Microsoft Band

Sir Oxman · 19-07-2015 6:32am

theothernt wrote: »

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

I'll believe that when I see it (availability here, that is);)
But anyway happy with v1 purchase

ablelocks · 23-07-2015 2:55pm

got mine today - is there supposed to be a screen guard included?

if not, can anyone recommend one please.

GEO147 · 23-07-2015 3:22pm

Recently took up mountain biking. How would the band be useful in this type of scenario? Any good GPS wise? Any good as heart rate cadence etc? Speed?

A lot of people have biking computers and gps, wondering if the band could fulfil one or more of those roles?

MJohnston · 23-07-2015 3:48pm

GEO147 wrote: »

Recently took up mountain biking. How would the band be useful in this type of scenario? Any good GPS wise? Any good as heart rate cadence etc? Speed?

A lot of people have biking computers and gps, wondering if the band could fulfil one or more of those roles?

I use it for medium-distance road cycling, and it's great for GPS, great for heart rate, great for tracking speed and elevation. You can then connect it with Strava which allows you to sync the data and use all the features of that app. Microsoft Health will also, after a few workouts/bike rides/runs etc start calculating your VO2 Max, which is nice. It won't track anything about cadence however, so you won't necessarily get a great read out on downhill effort. Being able to leave your phone behind at home, and just bring the Band, is really useful, especially as it can track GPS even without the phone.

GEO147 · 23-07-2015 3:51pm

MJohnston wrote: »

I use it for medium-distance road cycling, and it's great for GPS, great for heart rate, great for tracking speed and elevation. You can then connect it with Strava which allows you to sync the data and use all the features of that app. Microsoft Health will also, after a few workouts/bike rides/runs etc start calculating your VO2 Max, which is nice. It won't track anything about cadence however, so you won't necessarily get a great read out on downhill effort. Being able to leave your phone behind at home, and just bring the Band, is really useful, especially as it can track GPS even without the phone.

Awesome. Thanks for detailed response MJ. Sounds like a purchase.

jos22 · 23-07-2015 5:54pm

ablelocks wrote: »

got mine today - is there supposed to be a screen guard included?

if not, can anyone recommend one please.

nope I use Skinomi one on mine

Davy · 29-07-2015 9:22pm

ablelocks wrote: »

got mine today - is there supposed to be a screen guard included?

if not, can anyone recommend one please.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ZAGG-invisibleSHIELD-Screen-Protector-for-Microsoft-Band/productID.309114400

Fingleberries · 30-07-2015 4:21am

Davy wrote: »

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ZAGG-invisibleSHIELD-Screen-Protector-for-Microsoft-Band/productID.309114400

Bought the Band at a Microsoft Store while in the US recently - they threw in the Screen Protector for free (and even put it on the band for me)... It's the one device I have with a screen protector that hasn't a single bubble on it.

It's a pity we don't have an MS Store in Ireland.

ablelocks · 30-07-2015 3:03pm

Davy wrote: »

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/ZAGG-invisibleSHIELD-Screen-Protector-for-Microsoft-Band/productID.309114400

thanks - ordered that one from the MS UK store and it got delivered today. I tried to get support to send one to me foc but they wouldn't budge - £9.99 is a bit steep but better than scratches on the screen.

bubble free will be a challenge on the small screen ....

MJohnston · 30-07-2015 3:15pm

ablelocks wrote: »

thanks - ordered that one from the MS UK store and it got delivered today. I tried to get support to send one to me foc but they wouldn't budge - £9.99 is a bit steep but better than scratches on the screen.

bubble free will be a challenge on the small screen ....

Clean it really well, dry it completely, then use a credit card to help you apply it to the screen. Even if you do end up with a couple of bubbles, in my experience they go away pretty quickly.

Fingleberries · 30-07-2015 5:23pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Clean it really well, dry it completely, then use a credit card to help you apply it to the screen. Even if you do end up with a couple of bubbles, in my experience they go away pretty quickly.

The way they did it in the Microsoft Store for me was first to use some Scotch tape on the screen to clear off any dust or fingerprints. It's easy to peel off and exactly the right width for the Band Screen.

They then slowly tried to line it up and put in place using the card that came in the box to rub out any remaining bubbles.

Even with that method and their experience, it still took them two screen protectors to get it right.

jace_da_face · 24-08-2015 11:56am

I wonder if the MS Band would suit my requirements? It seems to tick certain boxes but not others.

here are some of my thoughts, would like to hear some of yours.

I'm looking for a fitness tracker with GPS tracking and Heart Rate Monitor essential
I am not looking for a smart watch, I have a good old fashioned analog watch on my left wrist which I will continue to wear. Ideally I would like a simple fitbit style bracelet on my right wrist. I do not want to look like I'm wearing two watches. If the band has a bright display that never sleeps, that could be a deal breaker.
Preferably, the device would not even have a display or UI but seeing that the MS Band does I would hope not to need to use it much other than perhaps to activate certain features such as GPS tracking. Smart watch style features and alerts would be switched off.
It seems many Band owners wear the device with display covering inside wrist. Will it still measure heart rate accurately when face this way?

CatInABox · 24-08-2015 12:09pm

jace_da_face wrote: »

I wonder if the MS Band would suit my requirements? It seems to tick certain boxes but not others.

here are some of my thoughts, would like to hear some of yours.
I'm looking for a fitness tracker with GPS tracking and Heart Rate Monitor essential

I am not looking for a smart watch, I have a good old fashioned analog watch on my left wrist which I will continue to wear. Ideally I would like a simple fitbit style bracelet on my right wrist. I do not want to look like I'm wearing two watches. If the band has a bright display that never sleeps, that could be a deal breaker.

Preferably, the device would not even have a display or UI but seeing that the MS Band does I would hope not to need to use it much other than perhaps to activate certain features such as GPS tracking. Smart watch style features and alerts would be switched off.

It seems many Band owners wear the device with display covering inside wrist. Will it still measure heart rate accurately when face this way?

That was exactly my list of requirements as well, and the Band does the job perfectly.

I wear my standard watch on my left, and the band on the right, only a few people have noticed it.

The screen is usually off, only lights up when a notification comes in, and even then, it only comes on for ten seconds. Any activity (Running, cycling, etc) I do, I activate on the screen, and then I turn the screen off to conserve battery. The GPS is good, but I need to start in a local park or open space so that it can lock on. Once it's locked on (20 seconds or so.), then it's perfect. Display when on is not bright.

You can configure the band not to notify you, but I don't see the point, as the notifications aren't as intrusive as you'd think. Mainly I check it to see who I got a text from, rather than to read the message.

I wear the screen on the inside, as it's easier to use in the mode, and find the heart rate tracking very good, I can't tell the difference between the two (inside or out).

Hope this helps.

jace_da_face · 24-08-2015 12:21pm

That's good to hear CatInABox. It sounds like it will suit my purposes then. this would be a Cristmas wishlist item so perhaps v2 will be on the market by then, fingers crossed.

Thanks for the advice.

CatInABox · 24-08-2015 12:52pm

jace_da_face wrote: »

That's good to hear CatInABox. It sounds like it will suit my purposes then. this would be a Cristmas wishlist item so perhaps v2 will be on the market by then, fingers crossed.

Thanks for the advice.

V2 is apparently being revealed in October, but considering how badly they did the first launch, it could be next year before we see it here.

MJohnston · 24-08-2015 12:53pm

V2 will almost certainly be on the market, according to very solid reports from The Verge and WinCentral. Anyone considering one right now should probably hold off, unless you get one of the Amazon bargains, because October will likely be the release date.

MJohnston · 24-08-2015 12:56pm

CatInABox wrote: »

V2 is apparently being revealed in October, but considering how badly they did the first launch, it could be next year before we see it here.

Maybe, but I reckon that now that they have the supply chain in place, and they're not being as cautious about producing larger numbers because they've been able to see the demand. At the very least, they'll likely keep V2 on sale in the UK, which means we'll be able to get it in Ireland.

Crocked · 21-09-2015 1:44pm

Some leaked renders of Band 2 from Windowscentral. Also mention in the article it will release in all surface countries at launch.

Band 2

MJohnston · 21-09-2015 2:20pm

It's a shame the rumoured hardware doesn't include NFC, but maybe it just hasn't leaked. I don't expect those are official renders though, the side view one in particular looks very mocked up.

CatInABox · 21-09-2015 8:03pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

That's much more like it! Xmas purchase for myself :pac:

If it's got extra functionality, then I might upgrade. I find it comfortable enough as is, and am glad that they've kept the design, I find the fitness focus to be more my style than the others available.

g0g · 22-09-2015 1:30pm

Apparently version 1 is down to $ 100 in the States now. If they matched that price here I think I'd pick it up even at this stage to give it a go!

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 22-09-2015 3:03pm

Any link for where it's being sold for 100 USD? Thanks!

MS store US is still showing at 179.

Fingleberries · 22-09-2015 3:21pm

It's in Best Buy - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?id=pcat17071&st=microsoft+band

Probably could get Amazon to price match.

g0g · 22-09-2015 3:46pm

Yeah bestbuy but they don't ship internationally.

How do you get Amazon to pricematch?

Fingleberries · 22-09-2015 4:54pm

g0g wrote: »

Yeah bestbuy but they don't ship internationally.

How do you get Amazon to pricematch?

They talk about it here, but in the US it seems to only be for TV's and Mobile Phones.

Sorry, It's better on the UK Amazon.

pastor · 24-09-2015 9:49am

Picked up a large Microsoft Band from Argos in Blanchardstown last week. I love it. I did not get a screen protector with it. I purchased one on e-bay and fitted with no problems.

g0g · 24-09-2015 12:04pm

pastor wrote: »

Picked up a large Microsoft Band from Argos in Blanchardstown last week. I love it. I did not get a screen protector with it. I purchased one on e-bay and fitted with no problems.

Oh yeah I see it there - € 195. When these first came out I'd have been all over it for that price! How do you find the battery life?

pastor · 24-09-2015 9:41pm

g0g wrote: »

Oh yeah I see it there - € 195. When these first came out I'd have been all over it for that price! How do you find the battery life?

So far so good I charge it for about 30 minutes each night and it is always down to 80%. I have clock on and the heart rate sensor on all the time and measure my sleep every night.

Really liking it. I agree the price is now steep at Argos but I nearly paid £400.00 when they first came out.

ablelocks · 06-10-2015 10:11am

Microsoft Band - £119.99 Amazon Deal of the day

there is a new one coming (soon?) but this is a good deal for the watch.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 10:12am

ablelocks wrote: »

Microsoft Band - £119.99 Amazon Deal of the day

there is a new one coming (soon?) but this is a good deal for the watch.

Coming in about 5 hours, to be precise! Well announced anyway.

Redgirl82 · 06-10-2015 10:54am

Hi

I am looking to get one of these bands, I have a Mi-Fit at the moment but need something better and I am sure this is.....

I was planning on getting Garmin Vivoactive: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RE1UL52/ref=twister_B00S50HGN6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

But this is coming in a good bit cheaper, has anyone compared the both of them? Will the band do the job? Does it tracking cycling etc?

Thanks

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 11:00am

I use it all the time for cycling and it's great for it - really accurate GPS (which can sometimes take a wee while to lock on at the start) without a phone needed, and battery life will easily last a 3 hour or so cycle (as long as you put the display into standby after starting the tracking that is). However, as mentioned, the second-generation Band is going to be announced later today, and may indeed be available sometime this month. It'll likely feature a number of hardware and comfort improvements, so I'd hang on until 5pm or so, and if you don't see a massive difference between Band v1 and v2, then grab that Amazon deal before the end of the day.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:25pm

Second gen device official. Waiting on specifics.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:26pm

Curved Gorilla Glass, scratch resistant, more touch responsive.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:27pm

Elevation tracking through a barometer.

g0g · 06-10-2015 3:27pm

Could she just tell us when and how much please!!

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:28pm

g0g wrote: »

Could she just tell us when and how much please!!

She's too busy bragging about how often she runs triathlons up mountains.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:31pm

$249 October 30th

Shame they've upped the price a bit, I'll still be getting one. No mention of international availability.

g0g · 06-10-2015 3:34pm

@MJohnston are you just watching a text ticker too or listening live? Did they mention which regions from October 30th or US only?

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:36pm

I'm watching the livestream, they didn't say US-only, I'd assume they'd retain the existing markets, but they didn't mention it. Pre-order later today, so I guess we'll find out details then.

Redgirl82 · 06-10-2015 3:47pm

MJohnston wrote: »

I'm watching the livestream, they didn't say US-only, I'd assume they'd retain the existing markets, but they didn't mention it. Pre-order later today, so I guess we'll find out details then.

I guess based on what you have said so far the deal on Amazon might be worth taking???

g0g · 06-10-2015 3:54pm

Redgirl82 wrote: »

I guess based on what you have said so far the deal on Amazon might be worth taking???

Might be. Haven't seen the full spec. Will be interested to hear battery life estimates etc.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 3:55pm

Redgirl82 wrote: »

I guess based on what you have said so far the deal on Amazon might be worth taking???

It seems like they've updated the UI a bit too. I dunno, I think I need to wait on battery life info to decide on that. There are a few extras that would make me miss not having the new hardware.

g0g · 06-10-2015 4:48pm

UK site saying £ 199.99

Band Material - Thermal plastic elastomer silicone vulcanate (TPSiV)
Display Size - 32mm x 12.8mm
Display Type - AMOLED
Resolution - 320 x 128 pixels
Battery Life - 48 hours of normal use4; advanced functionality like GPS use will impact battery performance
Average Charge Time - full charge in less than 1.5 hours
Battery Type - Li-Polymer
Operating Temperature Ranges - -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F)
Maximum Operating Altitude - -300m to +4877m
Warranty - 1 year limited warranty; additional statutory rights may apply in your country
Sensors

Optical heart rate sensor
3-axis accelerometer/gyro - Gyrometer
GPS
Ambient light sensor
Skin temperature sensor
UV sensor
Capacitive sensor
Galvanic skin response
Microphone
Barometer

Additional Technology - Haptic vibration motor
Connectivity - Bluetooth 4.0 (Low Energy)
Supported mobile devices - Works with Windows Phone 8.1 update, iPhone®: 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus, iOS® 8.1.2, and many Android™ 4.3-5.0 phones, with Bluetooth®
Charge Cable Connector - Custom charge cable
Water Resistance

Microsoft Band meets these standards for dust- and water-resistance:
IP6X: No ingress of dust. Complete protection against entry of dust.
IPX7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (at depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes).
IP67: Means it meets both the dust- and water-resistance standards above.

But also....

Microsoft Band is not waterproof. Light rain and hand washing shouldn’t harm it, but do not immerse it in liquids of any kind. This means it should not be worn while swimming or in the shower.

Microsoft Band is dust- and water-resistant but not waterproof. It isn’t impervious to water damage in environments you may encounter.

Light rain, and hand washing shouldn’t harm it, but do not immerse it in liquids of any kind.

Microsoft Band isn’t intended for swimming. Remove it before swimming for recreation or fitness.

Microsoft Band isn’t intended to be worn in the shower. Remove it before showering or bathing.

Microsoft Band is intended for indoor/outdoor use in the presence of rain, snow, or brief splashes of water.

Microsoft doesn’t guarantee that Microsoft Band will operate normally if used in water or other liquids. It may be damaged if water enters it.

If Microsoft Band has been immersed in water or the microphone is wet, the microphone may not function properly.

MJohnston · 06-10-2015 5:10pm

Nothing new with the lack of waterproofing though. I wasn't expecting them to be able to solve that tbh, not with a microphone on board. Quoting the same battery life. Disappointing that there's no NFC on board.

Fingleberries · 06-10-2015 6:37pm

Band 2 looks like it's still just USA, Canada and the UK for now. Priced £199 in the UK.

Microsoft Store website from the UK usually ships to Ireland.

Fingleberries · 06-10-2015 8:24pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Grand stuff I`ll be ordered one when they appear on the MS UK store.

Should be up for pre-order today or tomorrow.

CatInABox · 06-10-2015 8:40pm

The Health app got an update, it's cleaned up the menu, and now has a new colour.

MJohnston · 07-10-2015 7:55am

ronnie3585 · 07-10-2015 8:49am

Any word on whether the golf app will work on Irish courses?

Microsoft Band

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