Rumors are making their way around that Microsoft may be postponing development for the Microsoft Band devices, at least until next year. These rumors originate from ZDNet, including the idea that Microsoft may be scratching the device altogether and re-purposing the team tasked at evolving the Band.
They have been having a lot of issues with both the first and second generation of the Band. Mostly with the skin peeling, parts of the band falling apart and so forth. I personally bought one in December and just threw it out the other day because the latch portion where you plug in the charger came apart. It’s within the year warranty sure, but I didn’t want another watch that is just going to fall apart later.
It was a surprise that the app support was still heavily limited by now as well as the lack of Gorilla Glass. Items that we were hoping the next-gen model would finally have addressed. This is even more surprising since they have been on such a streak with products, such as the Xbox One, Lumia, Surface and so forth. After so many successes, they release a mediocre watch into the market and give it very little effort as companies like Apple and Samsung rush by, leaving them in the dust. They are also horrible and marketing their products, else more people would be considering Windows Phone 10 (to both own and develop for). They rebrand constantly and poorly advertise anything outside of Xbox or Windows.
Hopefully, they don’t give up just yet. I think the appropriate response would be to drop the Band but replace it with something better. Something like a Surface Watch or Microsoft Watch. Lean towards a more functional device with additional smart features, a more user-friendly face and of course a sturdier design that isn’t going to fall apart. I shouldn’t have to (or want to) replace my watch until I am completely bored with it. I can buy a Fossil watch and it will last me many years. An expensive smartwatch should have a long-life as well.
Microsoft will be planning to make some announcements in October, so hopefully it will shed some light on these rumors and pave a better road ahead for Microsoft.
