The battle of wrist bands is heating up in the wake of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) releasing the Band that is more of a fitness band than a Smartwatch. Fierce competition is to be experienced between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s upcoming Smartwatch and Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s Android Wear initiative.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s band is unique on its own as it is a 24 hour tracker that can run on different platforms ranging from iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8.1. The positioning of the Band as a fitness gadget means Microsoft is not trying to compete against Apple and Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) on the Smartwatch space.
The Band seeks to compete for market-share against other tracking gadgets led by Jawbone-Up Runtastic Orbit and the upcoming Fitbit Charge. The Band is slightly thicker and heavier when compared to other trackers in the market even though it offers polished experience across the various platforms of usage.
There are a number of changes that Microsoft will have to incorporate with future upgrades if it is to compete against the likes of Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) in the space. The Band on the outside is not as sleek and remarkable as it should be. Positioning of the power and action button at the bottom might not have been the best decision in terms of design especially if people are to where the gadget like a traditional watch.
Microsoft reportedly placed the action and power button at the bottom on the hope that users will wear it with the screen on the inside of the wrist. The positioning is perfect when one is carrying out workouts as it ensures incoming notification are kept discreet.
Apart from the sideshows, the band still offers one of the best experiences when receiving calls texts and notifications. The band also comes with guided workouts that are easy to follow and users can download them onto the device via the Microsoft Health app.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Band tracks both heart rate and movements theoretically giving a clear picture of user’s sleep efficiency unlike device that track movement alone. Battery life of the Band should not be an issue as it can stay on for two days or one and half depending on usage.
Let Warren Buffett, David Einhorn, George Soros, and David Tepper WORK FOR YOU. If you want to beat the low cost index funds by an average of 6 percentage points per year look no further than Warren Buffett’s stock picks. That’s the margin Buffett’s stock picks outperformed the market since 2008. In this free report, Insider Monkey’s market beating research team identified 7 stocks Warren Buffett and 12 other billionaires are crazy about. CLICK HERE NOW
