to it! Like my Band 1 a lot... :)

The design is great where I am looking for improvment is 1) scratch resitant top glass and casing. 2) number of apps on the band  3) social conectivity. I would like to see what is being done in those areas. As it stand I do have the first version and love it. But I am thinking more and more about droping my windows phone and going back to Android (yes I know I can stll use it with android ) but I do need some reason to go for the new band. How about a trade in credit for those of us with the Band 1

I put the ArmorShield protector ( liquid install ) on my Band.  I wear it when I'm working, and if happen to be pruning bushes, it can have a lot of sharp contact.  After many months, not one scratch or mark on the screen. 

now, let the authenticator app work with it and I'd be 10000% set for ultimate laziness!

Was hoping for a larger screen. Seems like its not that different but hard to say until we know for sure.

Okay, not a wearables fan at all, but they got me with that one.. inductive charging would make it a show stopper, just set on the nightstand with phone.

I hate that thick border around the screen.

Looks good to me. As long as you can still wear it facing inwards - I have no interest broadcasting my notifications to the world. Aside from the bulk (and dubious durability) of Band 1, I liked it a lot. Top fixes I'd want to see are being able to use the touch screen with sweaty fingers and having the screen snap to the tiles when scrolling thorugh. Band 1 interface was very ... wobbly? took a little fiddling to get to exactly the tile I wanted.  Oh, and I also want to be able to have exercise modes running in the background (so I can gps track walks and still fiddle with texts/emails as usual). And a notification icon on the main screen: specific to email, messages, whatever would be great, but could also be a catchall single indicator icon. and! social integration - xbox fitness option that was open to other devices too would be great. all my people are on fitbit and not likely to get a Band (which is why I still wear my fitbit One and the Band)

This MS Band will come in Inida as well?

I think the Band is made to be with the display down at the arm. So i would say it needs a better screen protection. But this version looks better that the first one.

I'm not interested. I want a real smartwatch that looks nice enough to wear to the office, not just to the gym. Fitness trackers don't interest me since they don't look nice. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

The main issue I have with the first band is it's fragile design. You can't get it wet, can't come in contact with soap lotion sunscreen or even the alcohol you need to clean the contacts. That's ridiculous since you will likely come into contact with all of those while you use it. My first one was basically falling apart even with light usage and I couldn't figure out why the contacts around the charger connection and heartrate monitor were melting away(these are sensors to tell when you are wearing it). The electronic components started poking through the rubber band due to the fact it does not open wide enough to go on a wrist without stressing batteries and rubber coating. That is just dumb design. Luckily I had Microsoft Complete and got a replacement after several months. Hopefully the next design fixes the fragile design.

As a satisfied 1st gen band user, I actually came to the point to appreciate the existing design. So I am wondering if you can wear this new design on the inside of your wrist as well, or not? If not, then I will stock up with another 1st gen Band :)

Hmm this is better than a 20 dollar watch I bought that nedds a batterry. Maybe I should update to the MS BAND

I wished it was like a moto 360 and was more like a watch...

Looks sleek and nice. Looking forward to seeing how they've improved upon it.

Looks meh.

Looks OK, doesn't look that great, but OK.

After seeing these renders, I personally prefer the first Band. The new one looks way too flashy (I'd prefer all-black) and looks much thicker than the current Band. I very much prefer the minimal, slim design of the current Band. I also prefer how the current band spreads out the components (batteries, sensors and everything else) on all sides of the band, which gives it an even thicknesss, and most important, even weight distribution. I don't feel the weight of my Band at all, because it's well distributed and doesn't "weigh down" my wrist like most watches and bands do. I would have rathered they just improved the build quality (change the plastic bezel, and replace the rubber with something that doesn't break down easily) and left everything else the same. Maybe some new features (but that can be done mostly through software). Battery life is more than enough (an 80% charge easily lasts me a full day and night, with about 60% left over) and I don't see any need for the screen to be curved (since it's already so small).

It would have looked a lot better with a bigger screen and less bezels but it does look nicer and comfier. I don't like wearing watches or anything on my wrist but I'd wear this.

I'm buying definitely, I'm just hoping it will have a better launch than the original.

As a Band owner, it's a look improvement but not much. Now my thumbs up will be the added features. If it is the same ol, same ol, then I'll just wait till gen3. I can't seem to keep a functioning Band for more than three months!

I thought the Band 1 was too uncomfortable and returned it.  The Band II looks great!  Sign me up!

Still looks a little chunky in places, and that screen size isn't great. They'll probably nail it all for V3.0, like usual.

That is allegedly a sexy thing.

Its looks very nice, much better than the first edition, but its still a leaked picture... What I really want is a slight waterproofness to bring it to the pool. Something that all fitness tracker lacks that I consider to buy and working with Windows Phone. And well optical sensors in the wrist are good in low intensity activity, but usually lacks in high intesity ones. If those would be fixed.. Oh, my....  

just like you I'm solely interested in the phone companion side of things, sports is a plus, and since this is the best we can get to a smartwatch for windows phone what else can I buy? it looks decent enough to wear at least

I guess I am hugely outnumbered when I say I prefer the original design better. I have Band number 1 and I love it. I was waiting for more dramatic update or eventually something more like a watch with more options. For now, no need to update. And yes, I don't find Microsoft Band unconfortable in the way many people do. Cheers

I have been a die hard Band user since its release and haven't been disappointed. Forget smart watches the band puts together the necessary functions and connectivity to keep your life in balance. My only wish is for waterproof so in the shower and pool etc. will further it's ability to stay connected.

Hopefully the clip sensor is much smaller than this render. the blob at the end ruins its lines a bit.    

Still looks terrible! But I love it!

I want people to stop calling it a fitness wearable.  I want it to be a Smart Watch.  I want to see them enlarge the screen so that it covers where the bezel is,  and I want it to show content either horizontally or vertically.  Like you my main interest in the Band is as a Phone companion.    

Daniel, please get a hold of the GPO style manual.  Believe it or not, but the US government does have a good manual on appropriate grammer and usage.  I find your writing pretty good.  But at times, I think you rush and do not properly proof read.  For instance,  "Still, there are likely more engineering improvements we are not yet aware of yet" would be better written "... we are not yet aware.". But that is ackward.  So why not "Still, we may discover more engineering improvements, which may include materials, clasp, and charger." Also, "which we do not yet know of if it is the same as before" would be better stated "which may be different."  Further, the dependent clause is modifying "modifications to the clasp and charger set up"  but this is included into a list of things.  So the whole sentence should be written much simpler.  "These changes could include materials, clasp and charger."  The dependant clause is redundant. Search the internet for GPO Style manual.  GPO stands for General Printing Office. I like your reporting and your video blogs.  But, your writing could be better.        

Chill out, grammar police. I think he requested reader feedback on the topic at hand not a critique of his grammar usage.

My comment is designed to help the writer and point out particularily bad grammer and style.  He is a professional and I believe he makes a living writing stories.  What I have noticed on many internet sites is really bad grammer.  I also recognize that many of the comments come from non english speaking people.  I do not comment on their grammer and style of writing.  But I hope the author spends the neccessary time proof reading his articles before he publishes the articles.  Normally the author writes good clear articles.  But on this article, he clearly failed to proof read his article.  He does a good job on his video blogs, which means he spends time writing a script and practicing before he releases the video.  He should do the same on his articles.  Does he have an editor or a proof reader?

I wish MS went in the direction of a 'Surface' watch instead of a fitness band. It would be nice I they came out with two versions--one excluding some of the bulkier sensors--having a larger screen--being geared toward productivity and the other being geared toward fitness.

Big improvement ergonomically, but the screen still look tiny though...but if it can play/control the music on my phone, I'm in! Not buying it if it can't.      

I think it looks pretty cool. I'm seriously considering coverting over to ALL windows devices. I got a Surface 3 and love it. I think I'd be really interested in getting one of these as well as one of the premium Lumia phones that come out in a month or 2. I absolutely love Windows 10.  This Band 2 looks great. If it's waterproof and can map your swim workouts that would be pretty amazing.  (like the Garmin VivoActive.)  

I like the looks of it. It's about the only smart thing I would put on my wrist Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

"FEEBACK" ? 164 comments and no one notices the 1st word... Maybe it needs to include an automatic spellchecker. :) I've had the Band for most of the year and wear in practically 24x7 as its also an excellent sleep monitor. I suspect anyone who complains about its comfortability never actually wore it or for very long.

I have been to the Windows Store twice specifically to check the fit.  The best size for me is the medium.  But I do not wear a watch.  Therefore, wearing a digital device on my wrist is a hard sale.  I think this is a comon issue for many younger people.  We just do not grow up wearing a watch.  The best option for me is to carry my phone in a side pocket.  The phone is easy to carry all day doing any tyoe of work.  Plus when I am in my car, the bluetooth connectivity syncs fairly well with my car after market radio.  What I have noticed is that if the phone is connected directly to my car radio, all the voice activated apps work great, especially the mapping apps.  When it is connected to the radio, the directions form the map app do not interupt the music.  But when it operates over bluetooth, the map app stops the music feed and I have to "turn off" the phone connection to start the music.  I do not know if this is a problem with the radio bluetooth firmware or the Windows Phone bluetooth connection.  Sometimes, Cortana kicks in to tell me I recieved a text message, but does nothing but turn off the music.  I suspect it is more likely the radio.  Here is a suggestion, how about Microsoft design a Surface car radio that is specifically designed to work with Windows 10 and Cortana so these performance issues are elliminated.  How many people would buy a Surface Radio for their car?  I bet they could sell many of these for $300.  I would buy one.  I drive a 97 POS Ford work van to haul all my material and tools to my various job sites.   I have no reason to sell the van, but every reason to repair the van.  You simply cannot justify replacing a paid for reliable van to haul plywood, sheet rock and all types of tools.  Since I spend a minimum of 2 hours a day driving between job sites, I usually communicate with people about business issues.  When you are the boss, it is hard to check with the office when you are swinging a hammer.  

If only Cityman and Talkman looked this elegant.

Favorite feature of Band1: The golf app... works very well for me. Needs better fit for a wider range of size/shape of wrists. Better anti-scratch durability on the face. Glass may not be a reasonable material because, even though it is very good against scratching, it is not as durable with impact (shattering). I also hope for wireless charging as the current mechanical/magnetic system does not work reliably when the contacts get dirty. Wireless charging solves this issue.    

My feedback:  While the design appears to be improved from what I have on my wrist right now (band 1.0), I was expecting more to be different about its appearance than the picture reveals.  I personally think the device would appeal to a wider audience if it were a less bulky, black wriststrap.  Yes, the screen can be different colors or images, but when the screen is off, it's just black.  I'd have thought they would go the Lumia-route and offer a variety of colors in the 2nd, more consumer-oriented release.  Guess we'll see what they present on Oct. 6.

Having the band 1 i was expecting something better. I don't know why. Anyway i'll buy it as it's doing the job i bought it for (Fitness). Would be good to have some water resistant for swimming session or mp3 capabilities

Not interested in bands - looks aweful. Would be interested in a good looking smartwatch though a la Moto360

In the UK, been veeery interested in the Band and holding out for the V2.  Lots of data in Microsoft Vault, I assume it will connect to that?  

if it's waterproof, it will be perfect...

I'm rather excited for the upgrade. I've had my Band since it's release last year and must be one of the only lucky ones who has an original still in one piece. Although it looks like there is no improvement on the software running on them, the new design looks much more pleasing and will hopefully be comfortable to wear.

Looks great. I am hoping for MUCH better battery life. It should be able to last through a marathon with GPS enabled (not that I run marathons). Also, the touchscreen needs to be better. After I run, i sometimes can't End my run on the band. It doesn't recognize the touch when I am very sweaty.

Bigger display please!!

Would like to see an option to have the screen flip to portrait mode. Could be so much easier to read when running.

Could use some more specular highlights and lens flare.

I'm rather hoping there will be a trade in program soon. I have two Bands in the family, and both are continuously plagued by peeling off of the plastic coating over the battery covers. I bought the first one on release day and it has had to be replaced twice so far and is again completely bare. The other one is similarly in need of replacing. Neither is subjected to anything on the "do not list". It just seems the material is wholly inadequate.
I'll be taking them in for replacement as soon as the new one is available. It would be wise for Microsoft to get these defective first generation Bands out of circulation.
Oh, and they also have twice suffered from separation of the battery covers from the strap, which Microsoft says is a recognized defect. Little wonder the battery location has apparently been changed. It may be the root of both problems.

I am on board with MadSci2 and have the same quality issues. The problem is that I just love the overall functionality of it so I endure it. Coincidentally, I ran into a Microsoft marketing employee at the Phoenix airport last week and we were discussing the band. I said to him that it would sure be nice if Microsoft were to offer a trade-in or at least a discount program for all of us reluctant beta testers. He smiled and said "you might just be surporised". Yeah...I know...it's cryptic and anecdotal but maybe he knows something about it. 

only thing that concerns me is that if it will peel off like v1 did.

Still looks bulky and uncomfortable.

Buttons popping out, large bezel, small screen...what next??? (kids) bubble watch concept screen display?

Looks like a kids toy, if Apple did this everyone would be slagging it off, but all the Microsoft fanbois are still in denial. 

Denial of what, Einstein? Learn to spell.... "fanbois"???  Really???

I hope they release it in India for $200 (~INR 13,000). It will still be a touch expnsive but considering that it offers the benfits of both smartwatch and fitness tracker, it will be a good enough price. Plust other smartwaches, that have only half or less of its features, are selling at this price point or higher. So the market will accept it. More so since microsoft health app is now there on Andoid and iOS too. However, we still don't have surface in India and I am not keeping my hopes high as of now.

That thing in the back looks so uncomfortable and bulky.  Why is there such a thick bezzle?

To author ... how do you "still" prefer fitbit when MS band 2 has not be released.

It needs to be wide more like the samsung watch S so we can have metro like style and have more utilization on it 

Looks great, but the waterproofing is an issue. Didn't buy the first one, and won't buy this one unless.. But if it is waterproof, take my money!

I'm going to get one. Looks great.

I guess it could be seen as a good thing that they're sticking with a fugly design style.
If they stick with the US only for launch availability, that'll seal its fate.