Microsoft Band • Hacker News Board

Re: Microsoft Band

#131

Post by nilkn » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:16 AM UTC

Even though I'm not much of a fitness buff, the sensor array that this has is something that I view as more or less necessary in any smart wrist wearable. This sort of quantified self tracking is something that a smartphone simply cannot do in any reliable and persistent way.

So I think this is a huge step in the right direction. So much so that it'd be a nearly guaranteed buy if I were more assured that it'll be fully functional with an Android phone. The lack of Cortana support for non-Windows phones, though, is not reassuring. I can live without that, but will I still be able to get notifications with an Android phone? If I wanted only a fitness tracker, there are other options out there.

It'd also be awfully nice if it supported wireless charging. I'd really like to see the sort of charging dock for this that the Moto 360 has (transforming it into a snazzy desk clock). I think this could look even better on such a stand, since it wouldn't have the watch strap hanging off the sides.

Re: Microsoft Band

#132

Post by KobaQ » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:18 AM UTC

Damn, recently MS nails it with their web design.

Re: Microsoft Band

#133

Post by sorahn » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:19 AM UTC

I use a laptop and usually my wrists are resting on the desk. A face down display seems like it would just scratch up immediately.

Re: Microsoft Band

#134

Post by WorldWideWayne » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:21 AM UTC

scotchio wrote: post #93

Dang it! I was just about to buy it. Looks like Cortana will only work if you have a Windows phone. That missing killer feature IMO is a deal breaker. From the article: "Cortana: If you’re using Windows Phone 8.1, you can take notes and set reminders with your voice using Cortana personal assistant."

It's got a microphone and bluetooth so it might just be a software limitation. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple actually locked third parties out from using Siri like this though.

Are you saying that you want Cortana even if you're using Android or iOS? I don't think that's going to be possible.

Re: Microsoft Band

#135

Post by tkorri » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:23 AM UTC

Oh the title got me thinking that this is music related, like a new version of Songsmith. I'm glad I was wrong, the device looks very nice!

Re: Microsoft Band

#136

Post by grimmfang » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:23 AM UTC

jmsdnns wrote: post #127

felixrieseberg wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hey, I'm an Open Source Engineer with MSFT (and the msft dude for YC) - there isn't anything out yet, but we have always released SDKs for pretty much anything we build.

What does "the msft dude for YC" mean?

Companies like AWS, Google, and MSFT have representatives that consult with YC founders to help them with engineering goals. I suppose to up-sell them on scaling with their platform.

Re: Microsoft Band

#137

Post by digisign » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:24 AM UTC

webwielder wrote: post #84

astrojams wrote: post #72

This looks really good. I love the new Microsoft - it feels good to root for them again.

When would you have rooted for them in the past?

Last time I remember was when they provided Basic for my C64 and were biting the hands of IBM.

Re: Microsoft Band

#138

Post by roxtar » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:25 AM UTC

Look pretty slick. It's interesting that it's marketed as a fitness device but is actually a smart watch. I own a Garmin Forerunner 305 which can last 6-8 hours of active use. I know that the recent Garmin devices last close to a day. The Microsoft Band doesn't tell us how well it does on battery with the GPS -- without the GPS it claims 48 hours.

Re: Microsoft Band

#139

Post by robomartin » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:32 AM UTC

Wow!

This.

Is cool.

And $199?

Just ordered three of them. Happy to see Microsoft put out something like this and, to some extent one-up Apple. While the i-everything world is interesting, not sure I want to shackle myself to a single company like that.

Swimming? Is it waterproof? Any swimming apps?

Re: Microsoft Band

#140

Post by threeseed » Thu, Oct 30, 2014, 5:33 AM UTC

jader201 wrote: post #120

bluthru wrote: post #108

I'm surprised so many are drawn to the industrial design of this. It seems quite clunky with the electronics distributed throughout the band. The flat portion is also too long. Microsoft wants to sell you a gadget while Apple wants to sell you a watch.

I belong to a certain group of people that I'm guessing many smartwatch makers are targeting. That is, I've not worn a watch for years, mostly because a) I've never needed time to be any more convenient than checking my phone, and b) watches tend to be more about style than function, and I care almost zero about the former and almost everything about the latter. Now that the "watch" is becoming functional, it really…

"I also realize there is a group that does care more about style"

Amusing that you call the majority of the population a "group". People buy clothes, shoes, cars etc based on style not specs. And you only have to look at the LV, Prada etc of the world to know they are willing to spend huge amounts of money on it.

Gadget on your wrist ? Nice. But it's a niche market.