What's wrong with the Microsoft Band

What's wrong with the Microsoft Band

Summary: Microsoft Band owners voice their complaints and gripes related to the new fitness wearable.

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TOPICS: Mobility, Microsoft
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Microsoft Band
(Image: Microsoft)

While I'm enthusiastic about Microsoft's entry into the fitness wearable market, and firmly believe that the array of sensors and platform-agnostic nature of the Band makes it a game changer, over the past few days I've received a fair bit of feedback from users as to things they'd like to see changed in a future release.

What follows is a list of complaints and possible improvements that I've been sent by Microsoft Band owners, arranged in no particular order. However, I will start with the most common complaint.

Too big, too bulky

Because I have 8.5-inch wrists and I have a thing for huge stainless steel diving watches, I tend to look at most smartwatches and wrist-wearables and think them small and puny. But I forget that when it comes to wrist-size, I'm at the upper-end of the spectrum. The biggest and most prolific complaints that I've seen leveled at the Microsoft Band is that it's too big and too bulky. While the Fitbit and UP seem to have the ability to melt away into the background and not seem to bother people, the Band is there all the time.

It's a big screen connected to a raft of sensors and battery that can give it two days of usage, so no wonder it's big. I assume that the Band will benefit from the march of miniaturization in future versions.

The screen scratches easily

Some people are telling me that after less than a day of wear their Band has picked up numerous scratches. Some owners tell me that they've resorted to screen protectors, which is something that I thought we'd seen the end of in high-end devices. 

Not waterproof

For sporty types used to throwing a sports watch onto their wrist and wearing it no matter what they do, the fact that the Band isn't waterproof came as a big surprise to many.

Complex to set up

The Band can do a lot, and buries information beneath an array of menus, and for some people this as a negative. In particular, configuring notifications and such seems cumbersome. Some people, it seems, are willing to spend $200 on what they think is a wearable and seem upset that for that money they get a device that acts as a hub for their email and social media.

Devices such as the Fitbit and UP have conditioned users into thinking that a fitness wearable is a wear-and-forget device.

Price

The $200 price tag came in for criticism by some who'd prefer a simpler and cheaper Band.

The bottom line

It's hard to make a single device that works for everyone. The Band isn't "one size fits all" because it comes in a number of different sizes, but it is a single device, with no option for a simpler (cheaper) Band.

My guess is that Microsoft will come out with a Band 2 within a year, and this will address some of these issues. Making the device waterproof would certainly be a useful addition, as would making the device more ergonomic. The user interface could also perhaps do with a bit of streamlining (this could hopefully be delivered to existing Band owners).

The biggest question facing those considering a Band – beyond whether they want to wear something 24/7 that might be clumsy – is do you want a simple fitness band, or do you want a full fitness and health device that also acts as a hub for your email and social media?

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Topics: Mobility, Microsoft

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82 comments
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  • Typically not a fan of the band

    Not really into the fitness band thing and when it was rumored that MS's smart watch was going to be one, I was rather disappointed. But after its release, its really grown on me and now I kinda like it. Will wait and see as I am an Android user, a Google Wear would make more sense for me currently.
    Rann Xeroxx
    • You could use it as a watch

      it is rather stylish.
      Mac_PC_FenceSitter
      • Looks great because

        Its not pretending to be a watch. Its a deluxe fitness band. v1.0 of this thing really good start. fitbit now has some catching up to do.
        Sean Foley
        • a "deluxe fitness band"

          that isn't waterproof and scratches easily?

          In your vocabulary, does "deluxe" mean "never used"?
          skiwi
          • No problems here

            As an owner, I can say that even though my band is on 24x7 (except every other day for charging), and I haven't received a single scratch. The promotion at the Microsoft Store included a screen protector, which, just like your cell phone, you should have. I don't know about waterproof, but it is certainly water resistant. I don't think you would take your cell phone swimming with you, and the Band is no different.

            I've found the Band easy to set up, and within the first day, you really forget you have it on, except when it vibrates to notify you of a new text, email, etc.
            korebreach
          • Screen Protector??

            Seriously, a screen protector on a fitness band?

            What were they thinking?
            paddle.
          • WTF are you thinking paddle???

            paddle, your comments are pure piddle.

            Im no particular smartwatch enthusiast of any brand, but your commentary is just pure trash.
            Cayble
        • Goot laugh

          "fitbit" now has a some catching up to do??

          Thanks to Microsoft, who as of this week, bundles a free fitbit with each Lumina 830 sold in the USA, I think:

          1) fitbit will be doing fine, thanks
          2) Microsoft don't seem to believe in their own product
          3) Microsoft marketing continues to suck.
          paddle.
          • no

            Unlike google and apple, MS is currently actively supporting competition.
            elitewolverine
    • What's wrong with the Microsoft Band?

      Nothing is wrong with the Band. Some things could be even better.
      greywolf7
      • What's wrong with the Microsoft Band?

        The User Interface. Its ugly like Windows Phone, Windows 8.x and 10.
        SuperCocoLoco
        • I have to hate MS

          I have to hate MS, no matter what. This is the same article. It never claimed it is waterproof. If it has many things doing, will be hard to setup everything. not a problem for many.
          only thing every one liked is price as per wsj and forbes.
          Mac_Win
          • Don't Forget

            He claimed (said) these are the whining (Complaints) he received from users... Huh
            I could be wrong, but these sounds like the author's whining (em.. complaints)
            Alfred Soyemi
        • What's Wrong WIth SuperCocoLoco

          He's still version1 and buggy.
          Blogsworth
        • UI

          What's ugly for some is nice for others. I happen to like the UI in all of the products you mentioned, plus the Band. Hey, if you don't want Live Tiles and want to stick with static icons that show no information, that's you. I'm sure many others share your prejudice against Microsoft products, especially on tech forms where Apple zealots run amok. What's your concern with the UI? Have a dislike against customization? Don't like info available without having to drill in? Please share, instead of spouting personal opinion as fact.
          korebreach
        • Whats wrong with SuperCocoLoco??

          For starters, SuperCocoLoco clearly has no ability to understand functional design. No ability.

          I suppose pretty ribbons bows and we little useless icons are where life in the computing world begins and ends for the likes of you.

          You come across like some dufuss who would rather race a Cadillac in a formula one race because a Cadillac says luxury and a formula one care says ugly.

          Secondly, whats wrong with SuperCocoLoco?

          Ha.

          This is way too easy.

          SuperCocoLoco is obviously super loco in the coco.
          Cayble
      • What is wrong?

        My poop is cuter than that crappy junky Microsoft Band. Time to close up shop and sell themselves to Google.
        TimeForAChangeToBetter
        • Oh my goodness, he's back under a new user name

          Well, it would appear seeing Google's latest quarterly reports, their bargain basement cloud prices, ect, that MS should be able to pick up Google for a fire sale price in about 12 months.

          Maybe one day Google will even be able to make something that somebody will want to pay money for...

          :)
          William.Farrel
        • Ha! You guys continue to make this way to easy.

          @TimeForAChangeToBetter

          "My poop is cuter than that crappy junky Microsoft Band. Time to close up shop and sell themselves to Google"

          Spoken like the true poop aficionado that TimeForAChangeToBetter truly is.

          Evey world probably has at least on and clearly TimeForAChangeToBetter is ours.

          If we ever have a poop beauty contest, we will give you a call TimeForAChangeToBetter. But until then feel free to get lost.

          And wipe that brown stain off your lips.
          Cayble
    • may as well edit that NOT Waterproof out of the article it's inaccurate ...

      See post below about the actual specs and laws regarding waterproof statements.

      Not good.
      greywolf7