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Microsoft Band

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Re: Microsoft Band

#71

Post by nilkn »

steven2012 wrote: post #36

Finally a Microsoft product that isn't stupidly handcuffed to their ecosystem. Microsoft has amazing engineers still, and they must be frustrated that they aren't allowed to produce the best device they can, regardless of os. I hope for their sake this thing does well.

> If you're using Windows Phone 8.1, ask Cortana to take notes or set reminders with your voice. She'll give you driving directions and keep you on top of traffic, sports, stocks, weather, and more. She is ready to help whenever you need it.

It sounds like Cortana only works with a Windows Phone though. However, it seems like this is mainly a fitness tracker with light smartwatch features on the side, so I'm not sure if I'd consider this a dealbreaker or anything.

Re: Microsoft Band

#74

Post by hbharadwaj »

guylhem wrote: post #35

All the sensors + apparently a very lightweight OS + small form factor = I like it. The killing feature is the integrated GPS. As mentionned on the website, you can go without your phone. That alone could make it a buy if it supports wireless charging (I don't want to bother with wires in 2014) Also, it is multiplatform, which is a big plus. I do not want an android watch or an iwatch, but something that will work re…

GPS alone re-categorizes this. One small addition - they are also heavily emphasizing the Health Cloud alongside the band as a feature

http://www.microsoft.com/Microsoft-Health/en-us

Re: Microsoft Band

#76

Post by nilkn »

glibgil wrote: post #69
guylhem wrote: post #35

All the sensors + apparently a very lightweight OS + small form factor = I like it. The killing feature is the integrated GPS. As mentionned on the website, you can go without your phone. That alone could make it a buy if it supports wireless charging (I don't want to bother with wires in 2014) Also, it is multiplatform, which is a big plus. I do not want an android watch or an iwatch, but something that will work re…

I'm waiting until 2016 to not bother with wires. Am I being too patient?

Several Android and Windows phones support wireless charging or can be modified to do so. (E.g., the Nexus 6 supports it and with the Note line you can just swap out the back panel for a special one). Devices like the Moto 360 also support wireless charging.

Re: Microsoft Band

#77

Post by therobot24 »

dominotw wrote: post #19
tdicola wrote: post #14

Looks interesting and good on Microsoft for finally getting in front of a new hardware trend. I kind of wonder if all these health trackers are just going to be a fad though. Do you really need to micromanage every calorie and heart beat with a $200 gadget? There's a ton of hand waving about combining all the data, synergies, etc. but what are the actual benefits of these devices over just regular checkups with a doc…

Yep definitely a fad. I used up band religiously for a year couple of years when it came out. After a while I got sick of one more thing to keep track of, was just too overbearing. I see a counter trend where technology becomes invisible, fades into background and still works for us instead of being in out faces all the time. Smartphones, smart glasses, smart watches everything that wants a piece of our attention is…

As an engineer it's fun to work with data. Having data about my own life (heart, sleep, eating, etc) is fun to play with, learn from, and optimize. No, I don't need every calorie or heart beat, but it can be interesting to work with what i've got.

Re: Microsoft Band

#78

Post by BinaryIdiot »

viggity wrote: post #59

in general, I'm a pretty big MS fanboy (win phones since 7, surface 2, etc). And I am suspect of the category as a whole, but the orientation of the screen just seems so dumb. Also, people keep saying it is so small, it certainly doesn't look like it to me, especially on the sides it looks relatively thick. I'm going to be out in Redmond soon, hope to see some in the wild.

> but the orientation of the screen just seems so dumb.

I thought this at first but after thinking about it I think it's really intuitive! When you use a watch you have to turn your arm in a non-natural way but when you turn your palm up it's actually easier because of the way the mussels are laid out. Also that's how you always look at your phone.

I wouldn't mind trying one out.

Re: Microsoft Band

#79

Post by javert »

iamshs wrote: post #57
suprgeek wrote: post #27

Got a nice package of on board sensors: Optical heart rate sensor 3-axis accelerometer/gyro GPS Ambient light sensor Skin temperature sensor UV sensor Microphone Haptic vibration motor The 2 day battery life is the one turn off for me. Otherwise this is actually quite nice for $199 cross platform fitness wearable

What is the software running on this? Interestingly, MS is mum on it. What a change. Also, can the microphone connect to Siri, Google Now? I know Cortana is running on it. Must say, looks very very alluring. Edit:- Sizing:- http://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-band/en-us/sizing From the accessories it looks like it can be wirelessly charged, and has BLE:- http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/buy/productI...…

> What is the software running on this? Interestingly, MS is mum on it.

I'd really like to know. No matter what the answer is, it's going to be fascinating. Even if it's Windows but they've decided not to broadcast that.

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