Microsoft - Band Smartwatch (Medium) - Black Thermal Plastic

I've done jawbone, Fitbit, shine and now MS band. Bad is far and away better than the others....jawbone being the worst due to always breaking. The MSB does a great job counting steps, logging runs on a treadmill or GPS and tracking sleep. As a big Apple fan, I was looking forward to the apple watch. But, with the battery life of less than a day. That was the deal breaker for me and I'm glad I took the plunge on the MSB. Looking forward to future updates on the band itself, app and the website tracking software.

I purchased this as a fitness tracker and it has surpassed my expectations. It literally has everything... step counter, heart rate monitor, UV monitor with time to burn, weather, workout tracker, guided workouts (like having a personal trainer), facebook, twitter, txt, calls, emails, watch mode, even pay for your Starbucks with this thing (I'm not kidding!), customize colors and backgrounds. The app even syncs with other popular apps like RunKeeper and myfitnesspal so you don't lose any data and you are not forced to abandon your old stuff. There are too many sensors to list so I'll just talk about some of my favorites. Guided workouts. You can download workouts from fitness magazines like Men's Health, etc... directly from the band app and it not only tracks your heart rate and calories, but it tells you what to do and when to do it. It then keeps track of your reps, calories burned, etc so you can measure your progress. The Microsoft Health app allows you to select the workouts that you want to do and it will even show you how to do each exercise properly. Sleep tracker is pretty cool too. On the productivity side, I have to say that I had no intention of wearing this all day, but I've found myself doing just that. It's just way too convenient to glance at your wrist and see who's calling, read/reply to txts and read emails. It even has a tiny keyboard that somehow works! I love this thing! About the only negative thing I can ding this on is that I would recommend a screen protector as the bezel around the screen can be scratched.

As a minimalist, going from my FitBit Flex to this was an adjustment in size and weight. This becomes irrelevant when you consider the advantages in features and customization you get with the MS Band. The comfort curve was within hours (forgot it was on) and additional functionalities are appreciated like GPS, notifications from my phone (I surprisingly find myself using my iPhone less now unless calls come through), UV sensor telling the exposure duration until sun damage and for me the heart monitor is quite the treat; especially in workout and sleep tracking when you are trying to hit high intensity figures or resting rate. As I work in healthcare, I consulted with colleagues on my sleep data which they able to give interesting remarks versus the sleep data from the Flex. As for screen protectors and durability, I don't feel the need as I've already scuffed the band (top and bottom# but one has to be looking for them and in the right lighting conditions. But that's the point - this thing is constructed well. I've been exceeding battery life #3 days versus the rated 48hrs but obviously subject to usage#. The MS Health App, despite sluggish reviews #syncing issues) hasn't given me a single problem and the interface is clean. Had the unit over a week and enjoying the quality.

wish it would work with the iPhone better . I can't answer text messages with with an iPhone .

Good product worth the money paid for it. One of the best activity trackers that support windows platform.

The Microsoft Band holds high value as a Smart Watch as well as being a quality fitness band. The majority of consumers will appreciate the standard pedometer & sleep stats that virtually all smart watches and fitness bands provide, but the Microsoft Band adds the ability to read your heart rate, view text messages, see Facebook & email notifications, and log routes using GPS without a requirement to lug your phone with you on your journey. Besides the plethora of features the Microsoft Band offers, the value really comes in with compatibility. The Microsoft Band is the only smart watch that can be used with Windows Phone, iPhones, & Android phones. This means that your $200 investment will travel with you even if you get a new phone. Consumers often have their favorite device/operating system, but this doesn't mean we should be stuck with an old phone because you purchased a fitness band or smart watch that functions exclusively with one operating system. PRO: MORE FEATURES / BETTER VALUE THAN FITBIT The most popular fitness bands are the Fitbit line of products. At $94.99 the Fitbit Flex can be found almost anywhere. The price seems great, but this device has no screen which means you must use your phone to view any specific information - This gets old very quick. If you are going to spend around $100 you will very quickly realize that anything worn on your wrist 24 hours a day should at least tell you the time. The next jump up in the Fitbit world is the Charge at $129.99. Now you can finally see what time it is and review the most basic information right on your wrist, but the features mostly end there. You will be able to see the name & phone number of calls coming in to your synched device, but that is it - which falls short of being a helpful or fun smart watch. In order to have a Fitbit with similar features to the Microsoft Band, you must climb up to the $249 Surge with the heart rate monitor. You can now read text messages, but the screen is colorless, the device lacks style or any individuality, and it is more expensive than the Microsoft Band which has just as many features. PRO: NOTIFICATIONS The Microsoft Band allows you to customize which notifications you see on your wrist. Facebook updates, emails, text messages, Amber alerts, weather updates. Select which information you would like to see and get a light buzz on your wrist the next time new information is available. Finally you can read text messages in business meetings! PRO: REMINDERS While similar to Notifications, Reminders deserves to be mentioned independently. When paired with a Windows phone, Cortana can remind you to do a certain task when you arrive at a certain location. Example: My wife asks me to purchase Cilantro the next time I am at the store - which I will never remember on my own. So, I use my Microsoft Band to bring up Cortana and I simply say, "Cortana, the next time I am at Albertsons - please remind me to get Cilantro." (Be nice/polite to robots. When Skynet is goes live, you'll be glad you were.# Cortana will have me verify which Albertsons I go to. And, the next time I pull into the Albertsons parking lot, my wrist will buzz and I will see a message reminding me to buy Cilantro. Happy wife - happy life. PRO: INTERNAL GPS While most fitness bands and smart watches will show you a route that you have run, most require your phone to go along with you. The Microsoft band will track your route without your phone present in any way. Leave that bulky phone at home. It is never comfortable to have your phone bouncing in your pocket, strapped to your arm, or stuffed in your shirt #ladies?#. PRO: LESS CANCER Sure I'm being a bit sarcastic here, but Skin Cancer is no joke. If you are worried about your exposure to the Sun, the Microsoft Band does come with a UV Sensor. PRO: HEART RATE MONITOR If you're not a fitness fanatic you may think you don't care about the heart rate monitor, but this is probably not true. The Microsoft Band uses the sensor to track your heart rate all day and all night. This means the sleep tracking info you see is more accurate. See not only the length of time you slept, but the quality of sleep you are getting. With heart rate info the Band doesn't simply guesstimate based on arm movement - it can sense when you're body is actually relaxed. PRO: SCREEN & SCREEN PROTECTION FINALLY a hardware manufacturer who understands that screens get scratched. The Microsoft Band comes with a screen protector - not just temporary plastic to protect the screen while in the box. Also, the colorful screen can be easily read in both low light & bright sunlight. PRO: SUPPORT / UPGRADES Unlike the Fitbit, the Microsoft Band receives frequent software updates which adds new features. So far they have added a cycling app, a keyboard, and more. Read about the updates here: http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-band-update-adds-new-tools-a-keyboard-and-an-sdk-for-apps/ PRO: WEARABILITY Unlike any other Smart Watch or Fitness Band, the Microsoft Band was designed to be worn either on the outside of your wrist - or on the inside of your wrist. You will be surprised how comfortable & convenient it is to read with your palm facing upward. Excellent for runners and couch potatoes alike. PRO / CON: WATER The Microsoft Band is definitely not water proof, but don't turn away before you get the following information. Microsoft states that it is "dust and splash resistant", but they go out of their way to repeatedly say that "The Microsoft Band is not waterproof and should not be immersed in liquid for any period of time." The Microsoft Band meets the following certification related to water: IPX7: Protection against temporary immersion in water #at depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes#. All of the manufacturer info related to water can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/band/waterresistance Though Microsoft clearly promotes caution, users have put the Microsoft Band to the test dunking it completely under water without any major problems. Microsoft website suggests that the microphone would be the first to experience issues if the band is exposed to water. Take a look at the main user test: http://youtu.be/ANcH-eLv9jw I wouldn't suggest Deacon buy Microsoft Bands for all of his Smokers #and Mariner has gills, so he'd ruin his Band for sure#. You probably shouldn't shower while wearing your Microsoft Band, but you can certainly wash your hands #and perhaps dishes# without worry. PRO / CON: BATTERY LIFE The Microsoft Band loses battery life the same way as a smart phone. The more the screen is on, the more you use GPS, and the more notifications you receive - the faster your battery drains. That being said, Jack Bauer would have no problem making it through a full episode on a single charge. Simply charge the phone while you shower, or while you're on the computer and you wont run into any battery life issues. 45 minutes will charge the band to about 80% while another hour will get you to 100% #from the back to the middle and around again#. PRO / CON: CHARGING CABLE The charging cable is magnetic which leaps into place on the back of the Microsoft Band with a satisfying click. #The link is almost as strong as the bond between your dragon & your ponytail.# The downside is that the charging cable is not Micro USB. This means that unless you want to pay extra to purchase additional charging cables #or take the cable with you wherever you go#, you will only be able to charge the Band in one location. CON: COMFORT The largest complaint about the Microsoft Band will be comfort - which is obviously a very big deal when buying something you will be shackled to your wrist the majority of your waking hours. The Band contains many components on all sides of your wrist making it rather rigid. It barely opens wide enough for you to slip your wrist inside. Don't worry though - the majority of those wearing the Band agree the discomfort fades #and may even become 50 shades of wonderful#. Luckily the Band is adjustable - regardless of the size you purchase. CON: SIZE / MATERIAL The Microsoft Band is bulky due to all of its batteries and components. For those of you #like Jack Traven & me# who wear G-Shock watches #when saving the world one bus at a time# - you'll understand that such bulky wrist-wear can make it difficult to put on a jacket or long sleeved shirt. The bulk with the matte / rubbery finish makes it extra likely to get in the way. If your sleeves or cuffs fit tight, you may have a hard time wearing the band. CON: NO SPEAKER While the Microsoft Band does have a microphone next to the screen, it does not include a speaker. Sadly, this means that Cortana's sultry voice is stifled and she must communicate with us via text. For now we'll just have to squeeze into our high wasted antique future slacks, boot up our digital copy of HER, and comb our creepy mustaches while we melt to the sweet sounds of ScarJo. CON: NO MUSIC Because the Microsoft Band has no user accessible memory, we cannot store our music on the device. It also means there is virtually no chance of music being added as a feature with future software updates. If you want music while you run you'll need to bring your phone along. Or, forget the phone jog like John Cusack - 20 pound boom box raised above your head, trench coat flapping behind you like a khaki cape with sleeves.

I was not too optimistic buying this. A lot of Microsoft's hardware products in the past have, to be polite, left a little to be desired. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised at this recent purchase. The build is solid, the software in not clunky, and the experience is decidedly un-Microsoft like. The heart rate monitor seems to kick in and out a little too often, but I guess that should be expected with a wrist sensor? I only gave the unit four stars because of the aforementioned heart rate sensor issue. Overall, I recommend this product.

What I like about this band is that it has the essential of smart watch at affordable price.. Works fine with my iPhone and links smoothly without any issue. It notify me when emails and text are coming, monitor my activity and sleep, workouts, and my heart rate. It also link to my Facebook and Messenger account, personal email, and read UV exposure. All these feature for less than what I might paid for a smartwatch. All readings is accurate from walking to working out, and the band itself isn't that burdensome to wear because it's light & small unlike the smart watch which is bulky i.e. the size of a watch. Battery last over 2days depending on how often you use the band feature or how long you're wearing the band. As for me I don't wear this 24/7 only when I sleep and workout or doing light chores like gardening, errands, or at work. By the way it also measures calories burned base on your activity. There you have it, get physical and health.