Microsoft Band wearable project disbanded
Microsoft is disbanding the Band, its line of wearable fitness trackers. As of Monday, all of the Band fitness trackers were removed from Microsoft’s online store, including the Band’s software development kit.
It was thought that the tech giant might eventually launch an improved Band 3, but rumors of the demise of the whole product line started when many consumers complained about the first and second generation Band’s awkward interface, too-short battery life and uncomfortable wear.
The positive points of the Band – that it worked on Android and iOS systems – did not equate to enough sales, and according to a report on Business Insider, a Microsoft spokesperson told ZDNet that Microsoft had no plans to introduce any more wearables.
"We have sold through our existing Band 2 inventory and have no plans to release another Band device this year. We remain committed to supporting our Microsoft Band 2 customers through Microsoft Stores and our customer support channels and will continue to invest in the Microsoft Health platform, which is open to all hardware and apps partners across Windows, iOS, and Android devices," said Microsoft to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley.
The Band has also been removed from Best Buy’s website, and the only ones still available are on Amazon, where the rest of the stock of the Band 2 will be sold until it is gone.
Interestingly, Microsoft recently renamed its “Health” apps “Microsoft Band,” though that doesn’t mean the wearables will return. Still, the company said that it will continue to work on health and fitness related products, but only on the software side for the time being.