You can now buy the Microsoft Band from the Microsoft Store for $199 (US only)

Nice.

First impressions up by Halloween?

Man, hold up, hold up, hold up. So quick man.

You know what? I'm going to get it right now!!!!

make a video:)

LET'S ALL HOPE THIS BAND WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL. PRAYER CIRCLE GUYS!!

LOL

The only way this will succeed is if it's released worldwide, lets hope they learned from the Zune failure.

I wanna size it at a Microsoft Store first... cause I kinda didn't back in the Nike FuelBand days. Definitely buying it though... will it be in Microsoft stores tomorrow?

Just got off a video chat with a MS rep (who was actually wearing one and showed it to me) said MS stores should have them tomorrow and it would be a good idea to go there to try the sizes out. That's where I'm heading in the morning! :)

Me too.  One for me, and one for the wife.  I had to do it show my Apple fanantic friends that I got mine first.  :) (Plus its almost half the price and twice the battery life) 

Thinking of getting one for my wife as she is on iPhone and HATES Windows Phone (likely cause she hates me, but that is another story. Oh, yeah. And works for Google Japan, but I digress.) I did get her hooked on the FitBit One, and now I have features on that that took forever compared to the iPhone.   Maybe forget it. She could use another sweater. ; )

Maybe a marriage counselor?

Or a good divorce attorney. He obviously has grounds.

Yes, I'm buying. The videos sold me.

Cool

Sam's faster.

LOL. Too good

What size? The guide seems small (I have small wrists, but I fit "Large")

Be sure it's at 100% when you print or use the measurements provided. I had same issue.

There's an inch scale in the corner of the PDF. I just zoomed in on it while holding a ruler to my screen until I had it right, then held my wrist to the screen :)

Hey Sam feel free to let people know there is a Bing Reward for 5% off MS store (45-50 points). I confirmed it works ($189.99).

Lol thanks for that tip

I'm trying to get one and the price come up $234.32 and the tax is $15.33.

ARGH! I wish I'd seen that

Congrats

When can I expect the Hands-on video?

It says cortana can provide directions through the watch.!! Please do check this feature out during the review.!! As per the MSFT site : "Cortana Use your voice to take notes and set reminders with Cortana. Or ask her to give driving directions and keep you on top of news, stocks, weather, and more. She’s ready to help whenever you need it."

lol this is not a fitness "Band" its a fitness Bracelet! I dont like the looks of it, it looks kind of boring and bulky. the Patent looked much better tbh. Also the "Bracelet" is US only, what a letdown. Thanks globalised Microsoft, Its a fitbit then.

I thought the same thing. Only one color... Then I saw you can change the colors on the screen. That works for me.

I have seen the light...!!! The Band!! (the blues brothers!)

Sweet! Good fir you man! I can't wait yo get one. I'm betting these are going to sale very well. This thing looks sweet! WHO WANTS A SMARTWATCH? NOT ME. MICROSOFT IS BETTING YOU DON'T EITHER. MICROSOFT BAND!
http://jltechword.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/who-wants-a-smart-watch-not-m...

Review please? 

A review, Sam. When is this getting to Europe.

Is it going to be available in stock today at MS physical stores? I live 10 minutes away from one.... I want to get one for the Wife... Like right now

A fashionista extraordinaire no doubt  

Definitely will this weekend.

Just order one for me and my wife! I hope they get here before the weekend with next day shipping!

you guys are fast lol

Definitely gonna get it as a present for my brother for Christmas.

Does this require Cyan to use? Are Verizon users screwed?

That's a very good question. I'm very close to switching to iPhone. I just got my Icon using the Edge plan to upgrade early, only to be screwed and stuck with a phone they won't update. Both Verizon and Microsoft sold me on this phone and now I've been left in the dust with an obsolete phone that never got upgraded and now I have to wait about another 8 months before I can upgrade again when I shouldn't be waiting at all. It's been a month since they said they would start releasing Cyan, and Verizon has yet to budge an inch on this while other carriers are making progress just fine.

don't worry. I barely got my update like 2days ago on tmobile

Yeah, but has your phone been discontinued 8 months after it was launched and was promised to support 8.1?

Blame Verizon.

blame no one and get developer preview for $19 and get everything updated. i had cortana on lumia 520 just upgraded to the 1320 and only because i will spend good money on the microsoft branded lumia

I owned an HTC 8x from tmous, so yeah....Gave it to my mom (upgrade from a dumb phone)Bought a 925 (disco now I think) which I hear is getting upgraded though.  1520 is my dd now since it seems to be the favorite child for updates I am not unhappy.

Why are you buying a phone based on non-existent promise rather than what it currently does? I'll never understand people. It doesn't stop your phone from working and doing what it currently does. Just be patient about it. You'll get your update. Don't bag on your poor phone if it doesn't though, that doesn't stop it from being a great phone.
-Lumia 810 owner.

Because this was supposed to be the flagship WP phone so why wouldn't I expect 8.1/Cyan, it was just a couple months away at the time. Who would have thought Verizon would drag their heals and then nix a great phone within 8 months of it being created when that generally doesn't happen.

Sucks doesn't it?
Microsoft isn't to blame though, it's Verizon that is dicking us around.
I love Windows Phone and rather than reward Verizon by buying the HTC One (as you said, the iPhone), I'll be switching carriers Nov. 7 if I haven't at least heard a rumor about the update from Verizon- going to AT&T for the Lumia 830.

Been very happy with att for many years. They are pretty good at releasing WP updates.

I bought mine on Craigslist and love it. I have updated it to the developers preview. I do understand what you said about Verizon and them dropping the phone. When I got mine activated, the girl didn't know how to do it. But after one try, she did it with ease and was surprised. Of course she had an iPhone.

Stop bitching and just get 8.1 through the developer program. It's not like you can't get 8.1, it's just Verizon is not the one providing it to you because they are douchebags. That's why I left them 4 years ago after being with them for 8 years.

Stop being ignorant of the fact that 8.1 Preview does NOT enable Bluetooth 4.0, which means that even with the Preview installed this Microsoft Band doesn't work with the Icon until Verizon sends out the Cyan update. Do you honestly think those of us who own it are so stupid that we don't already know about the Preview, or what?

Pretty sure Bluetooth 4.0 etc came with the Black update... http://www.windowscentral.com/nokia-bluetooth-4-le-coming-full-lumia-range http://www.nokiapoweruser.com/2013/11/13/nokia-black-update-confirmed-to...

Yes, for 8.0. If your phone has 8.1 (which Microsoft Health app and most other new apps of the same kind require), you need Cyan. BT 4.0 is not enabled in Black + 8.1.

The Preview has Cyan

Only if your carrier has approved it. The firmware update is technically not coming from the Developer Preview. The DP is not allowed to deliver the firmware per the contract with the carriers; it can only provide software/OS updates.

And the icon is still 8.1 ready. All in good time. My icon has an amazing camera, beautiful screen, and blazing fast I'm fine with what I have

Hey, get on the Developer's Preview. Don't be silly and let Verizon call the shots. You will get the updates and eventually all the firmware. Just waiting on Denim now.

That is false because Microsoft, contractually, cannot deliver the firmware update without Verizon approval. The Developer Preview can only provide software updates without Verizon approval. If Verizon never approves Cyan, I will never be able to get it for my phone.

What about Developer preview

I just read it does require cyan because it requires the low power BT stuff which is unlocked with Cyan.

I think if you have Black without WP8.1 might work, because it requires Bluetooth 4.0 which it's only activated in black and cyan

But the app will only install on the phone with 8.1 and the DP kills BT LE

DP kills LE really?

When I had 8.1 running on my phone it wouldn't work with any BT LE devices. Same with my wife's Icon.

The most recent update to DP resolved that

So if my wife's Icon is up to date she can use her teaser tags?
Edit: her Icon is up to date and BT LE is not working on DP. You still need cyan.

I am using treasure tags with an att 920 with dev preview

I bet your phone has cyan

Yes but through the dev preview http://m.windowscentral.com/lumia-cyan-update-coming-to-more-windows-pho...

Only for phones that got the carrier OTA of the update. Microsoft isn't pushing out cyan to DP if your carrier hasn't approved it yet.

For Lumia Black, yes.

Yup. Icon with 8.1 does not have BT LE.

Works perfectly on Icon with developers preview. Relieved.

I'll wait for price drop

I couldn't agree more. These will be $50 in six months.

That's pretty unrealistic. I'd say $99.99 to $149.99.

Ordered placed! Can't wait!

Order placed- and a free Zagg screen protector!

Or for $50 more, you get a more fully featured, more beautiful Moto360. I love MS and all, but not really into this whole Fitbit fad, just another boring health monitor.

Though 360 has a circular typical watch type design it looks good to wear on parties or functions etc whereas MS smartwatch is more a fitness smartwatch

Which is exactly what I was wanting: an iWatch-like device. They've disappointed me again.

But made me very happy

And my axe!!!

An Apple Watch it is for you then. Just don't forget to pick up the iPhone you'll need to use it with.

Check the full specs, it's more than a fitness band. It has "smartwatch" capabilities too.

Just because it shows the time doesn't necessarily make it a "watch". It's missing a very important component - the actual watch face.

The most important component of a watch is that it tells time (which the Microsoft Band does by default). A digital time display is all that is required, and is far superior to the ancient analogue watch-face in every way.

That's the function of a watch (to tell the time), not an actual component (a watch face). Take a look at all the custom Moto360 watch faces, they're all gorgeous. This MS Band, all you can do is change background color - now you tell me which is ancient.

I guess that's where we differ in opinion. I don't see the need for it to emulate the appearance or shape of an analogue watch. All I need is numbers indicating the time, and it's perfect in form and function.

I would agree if it doesn't get any updates to add new features and fix bugs but I can't see that happening.

It also has 10 sensors...a microphone...a touch screen... Do you want me to continue?

No doubt it's an impressive piece of technology. What I'm saying is that this isn't anything unique or game changing like what MS did with the introduction of the Windows Phone. This is MS's first wearable tech, and they introduced it by following the Fitbit fad - just another usual ho-hum health band. Cortana's great, that's just about it. I expected MS to do something unique, a bit disappointed.

You expected MS to give us something unique?! The only unique things on Windows Phone (worth shouting about) were given to us by Nokia!! 41MP Pureview, OIS, HAAC microphones, super sensitive touchscreens, full manual controls in the camera app.
Microsoft really need to start pushing out some high end phones to demonstrate Windows Phones real abilities. At the moment, I just feel like I'm on a smartphone platform that is all about the budget end of the spectrum.

What MS gave us was the unique OS that stood out, and still stands out, in a sea of Android and iOS. High end cameras on phones is nothing new. Back in the day, Samsung and Sony's Cybershot series had phones with xenon flashes, optical zooms (which no Lumia has), dedicated lens shutters to close when camera not in use, full manual controls, etc. You said it yourself, seems like all they're doing is catering to budget consumers, they're not pushing the envelope anymore like they did with their first flagship L920. They're following where the money is, where the fad is, where the market is taking them - just like this Fitbit band. I don't want MS to be followers.

Microsoft purchased Nokia, then killed the McLaren phone....
Microsoft are the ones that are hobbling Nokia's innovation.
By the way, optical zooms on mobile phones are RIDICULOUS. The 1020 and the 808 before it were true game changers. Zoom without any real loss of detail, and amazing image quality.

Optical zoom is a more true lossless zoom than cropping a large MP image like what the 1020 does. Optical zooms actually shift the lenses and glass elements to zoom, much like a telescope.

Don't have money...

You and me both! I actually want this pretty bad, but bills put it on hold for now.

Want it in Canada now

You wouldn't think it would be that difficult.

Received my order confirmation at 11:33 pm Eastern. Hope it ships soon.

their sizing guide is an embarassment.

Can anyone see any reason this wouldn't work in Australia? If I could get one shipped out here somehow. The charger is USB so only thing I can think of is some geoblocking of the Gold's Gym stuff?

Curious about this also. Would love to import even here in the Philippines. Wondering what may not work if it's not in the US

cortana might not work

Not too sure about the screen orientation.

Yeah, that has me a bit confused. I am trying to picture it. But I am definitely heading to a MS store to check it out first.

I always have my watch on the inside of my wrist. And the orientation makes sense from a runner's perspective. I think anyway. I will have to see.

I'm waiting to see if there's some deal if you buy it with an 830 or a One M8 on AT&T in a couple weeks. That seems like the kind of thing Microsoft would do.

Definitely agree with you.  If this could come at $99 with a phone purchase, I'd be all over it.
 

Or the other way round

There was a rumour of a lumia 830 microsoft band deal to be offered on the microsoft store website. I am going to wait for that also.   This announcement seems rushed due to the leak so i am going to wait to see if they ahve a better deal.

Bought one in Large size.

What's the international availability?

None, seeing the title says US only.

Well, US only for now. It would be stupid of Microsoft not to release it worldwide at some point.

Already have the TomTom runner but they said they aren't releasing a windows phone app... So im probably going to pick up the fitbit surge... Its battery lasts alot more than two days...

The question still remains though- how well will Fitbit continue to support Windows Phone moving forward? Will it get frequent updates, or will it lag behind iOS apps by a year or more like many other apps?

Fitbit probably won't wont support ios as much anymore. Apple is not going to sell them in stores since apple is picky now on what they sell in the store.

Mine ordered with: Microsoft Complete, Bing Rewards, free Starbucks $5 gift card and free 2-day shipping! I've already downloaded the Health app for Android on my Nexus 5. This is gonna rock.

We, the rest of the world will wait for third Gen products from Microsoft. (surface pro 3) :)

Xbox.

Announed after Apple Watch, released before Apple Watch. I love that!

Actually yeah.... That is pretty cool, well done MS!! :D

First time ever they actually beat Apple to market. This thing will be on sale for 2-3 months before the Apple Watch goes on sale.

Though Apple will probably release it worldwide... But MS still has a few months to do that.

That depends on how successful the US launch is. If it sells millions, it will get a worldwide launch. If only a few 100K then no.

It would be stupid of them NOT to release it worldwide. Hmmm, remind me why the Zune failed again!!!!!

Cos it was ugly?

Don't forget leaked on Apple site LOL

Actually, It wasn't even announced!!! They're to cool for that hype stuff

Ordered, comes with free zagg screen protector, $5 starbucks card plus free 2 day shipping for rewards members :) Excited

Done deal. Hope two day shipping means here by Friday!

No, sorry. You'd need one day shipping for that, because it won't ship until tomorrow when it's this late.

^Not even that... "Pre-order online and we'll ship it as soon as we can. Or, if you can't wait to get your hands on a Microsoft Band, you can find a Microsoft Store nearby. Free shipping. Free returns."

Any idea if I'd be able to control music playing on my windows phone through this? Im thinking about while at the gym, I hate always taking my phone out to change music..

+929

I would like to know this as well. I'm sort of interested now, music control would be a huge boost

I think you can use Fortuna to play your music, so maybe.

Haven't seen that yet, except that you could potentially do it via Cortana

Right now it states you can control music via Cortana. Maybe a firmware update or new app, etc. will add htis functionality to the touchscreen in the future.

To control your music, simply talk to your phone via Cortana... I use this a lot while cycling with a BT headset and my phone in the bag... You can tell Cortana to: - play music - shuffle music - next track - play "U2" (play all tracks from an artist) - play "bloody sunday" (play a specific song) and maybe more but so far I only use the command listed above.
all this is more than enough for me to control my music and it works great... I can't wait to get this band if it ever get released in the UK (I am sure many outside the US are looking forward to get the band)... that would be a perfect Xmas gift, if only MS could release it abroad soon... Hopefully they will release it outside the UK  

Me too

I feel like $200 is just a little bit overpriced.

If you use the 5% Bing reward then it is only $189...  does that help? ;)

Want this, but money is tight!

iunno i think ill just spend the extra $50 and get the fitbit surge

When does the rest of the world get a go ???Yes microsoft there is a big wide world out there best you start trying to sell to it.

This US only shit is ridiculous! I mean they have virtually zero market share there and in countries like Italy where they really support the platform.... Nothing! I'm from Aussie n it's really got me thinking what's the point of WP when Android n IOS get better service from Microsoft. Sorry if this sounds so negative but I'm tired of spending thousands n getting treated like a 3rd class citizen

What does WP market share matter when this device is cross platform?
Let me give you some facts that help you rationalize the situation...
1. The US is the #1 consumer nation in the world, using up (unfortunately) far more resources per capita than anyone.
2. Again, the Band works on all three top platforms.
3. US smartphone adoption rates are among the highest, if not highest, in the world.
4. Cortana (in it's fullest available form) is only available in the US.

Then based on what u say my thinking is correct. In other words ur saying I should get Android or iPhone

Duh

That's a very wrong way to go... US vs the rest of the world... Smartphones are basically the only kind of phones sold today, I know that, I work in a local operator retail store, 90% of phones sold are smartphones. So, in light of this, if you count the active users in the rest of the world, I would say that the rest of the world gains. Microsoft as a lot of lack of support outside US, just see Xbox services, for example. In the other hand, apple and google have full support of all their services outside US, even within stores, play store or physical apple retail stores. I live in EU, have 2 WP and I see a lot of people that when they buy android or ios, they would buy ms if ms had the services and support they want.... So that speech will not help ms at all, neither anyone of us, because in the end, in this globalized world, if you don't think global, you will eventually die...

Actually no, the USA doesn't have the highest adoption rates; Australia ranks higher. Microsoft, like Apple, Google, etc are global companies with global audiences--yet Microsoft continues to sideline the rest of the world for the ~4.5% of the global population who happen to live in the USA. What is this, the 10th product/ app/ service announced just THIS WEEK that is U.S.-only? Ugh. http://mashable.com/2013/08/27/global-smartphone-penetration/

That's why I didn't really say anything lol coz sometimes peeps just wanna apologize for a company that's lost the plot!!! To think the US buys more product than the rest of the world is ridiculous! 7½ billion buyers versus 250 million, that's what's at stake!

USA has 320 million, and world only has 7.1 billion. Microsoft is obviously testing the market. One that they can control and are used to advertising in. To expand everything global would cost a ton more and they would defintiely get a lower return rate.

As per usual Microsoft is doing their very best to piss off the most loyal markets.

They simultaneously released the companion app on iPhone and Android, so they are banking on getting sales there.

That's right man...in Italy WP has well over 10% market share. You see young ladys and old grannies with Nokia WP. I wonder if Microsoft lumia brand will have the same appeal. Anyway they could use Italy as a lab for new product and stuff, but we are not considered as first market ..i have owned 920/1020/htc 8s my wife has 520 and now I have 1520, plus of course the full line of surfaces till sp3 which I am currently using as office pc, while at home I have s2 as tablet (plus big boy i7). I am considering xb1 for Xmas.. And like me many friends. That is support, Microsoft. You should reward your supporters not with free product, don't care, but with early product so that we can be evangelist, as we partially are but we can be more. Next is the band! (I have seen the light....the band!!!! The Blues brothers!!!)

The sooner you guys accept that Microsoft is fully embracing cross platform and relying less on WP, the better you guys can understand moves like this.  It doesn't matter that Italy has 40% WP market share, they are not going for WP users. They are going for iOS, Android and WP users. And those are more concentrated in the USA and in a location that they can monitor how it works and also provide solid support.  Once all the kinks are worked out, they will then go global. Until then, relax pal. Go enjoy some Serie A. 

lol I'm from Aussie

Workin' overtime, Sam.  Thanks for bringing us all this breaking news!

So now we have the Apple Watch and the Microsoft Band...haha
I really think Microsoft hit a sweet spot between smartwatch with an overload of features and a fitness band that doesn't do enough. Everyone can be satisfied.

If it was only water resistant :/