TheVerge Reviews the Microsoft Band

Whilst it does perform some smart watch like functionalities, it’s not a smart watch. It’s a fitness band with a whole bunch of sensors to record your every move.

TheVerge reckon Microsoft are on to something here, and it’s a great first try.

The Band is easy to use. On twitter I’ve seen that folks who aren’t particular fans of tiles see that it fits the UI well. The guided workouts are apparently awesome. Cross platform support is available but it does perform better with Windows Phone as you get Cortana integration with more fine tuned notifications. For the most part, it works very well independently and untethered.

But as a ‘band’ the middle ground between fitness tracker and smartwatch it doesn’t completely accomplish the goal of being an invisible fitness tracker. There all the time without you thinking about it. Like I’ve read in other reviews, TheVerge agrees that you definitely know you’re wearing this. Both because of the size and feel but also, should you pop into the shower, it’s NOT waterproof (a bad trait of smartwatches). Another thing it picks up from smartwatches is battery life. Potentially better than most, but should be better. TheVerge expects a week from what’s mostly meant to be a subtle fitness tracker.

There’s a lot more to check out in the review:

http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/11/7190179/microsoft-band-review

Anyone here using fitness trackers or smartwatches? I’m intrigued by them. The only one I’d really consider is LG’s completely circular LG G Watch R. It looks good, the full circle won’t bug me like the Moto X’s random sliced off chin and the battery life is said to be at least a day with the always on clock (2 when turned off). But then I’d have to get an Android phone.

The Microsoft Band isn’t even available in the UK even if I really wanted one.

Category: Accessories