Microsoft Band

MJohnston · 22-04-2015 12:45pm

Coconut Joe wrote: »

I think there are 2 batteries, one is quick charging and should get the band to 80% in about half an hour, the other adds the 20% but can take a few hours

This would explain so much, I've wondered often how it charges in such as fashion and yet still manages to drain relatively linearly. But yeah, 0-80% is way faster of a charge than 80-100%

MJohnston · 22-04-2015 2:46pm

New updates coming tomorrow(-ish, you know how it is):

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-band-receives-more-tracking-features?utm_source=wpc&utm_medium=twitter

"We are thrilled to expand cycling functionality through partnerships with popular Bike apps, MapMyRide and Strava. Starting on April 23, Microsoft Band customers will be able to wear their device during rides and compare performance or share routes with other riders using these apps."

...

"Comparative Insights: Measures data such as daily steps, sleep, workout frequency and calorie burn and compares it to similar Microsoft Health customers based on body type (height and weight). Customers looking for motivation can use comparative insights as a benchmark to understand their health relative to similar people."
"Sleep Recovery: Good sleep is the foundation of health, and something everybody does and needs. Microsoft Band tracks the length and quality of sleep. Use the Microsoft Health web dashboard to analyze sleep restoration, sleep efficiency, and wake-ups, to find out how well the body restores its resources during sleep."
"Fitness Benefit: Track fitness progress using historical data to measure improvement over time."
"VO2 Max: VO2 max refers to the maximum volume of oxygen used during exercise, and is the primary indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Traditionally, measuring VO2 Max is cumbersome. Not anymore. Microsoft Band estimates VO2 max based on heart rate information. Now customers can track how their VO2 max increases as they improve fitness level and achieve their wellness goals, simply.".
"Run/Exercise Observations: Get more out of run and workout data with in-depth observations and insights. With a week of data, customers can determine which day of the week and at what time of day they perform best. Using historical data from as far back as five weeks, customers can track whether they're maintaining, progressing, or need to re-dedicate themselves. Analyze detailed stats to find specific aspects of runs and workouts that can be improved."

That last feature sounds really fantastic, although I suppose I'll need to do exercise more times a week to find my optimal spot

Player 2 · 23-04-2015 2:50pm

I'd love to try out the Band, but (aside from not physically owning one yet!) I haven't got the Microsoft health app, or, the Denim update.

Other than going down the route of opting into the developer programme, if there an easier (and reversible!) way to get it?
For example, if my change my phone's region to the UK, and then change it back to Ireland again, will that work?

MJohnston · 23-04-2015 3:10pm

Player 2 wrote: »

I'd love to try out the Band, but (aside from not physically owning one yet!) I haven't got the Microsoft health app, or, the Denim update.

Other than going down the route of opting into the developer programme, if there an easier (and reversible!) way to get it?
For example, if my change my phone's region to the UK, and then change it back to Ireland again, will that work?

Nope, you'll get Denim based on the original "carrier" that you bought the phone through, even if it was bought unlocked or SIM free (this would come under the Country Variant), or was subsequently unlocked. You can see which phones in which countries are at which firmware version via this page: http://www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/availability-in-europe/

I would say that the Developer Preview program is extremely low-effort and low-risk - it won't invalidate any warranty, it's free, and you don't have to do anything other than take 2 minutes to register a developer account. The updates you get through it are far better quality than beta too, they're usually release-ready. This is distinct from the Insider program which offers alpha and beta quality preview versions of Windows 10.

kayos · 27-04-2015 3:53pm

Player 2 wrote: »

I'd love to try out the Band, but (aside from not physically owning one yet!) I haven't got the Microsoft health app, or, the Denim update.

Other than going down the route of opting into the developer programme, if there an easier (and reversible!) way to get it?
For example, if my change my phone's region to the UK, and then change it back to Ireland again, will that work?

Ok in our house we have two lumia 925's.

Mine is in the dev preview program. Its on Cyan, I was in the states and my phone auto updated one night and I think it mucked me up in terms of getting denim here. My band works perfectly well with it though.

My OH's is not in dev preview. Was well behind mine in terms of updates. Hooked up her band, was missing some features. But next thing she gets the Denim update.

Speaking of my OH, generally someone who thinks tech is getting too invasive. She loves the Band though and likely plays with it more than I do

CatInABox · 27-04-2015 4:24pm

kayos wrote: »

Ok in our house we have two lumia 925's.

Mine is in the dev preview program. Its on Cyan, I was in the states and my phone auto updated one night and I think it mucked me up in terms of getting denim here. My band works perfectly well with it though.

My OH's is not in dev preview. Was well behind mine in terms of updates. Hooked up her band, was missing some features. But next thing she gets the Denim update.

Speaking of my OH, generally someone who thinks tech is getting too invasive. She loves the Band though and likely plays with it more than I do

The developer preview can stop you getting denim. Leave it and check for updates.

ablelocks · 27-04-2015 9:25pm

CatInABox wrote: »

The developer preview can stop you getting denim. Leave it and check for updates.

yep, that's what I had to do. Didn't see much difference though!

do ye wear the band on the recommended inside wrist or as a "normal" watch - I don't think I'd be able to wear it on inside wrist....

beauf · 27-04-2015 9:30pm

I was on the dev and cyan. Reset the phone to O2 factory and only then did I get denim. That said I was getting all the updates on the dev, just didn't say denim but I had the same updates.

MJohnston · 27-04-2015 9:36pm

beauf wrote: »

I was on the dev and cyan. Reset the phone to O2 factory and only then did I get denim. That said I was getting all the updates on the dev, just didn't say denim but I had the same updates.

Actually Denim also includes some additional hardware improvements that didn't exist in the Dev Preview software - such as the camera speed improvements.

jos22 · 27-04-2015 9:36pm

beauf wrote: »

I was on the dev and cyan. Reset the phone to O2 factory and only then did I get denim. That said I was getting all the updates on the dev, just didn't say denim but I had the same updates.

for the most part if you have PFD with latest update denim did nothing for most people, only really added some features to the pure view camera

ablelocks · 27-04-2015 9:40pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Actually Denim also includes some additional hardware improvements that didn't exist in the Dev Preview software - such as the camera speed improvements.

only to newer hardware - i have a 1020 and the camera didn't get that update.

beauf · 27-04-2015 9:57pm

Camera stuff wouldn't apply to the 520 I have either

Fingleberries · 28-04-2015 9:26am

My L920 is on Windows 10 build 10052, but says Cyan (it was Denim before upgrade). Do you think this would interfere with a Band if I picked one up? (e.g. missing features?)

OU812 · 28-04-2015 9:31am

Guys, Just wondering if any of you have one of these on iPhone & if it's as detailed in it's reporting.

Also what other apps does it integrate with? Myfitnesspal, runtastic etc ?

MJohnston · 28-04-2015 9:59am

OU812 wrote: »

Guys, Just wondering if any of you have one of these on iPhone & if it's as detailed in it's reporting.

Also what other apps does it integrate with? Myfitnesspal, runtastic etc ?

The only thing missing from the feature set if you use a Band with a non-Windows Phone is the Cortana tile, Cortana voice control, and the on-band keyboard for text replies. All fitness related functionality is completely the same across all platforms.

You can connect with RunKeeper, MyFitnessPal, MS HealthVault, MapMyFitness, and Strava.

kayos · 28-04-2015 12:39pm

ablelocks wrote: »

do ye wear the band on the recommended inside wrist or as a "normal" watch - I don't think I'd be able to wear it on inside wrist....

I wear it face on the inside, OH face on the outside. But I do swap it depending on what I am doing. Either way is comfortable to wear for me, but it is easier to use with the face to the inside IMHO.

Oh and anyone getting one should really get a protector for it.

MJohnston · 28-04-2015 2:09pm

kayos wrote: »

I wear it face on the inside, OH face on the outside. But I do swap it depending on what I am doing. Either way is comfortable to wear for me, but it is easier to use with the face to the inside IMHO.

Face inside my wrist here works best for me 90% of the time, but when I'm typing at a desk on a keyboard, I have found that flipping it around so that face is on top of my wrist works best.

kayos wrote: »

Oh and anyone getting one should really get a protector for it.

Absolutely vital!

CatInABox · 28-04-2015 7:58pm

A great update is out for the band now, including multi device support (I.e. Use your phone as a tracker) and automatic sleep tracking.

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-health-app-updated-auto-detection-sleep-mode-multi-device-support-more?utm_source=wpc&utm_medium=twitter

ablelocks · 28-04-2015 8:59pm

i'm finding it harder and harder to resist buying this...can't justify it unless i get off my arse and start some actual fitness...

MJohnston · 28-04-2015 11:25pm

CatInABox wrote: »

A great update is out for the band now, including multi device support (I.e. Use your phone as a tracker) and automatic sleep tracking.

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-health-app-updated-auto-detection-sleep-mode-multi-device-support-more?utm_source=wpc&utm_medium=twitter

Seems like the update is just for the Health app itself, so the auto sleep thing is just data crunching rather than your Band going into sleep mode automatically. At least they know people want that feature.

jos22 · 29-04-2015 1:27am

Detected sleep

Microsoft Band will auto-detect sleep events over two hours long, even when your Sleep tile is off. However, if you want to track sleep restoration, be sure to set your Sleep tile in motion when you hit the sack.

kayos · 29-04-2015 11:47am

ablelocks wrote: »

i'm finding it harder and harder to resist buying this...can't justify it unless i get off my arse and start some actual fitness...

See your thinking about it wrong.
Get it, look at how lazy you are for a week, start trying to beat your normal routines.

It really is just a form of gamification. Honestly some days I look at it towards the end of the evening and remind myself that I need to get up and move more cause I was 2K short on steps or whatever goal I have set myself. Getting the little buzz saying goal met means I've at least got some exercise in. Once I hit it a regularly raise the bar again.

Also its not just a fitness tracker. If that's all you want there are cheaper alternatives. All the notifications from your phone and if you are running Windows Phone then the ability to reply to sms's or use cortana.

Next up for me is get a look at the SDK I has some ideas

.

Fingleberries · 29-04-2015 2:01pm

kayos wrote: »

See your thinking about it wrong.
Get it, look at how lazy you are for a week, start trying to beat your normal routines.

See if you can be lazier the next week? Fewer steps, lower heart rate, that sort of thin?

MJohnston · 29-04-2015 3:58pm

kayos wrote: »

Next up for me is get a look at the SDK I has some ideas .

Same here! I really hope they expand the SDK at Build though because right now it only really offers access to the sensors for phone based apps, what I want to build is a Dublin Bikes finder app for the Band itself!

CatInABox · 01-05-2015 8:15am

Went out for my first run there uesterday, and I think my Band might have a problem. It couldn't find any GPS signal at all. I've tried it a couple of times now, even while just walking along, but it just keeps searching until it eventually says it can't find any. I'm in London, but I wouldn't think that the height of the buildings around me would get in the way, it's mainly 4 to 5 floor buildings.

So, how long does yours take to lock on?

MJohnston · 01-05-2015 10:52am

CatInABox wrote: »

Went out for my first run there uesterday, and I think my Band might have a problem. It couldn't find any GPS signal at all. I've tried it a couple of times now, even while just walking along, but it just keeps searching until it eventually says it can't find any. I'm in London, but I wouldn't think that the height of the buildings around me would get in the way, it's mainly 4 to 5 floor buildings.

So, how long does yours take to lock on?

I go running in Phoenix Park mostly, and it usually takes about 30 second to get a lock. Never really tried it somewhere that is built up though, so I'm not sure if tall buildings are a problem - is there a park you can go to and test it?

ablelocks · 01-05-2015 11:32am

I assume a band purchased in the USA will work fine here?

(the full SDK is released too - saw a couple of articles on it this morning.)

MJohnston · 01-05-2015 1:20pm

ablelocks wrote: »

I assume a band purchased in the USA will work fine here?

(the full SDK is released too - saw a couple of articles on it this morning.)

Yep, bought mine in the US and it works perfectly fine. Doesn't come with a wall plug anyway, just a USB charging cord.

Hesht · 10-06-2015 12:40pm

This may sound like a really weird question, but did you guys have any problems with the sizing of the band, and choosing the right size?

jos22 · 10-06-2015 12:42pm

Hesht wrote: »

This may sound like a really weird question, but did you guys have any problems with the sizing of the band, and choosing the right size?

I got the small one and after few weeks of wearing it , not as tight anymore. at first tho it felt very tight even on min tightness

CatInABox · 10-06-2015 2:39pm

jos22 wrote: »

I got the small one and after few weeks of wearing it , not as tight anymore. at first tho it felt very tight even on min tightness

I've got the medium since it came out in the UK, and it's totally fine now. I thought I'd never get used to wearing it, but it only took a couple of days.

The adjustable clasp is a brilliant piece of design, loose when I'm walking around, then if I'm going for a run, I can make it tighter in a second.

theothernt · 10-06-2015 10:15pm

CatInABox wrote: »

I've got the medium since it came out in the UK, and it's totally fine now. I thought I'd never get used to wearing it, but it only took a couple of days.

The adjustable clasp is a brilliant piece of design, loose when I'm walking around, then if I'm going for a run, I can make it tighter in a second.

Same here, it took a couple of days.

Try putting it on the hand you write with, feels really weird and restrictive!

GEO147 · 19-06-2015 12:58am

Where can this thing be bought?

jos22 · 19-06-2015 1:06am

GEO147 wrote: »

Where can this thing be bought?

amazon

Bayberry · 19-06-2015 3:08am

GEO147 wrote: »

Where can this thing be bought?

Currys and PCWorld list it on their websites. I don't know if you can actually try it out in one of their shops, but their price of €240 is actually a little cheaper than the £170 that it would cost from Amazon, when you take into account Amazons exchange rate, and the etra VAT they'll add on for delivery to Ireland.

GEO147 · 19-06-2015 12:14pm

You can only get it delivered via Currys/PC World and it works out at €244.99. My brother was in the States and only arrived back yesterday. Im kicking myself. Is it worth the €244.99?

JJake77 · 24-06-2015 8:37pm

Hello, I am wondering where could i buy this band somwhere in ireland or on some website at a reasonable price?

Bayberry · 24-06-2015 9:23pm

JJake77 wrote: »

Hello, I am wondering where could i buy this band somwhere in ireland or on some website at a reasonable price?

Do you mean somewhere other than the places that were mentioned in this thread in the last few days?

Yggr of Asgard · 28-06-2015 10:22am

GEO147 wrote: »

You can only get it delivered via Currys/PC World and it works out at €244.99. My brother was in the States and only arrived back yesterday. Im kicking myself. Is it worth the €244.99?

Actually it looks like you can collect it at the Carrickmines (Currys PCworld) store too if you don't want to wait for delivery.

liamog · 28-06-2015 2:24pm

PCWorld in Blanch have had them in stock too.

theothernt · 08-07-2015 12:31pm

Has the auto-detection of sleep stopped for anyone over the last week or so?

I think it coincided with the update to prep the Band for the most recent Golf update.

MJohnston · 08-07-2015 12:33pm

Always tend to put it manually into sleep mode myself, to stop getting notifications, so I haven't noticed

theothernt · 10-07-2015 1:20pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Always tend to put it manually into sleep mode myself, to stop getting notifications, so I haven't noticed

I do as well, but sometimes I forget and I'd have my sleep tracked anyway. But not so anymore. And a reset of the band hasn't fixed it.

CatInABox · 15-07-2015 9:59am

The band is going to be part of Amazons Prime Day deals at 11:10, it'll be on sale for £118.99 instead of the usual £159.99.

ablelocks · 15-07-2015 3:54pm

CatInABox wrote: »

The band is going to be part of Amazons Prime Day deals at 11:10, it'll be on sale for £118.99 instead of the usual £159.99.

got one thanks.

suffering early buyers remorse and wondering should i cancel the order...

g0g · 15-07-2015 8:45pm

This news might be worth bearing in mind for those thinking of buying now. I know everyone says there's always something better going to come along soon, but today they've confirmed it.

MJohnston · 15-07-2015 9:33pm

Kind of a dumb move really, but honestly, that Amazon price was a bit of a steal. I'm hoping they make the screen a little sharper, the whole thing a little bit thinner, and the battery life a little better. Oh and throw in an NFC chip somehow. I don't ask much.

theothernt · 17-07-2015 10:59pm

Another small update for the Band was released this evening :pac:

Sir Oxman · 18-07-2015 12:44pm

I finally jumped and bought one, my fitbit charge finally bit the dust.
Delighted with it so far, not at all bulky for me anyway.
Littlewoods have it for 239 and there are any amount of 10% codes floating about so I got it for 215e or get credit from LW and 20% off first credit order so 191e, you can pay it in full after initial credit order

I was going to wait till v2 but that'll probably be summer next year

V happy with it so far

theothernt · 18-07-2015 1:55pm

Sir Oxman wrote: »

I was going to wait till v2 but that'll probably be summer next year

Not to burst your bubble but it's likely to be Oct/Nov this year :cool:

Microsoft Band

Comments