Microsoft Band: Looks Grand, But Lacks The Sizzle To Make The Market Take Notice
Microsoft took us all by surprise when it unveiled its very own fitness tracker/smartwatch. The Microsoft Band, as it is known, is a very capable device and offers something which very few modern smartwatches do - cross platform support. Android Wear is only supported by Android devices and the yet-to-be-launched Apple Watch is only supported by the iPhones.
Although, the likes of Pebble offer support for a wide range of devices, they are very limited in their approach compared to newer smartwatches. So, with a device like the Microsoft Band, which is compatible with all three major mobile platforms (Android, iOS and Windows Phone with some extra perks), one would imagine that it has the potential to be an instant hit. However, we don't think so.
Read Also Microsoft Band Review
While the Microsoft Band shows promise and is quite capable in the hardware department with a sturdy build quality and decent hardware, it's the software that appears to have been half-baked. The folks over at Redmond are shooting for the big leagues with the band, but sadly it's not-quite-there-yet as a complete device. Sure, it can be an excellent fitness tracker for your runs or workout sessions but when you're charging $200 (Rs 12,000 approx), you will need a lot more than just a fitness wearable. Also, the Microsoft Band is not water-resistant, which is another area where it is found to be lacking compared to rival offerings.
As noticed by our very own Mario Aguilar in his review of the Microsoft Band, most of the quirks here are software-based. So when Microsoft releases the Health API later this year (and hopefully a software patch), the Band can be a viable alternative to your regular fitness tracker or smartwatch. The idea behind this is pretty novel - to offer users the convenience of a fitness tracker and a smartwatch without sacrificing too much on the design. And to a great extent, Microsoft succeeds in doing that.
Of course, the unpolished software could be a deal breaker for many, especially considering that the likes of the Moto 360 or even the Pebble series can do a better job as your smartphone companion accessory. However, if fitness tracking is your only prerogative, Microsoft Band might be worth a look.
It's important to note that Microsoft has some special perks for Windows Phone 8.1 devices users; the Band features support for the Cortana voice assistant by default, although its functionality has been said to be very limited at this point. This might change in the coming days with software updates.
In conclusion, getting the Microsoft Band might not be a great idea at this point. Maybe you can think about it three or four months down the line when developers have access to the APIs. Until then, the band will remain a glorified fitness tracker lost amongst a myriad of wearables which come under the sub $200 price segment.
Although, the likes of Pebble offer support for a wide range of devices, they are very limited in their approach compared to newer smartwatches. So, with a device like the Microsoft Band, which is compatible with all three major mobile platforms (Android, iOS and Windows Phone with some extra perks), one would imagine that it has the potential to be an instant hit. However, we don't think so.
Read Also Microsoft Band Review
While the Microsoft Band shows promise and is quite capable in the hardware department with a sturdy build quality and decent hardware, it's the software that appears to have been half-baked. The folks over at Redmond are shooting for the big leagues with the band, but sadly it's not-quite-there-yet as a complete device. Sure, it can be an excellent fitness tracker for your runs or workout sessions but when you're charging $200 (Rs 12,000 approx), you will need a lot more than just a fitness wearable. Also, the Microsoft Band is not water-resistant, which is another area where it is found to be lacking compared to rival offerings.
As noticed by our very own Mario Aguilar in his review of the Microsoft Band, most of the quirks here are software-based. So when Microsoft releases the Health API later this year (and hopefully a software patch), the Band can be a viable alternative to your regular fitness tracker or smartwatch. The idea behind this is pretty novel - to offer users the convenience of a fitness tracker and a smartwatch without sacrificing too much on the design. And to a great extent, Microsoft succeeds in doing that.
Of course, the unpolished software could be a deal breaker for many, especially considering that the likes of the Moto 360 or even the Pebble series can do a better job as your smartphone companion accessory. However, if fitness tracking is your only prerogative, Microsoft Band might be worth a look.
It's important to note that Microsoft has some special perks for Windows Phone 8.1 devices users; the Band features support for the Cortana voice assistant by default, although its functionality has been said to be very limited at this point. This might change in the coming days with software updates.
In conclusion, getting the Microsoft Band might not be a great idea at this point. Maybe you can think about it three or four months down the line when developers have access to the APIs. Until then, the band will remain a glorified fitness tracker lost amongst a myriad of wearables which come under the sub $200 price segment.
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