Microsoft Band

g0g · 07-10-2015 8:49am

Very jealous! I'm on the verge but can't convince myself to make that final click!

So many questions:
1) Will exchange rate improve before launch (assuming you get charged now?)
2) Might they announce other countries in coming days with a better € price?
3) Could price drop before Christmas?
4) Will bundles be offered with the new Lumias (which I'm also tempted by!)?

@MJohnston was your total bill £ 210 / € 300-ish?

MJohnston · 07-10-2015 8:57am

£206 it was, with the express shipping being an extra £10 as part of that. I really doubt they'll drop the price before Christmas, and I'm guessing if there's a Euro price, they tend to be less favourable than GBP prices. A Lumia bundle might happen, but I don't know when or if! I'm too addicted to new gadgets

I'm waiting on Three to say whether they're going to stock the 950/XL before I pull the trigger on one of those.

Fingleberries · 07-10-2015 9:06am

The updated Microsoft Health app has improved the Cortana support with Band 1 users with Windows 10 Mobile, it's still not perfect, though. Now Cortana notifications are delivered to the Band, but the Band cannot be used for regular Cortana actions (make a note, issue commands, etc.)

If you're on Windows Phone 8.x, Cortana continues to work as you would expect.

g0g · 12-10-2015 1:53pm

UK MS site now offering Trade In deal on the Band 2 for anyone that owns a Band 1 or other fitness wearable.

How much can I get?
Product to Trade In Trade In Cashback
Trade in Microsoft Band £70.00
Trade in a Fitbit with original purchase price of £99 or above £50.00
Other wearable fitness or smart watch wearable device with original purchased price of £89 or above £40.00

MJohnston · 12-10-2015 1:59pm

g0g wrote: »

UK MS site now offering Trade In deal on the Band 2 for anyone that owns a Band 1 or other fitness wearable.

FFS, already pre-ordered and all, but that's good to know.

Edit: seems from here that you pre-order, receive your product, and then get a rebate for sending the older product back in. Grand so.

CatInABox · 12-10-2015 10:07pm

g0g wrote: »

UK MS site now offering Trade In deal on the Band 2 for anyone that owns a Band 1 or other fitness wearable.

Well, that's me ordering one then. I had been looking around to see how much I could sell my current band for, so this makes it exceptionally easy.

pastor · 12-10-2015 11:38pm

I will pre-order the Band 2 and then trade in my original band. I am delighted. With the recent price reductions on the original band I thought that I would get hardly anything for it.

jos22 · 12-10-2015 11:54pm

is the trade in for the UK only ? can people from Ireland take part ?

g0g · 13-10-2015 11:53am

Got a link for a more detailed page. Unfortunately they've considered what I thought was going to be my great plan of purchasing a banjaxed Fitbit on eBay to trade in!

Some important points on the terms:

This Promotion is open to residents of mainland UK and Northern Ireland only who purchase a new (not pre-owned or refurbished) Qualifying Product.
For your Trade-in to qualify for the promotion it must be a working, complete and undamaged Microsoft Band, Fitbit with original purchase price of £99 or above, or other fitness or smart watch wearable device with original purchased price of £89 or above.
The Trade in offer is not applicable to products which originate outside the UK. Qualifying products must be of original United Kingdom localised specification. Imported/ grey market products are not eligible for the promotion.

MJohnston · 13-10-2015 12:30pm

Anyone remember how much the Fitbit Flex used to cost originally? Thank goodness for my parents having a Nordie address.

theothernt · 14-10-2015 11:00am

MJohnston wrote: »

Anyone remember how much the Fitbit Flex used to cost originally? Thank goodness for my parents having a Nordie address.

But the Euro to GBP rate isn't that great at the moment

g0g · 17-10-2015 9:37pm

Band 1 down to £99.99 on Amazon UK and sold via them so free delivery if of interest to anyone. I'm only tracking medium so dunno about other sizes.

ablelocks · 18-10-2015 4:49pm

has anyone else experienced the rubber peeling off the inner side of the band? happened mine yesterday. bought it from amazon.co.uk, so should i contact amazon support or microsoft direct?

theothernt · 18-10-2015 5:25pm

ablelocks wrote: »

has anyone else experienced the rubber peeling off the inner side of the band? happened mine yesterday. bought it from amazon.co.uk, so should i contact amazon support or microsoft direct?

Yeah, it's a common issue - the 1st gen Band wears out quite easily, mine has and I don't even wear it that often

Davy · 18-10-2015 5:26pm

ablelocks wrote: »

has anyone else experienced the rubber peeling off the inner side of the band? happened mine yesterday. bought it from amazon.co.uk, so should i contact amazon support or microsoft direct?

I haven't personally but it has been one of the recurring issues which a lot of owners got exchanges for, I would try amazon first and see what they say. It will depend how long you have it. If your not happy then go warranty with Microsoft, might do a swap.

Keeping the charging port clean so it will charge properly is the issue I experience every so often

ablelocks · 19-10-2015 11:40am

i only have it 3 months with minimal "exercise use" - and I have the stats to prove it! Not happy that this has happened so soon. Will let ye know how i get on with Amazon and or Microsoft.

MJohnston · 19-10-2015 11:46am

Microsoft should be grand with replacing it, they've replaced mine happily enough a couple of times. If you don't get anywhere with Amazon, just give MS Band support a ring. I have heard of this issue happening to others, has not been a problem for me at all, but it's not uncommon enough for them to refuse to fix it.

Fingleberries · 19-10-2015 11:54am

There's even an option in the Microsoft Health App to "Replace My Band". I'd doubt they put it in there unless they were expecting they would need to make it easy to replace.

CatInABox · 19-10-2015 12:06pm

Fingleberries wrote: »

There's even an option in the Microsoft Health App to "Replace My Band". I'd doubt they put it in there unless they were expecting they would need to make it easy to replace.

Pretty sure they put that in there for anyone upgrading from Band to Band 2.

Fingleberries · 19-10-2015 3:00pm

CatInABox wrote: »

Pretty sure they put that in there for anyone upgrading from Band to Band 2.

You could be right - It seems to be to replace the existing band registered in the app with a different one (Band 1 or 2)

I never clicked it before, as I had no need to, but did think that it was the sign of someone not very confident in their product

ablelocks · 19-10-2015 3:22pm

well, have to say both Microsoft and Amazon support were easy and quick to deal with - MS Band tech guy immediately offered to exchange, but told me to ask Amazon first as he had heard they would do a refund. Contacted Amazon and she offered an exchange straight away, but I then asked for a refund - no quibble, offered there and then. So that was that sorted.

I then got back on to the Microsoft Store UK to get a refund on the screen protector that I had purchased separately - but the lady there wouldn't acknowledge my point at all, kept talking about t's and c's and asking me to click and read policies etc. I asked her to escalate to the TMO and tone and response changed immediately! Got my refund in the end but it took a while...

So looking forward to buying the MS Band 2 (and presumably another screen protector as well) - I'm hoping there'll be some Black Friday deals on it either through Amazon or direct with Microsoft Store.

All in all, fair play to Microsoft and Amazon.

MJohnston · 19-10-2015 3:53pm

You hopefully won't need a screen protector for the Band 2 as it has the latest curved Gorilla Glass to prevent damage - the Band v1 in comparison was just regular glass, and scratched to hell because of it without a protector. Of course, if you're doing rock climbing or something like that, it might still need one!

pastor · 19-10-2015 4:14pm

Argos are now listing the Band 2 for 254.99 at the following link for the large pretty good price:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/4475239/Trail/searchtext%3EMICROSOFT+BAND.htm

g0g · 19-10-2015 7:05pm

pastor wrote: »

Argos are now listing the Band 2 for 254.99 at the following link for the large pretty good price:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/4475239/Trail/searchtext%3EMICROSOFT+BAND.htm

That's great news thanks,I had feared €300 in Irish market. Even better value if released in a period where Argos are giving vouchers back when you spend X amount.

ablelocks · 19-10-2015 8:13pm

ablelocks wrote: »

well, have to say both Microsoft and Amazon support were easy and quick to deal with - MS Band tech guy immediately offered to exchange, but told me to ask Amazon first as he had heard they would do a refund. Contacted Amazon and she offered an exchange straight away, but I then asked for a refund - no quibble, offered there and then. So that was that sorted.

I then got back on to the Microsoft Store UK to get a refund on the screen protector that I had purchased separately - but the lady there wouldn't acknowledge my point at all, kept talking about t's and c's and asking me to click and read policies etc. I asked her to escalate to the TMO and tone and response changed immediately! Got my refund in the end but it took a while...

So looking forward to buying the MS Band 2 (and presumably another screen protector as well) - I'm hoping there'll be some Black Friday deals on it either through Amazon or direct with Microsoft Store.

All in all, fair play to Microsoft and Amazon.

just re-read the transcripts and something I didn't know - if you buy a device direct from MS and there are 3 returns within the warranty period, they will give you a refund if you wish....might be useful for some people.

mark_m360 · 19-10-2015 10:27pm

Microsoft have a trade in program whereby if you purchased the Original Band from the UK (eg. Amazon), you will get a refund of £70. You just need to purchase the Band 2 from the Microsoft Store and use a UK address (eg. Parcel Motel). All the details are the website but it's pretty sweet.

https://storetradeup.com/gb/en/pages/band2/home

Redgirl82 · 22-10-2015 9:58pm

The Band 1 is available for £99 from amazon, is it worth it? or better off spending the cash on Band 2?

Davy · 22-10-2015 10:17pm

Redgirl82 wrote: »

The Band 1 is available for £99 from amazon, is it worth it? or better off spending the cash on Band 2?

You have to decide if the new design and updates are worth twice the price, but the first one is fine, and good for that price.

MJohnston · 29-10-2015 2:22pm

Review of the Band 2 up from WinCentral, some new features mentioned:

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-band-2-review

There is now an optional Smart-Alarm tool that only goes off when you are tossing and turning in bed. [..] The Band 2 feature works by monitoring your movement during a 30-minute window around your alarm time. So if you set your alarm for 7 am the Band 2 may wake you between 6:30 and 7 depending on when you toss and turn in bed. The result? You wake up refreshed and not groggy. Don't worry, though, you can still use the snooze feature.

There is also an optional Auto-clock feature called Rotate. The clock turns on only when you raise your arm up to view the Band.

Finally, there is a UV reminder function. This is an alarm that goes off after a defined period of exposure to the sun, and it is ideal to avoid sunburn. Since the UV sensor is now on the clasp, when worn with the display on the inside of the wrist it exposes the sensor towards the sky.

Those are nice little additions, and the review mentions they won't be coming to Band v1.

CatInABox · 29-10-2015 2:45pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Review of the Band 2 up from WinCentral, some new features mentioned:

http://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-band-2-review

Those are nice little additions, and the review mentions they won't be coming to Band v1.

The verge have their review up as well, written by someone that seems to want a cheap as chips device that does everything. It's a weird review. See here.

MJohnston · 29-10-2015 3:14pm

I stopped reading them a while back because their reviews and editorials were really annoying - they seem to plan a 'narrative' for every device, and then write their review to suit that. eg. last week Tom Warren sends out a Tweet asking people to reply with examples of apps that have recently been removed from the Windows store, but didn't do any follow up surveying of apps that have appeared recently. Lo and behold, next day there's a Verge article "Windows Phone has a new app problem", even though if you ask people who use it regularly, it appears that W10 has improved that situation.

g0g · 29-10-2015 6:43pm

Asked in an Argos today for a date estimate. Their system said earliest 22/11/2015 but might be later.

CatInABox · 30-10-2015 5:56pm

Ordered my Band 2 the other day, and it turns out that the trade in deal is in conjunction with CExchange. Every Band sent to Microsoft will be transferred to Cex, who will then check it and presumably try to sell it.

Kind of annoying that I'll have to send off my band to Microsoft, wait however many weeks until I get a refund, when I could just hand it in to Cex 20 minutes walk any. Ah well.

theothernt · 31-10-2015 7:57pm

The Band 2 started to go on sale in Seattle Microsoft Stores yesterday, so if you know anyone stateside... :pac:

ablelocks · 02-11-2015 4:06pm

theothernt wrote: »

The Band 2 started to go on sale in Seattle Microsoft Stores yesterday, so if you know anyone stateside... :pac:

also available on the online US microsoft store - (and the screen protector is extra...)

I got the refund on my band so will wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals to order the Band 2

g0g · 08-11-2015 6:15pm

Band 1 now £ 69.99 from MS UK direct including the free screen protector.

themacdaddy · 18-11-2015 12:15pm

Anyone here actually got a chance to use the Band 2 yet? I am really interested in getting it, but would like to heat whats others say. There are so many reviews out there with different ratings and feedback. Hard to know what is accurate.

theothernt · 18-11-2015 12:19pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Anyone here actually got a chance to use the Band 2 yet? I am really interested in getting it, but would like to heat whats others say. There are so many reviews out there with different ratings and feedback. Hard to know what is accurate.

What would you like to know about it?

MJohnston · 18-11-2015 12:24pm

themacdaddy wrote: »

Anyone here actually got a chance to use the Band 2 yet? I am really interested in getting it, but would like to heat whats others say. There are so many reviews out there with different ratings and feedback. Hard to know what is accurate.

Mine will hopefully be shipping tomorrow, so I'll let you know

themacdaddy · 18-11-2015 12:57pm

theothernt wrote: »

What would you like to know about it?

Basically what I said above, an actual users experience of it rather than a website who may have a biased review for one reason or another. Some many different reviews out there.

MJohnston wrote: »

Mine will hopefully be shipping tomorrow, so I'll let you know

Thanks mate.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 18-11-2015 4:35pm

Mine should be with me tomorrow. Hope to have a play with it over the weekend.

g0g · 19-11-2015 12:24pm

Some Argos Ireland stores have them in stock!

I reserved one in Blanch and will be collecting hopefully shortly. I even called to be certain and they said they defo have them. € 254.99 plus hopefully get a € 10 voucher back too

MJohnston · 19-11-2015 12:51pm

Mine's delivered to my office, just waiting on the mail guy to come around and drop it off

g0g · 19-11-2015 12:55pm

MJohnston wrote: »

Mine's delivered to my office, just waiting on the mail guy to come around and drop it off

If it's a heap of cr.ap please PM me within the hour!:D

Also, interested to hear feedback on size. I reserved a medium and I measured approx 170mm around my wrist.

MJohnston · 19-11-2015 12:56pm

I've ordered a medium too, had a large Band v1 and I always had it on the tightest possible setting, and sometimes it was still too loose, so I'll let you know here. Tempted to go down and ask him directly for it.

Crocked · 19-11-2015 1:50pm

g0g wrote: »

Some Argos Ireland stores have them in stock! I reserved one in Blanch and will be collecting hopefully shortly. I even called to be certain and they said they defo have them. € 254.99 plus hopefully get a € 10 voucher back too

I'd been watching the Argos site as they are a lot cheaper then Amazon but had missed it updating this morning.

Just reserved one for collection tomorrow, working out about €40 cheaper and Amazon still hasn't shipped my pre-order.

Cheers for the heads up.

MJohnston · 19-11-2015 2:57pm

So I just got mine from the mail guy. Initial impressions:

+ Fit is much more comfortable, but weirdly I kind of miss the reassuring restrictiveness of the original Band - I'm sure I'll get over it!
+ Charging percentage indicator goes up in smaller increments than the last one (which would jump in 10% values)
+ Setup is really easy
+ Screen is a nice improvement on the original
+ Rotate Watch mode is great
+ Size is very different, as I said I got the medium and I'm actually nearly able to tighten the clasp completely on this one - I think that's because the sides of the band are much more flexible. For comfort I've taken it out a couple of notches though!

If you have questions about it, let me know.

MJohnston · 19-11-2015 3:17pm

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Is it worth the step up money wise from the first band?

Do you mean for upgrading or for buying new?

MJohnston · 19-11-2015 3:26pm

I won't be able to say for sure until I've used this for a while, but the build quality seems so substantially improved on this one that I'd say it's worth the extra. My Band v1 (the third one I've had in a year) was literally just starting to fall apart on Monday, and the charging contacts have been buggered for a good 2-3 weeks now, whereas they've corrected all of those flaws on this one.

g0g · 19-11-2015 5:19pm

MJohnston wrote: »

So I just got mine from the mail guy. Initial impressions:

+ Fit is much more comfortable, but weirdly I kind of miss the reassuring restrictiveness of the original Band - I'm sure I'll get over it!
+ Charging percentage indicator goes up in smaller increments than the last one (which would jump in 10% values)
+ Setup is really easy
+ Screen is a nice improvement on the original
+ Rotate Watch mode is great
+ Size is very different, as I said I got the medium and I'm actually nearly able to tighten the clasp completely on this one - I think that's because the sides of the band are much more flexible. For comfort I've taken it out a couple of notches though!

If you have questions about it, let me know.

Face in or face out?

Microsoft Band

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