This deal works with the Microsoft Band 2 which brings it down to $259. That's almost as low as the all-time low of $249.99. The instant gratification from picking it up locally might be worth $9 to some people!
I'm using it with my Android phone and it seems to do the job fine so far. Sleep tracking is quite interesting!
Whats the battery life like? And can I make phone calls with this device?
If you're not using GPS logging, reports seem to say around 2 days.
You can't make phone calls unfortunately.
Thanks eug.
Hmm… this is categorised under 'Automotive'.
Whoops!
I can't wait!
no need to:
http://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/08/windows-10-phones-home-even…
https://www.gnu.org/proprietary/malware-microsoft.en.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/30/microsoft-priv…
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/newly-published-n…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/11/nsa-surveillan…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vILAlhwUgIU
Perfect, so they ge to monitor all my stuff? Suits me fine! Thanks!
@happychild100:
No problem. After all, only crooks want privacy.
http://www.locusmag.com/Perspectives/2016/07/cory-doctorow-p…
@eug:
are you paid to speak on happychi8ld100's behalf? Seems so. Very little being said from the sheeple. As usual, they can't argue facts, they only hurl insults when their world-view is challenged.
@eug:
So much anger. Relax.
This must be how you react after you imply someone is a troll (despite seeing the mountains of evidence before you supporting my position).
You might want to look up the word anger sometime. And also let someone speak for themselves. As usual, there is nothing to say from you two. Thanks for adding so much to the conversation. With the facts before you (facts too strong for you to argue with), all you can do is resort to personal attacks.
Zzzzz.
Might wanna pick on a real troll sometime. One who doesn't answer back.
@eug:
only Microsoft knows when I'm angry.
https://www.thurrott.com/hardware/6715/microsoft-band-2-prev…
Worse, while Band—and the related Microsoft Health service—collect more data than a secret NSA eavesdropping installation, it does precious little with it. Microsoft often boasts of the “insights” one can learn from all this data collection, but neither Band nor Microsoft Health (on your smart phone or on the web) does a freaking thing to help you figure any of it out. The original promise, that Band would proactively advise you about improving your health, has never once come to fruition in any meaningful way. It can’t even tell you to stand up once an hour, which is inexcusable.
That'll be right. And this is from the biggest Windows fanboy, Thurrott. They get the data, you don't. LOL. Like sheep to the slaughter, the customer runs towards ever-pervasive surveillance from corporate crooks. Not only that, they love their Master and they love their slavery.
"Take my data, Master!"
So u need to tell it when u are sleeping and when u wake up, that's too much work. I love my Xioani band which does it all automatically and also gives about 25 days of battery life
So u need to tell it when u are sleeping and when u wake up, that's too much work.
Agreed. Santa already has this information, and he also knows when you've been bad or good; so be good for goodness sake.
So u need to tell it when u are sleeping and when u wake up, that's too much work.
No you don't, it's done automatically.
and also gives about 25 days of battery life
If all you want is simple tracking and stats, then that'll work fine. If you want more sensors and minor smartwatch features like notifications and GPS logging so you can track your runs and rides accurately, then you'd probably want something like the Band 2. The sensors are pretty accurate too, as accurate as a wrist-mounted device can be.
Very tempting!
Can anyone who has one let me know: 1. Is the heart rate monitor any good for say measuring your heart rate on the treadmill? 2. Is it really that uncomfortable?
I haven't tried it on a treadmill. When I first put it on it felt strange and uncomfortable. But after a few minutes I don't feel it. Right now it just feels like the watch I used to wear.
ok cheers
How does this compare to an apple watch?
Don't compare. One is a smart watch while this one is a sports band. Literally, apples vs oranges.
I picked up one of these three days ago at JB hi-fi for $289 so it's painful to see one this cheap. Love the band so far. Works well with my note 5 but the only email app I can find that actually shows you the email is gmail, so I funnily enough had to switch from outlook. It's brilliant as an activity tracker. Shows heaps of numbers for all kinds of things. The sleep tracking and step counting/heart rate tracking are highlights. I used to have an apple watch but I'm thinking this will suit my needs better. This blows the apple watch out of the water with the fitness tracking (it has built in GPS so you can go for a run/walk without your phone), and it is similar in terms of notifications. Obviously way more apps available on apple watch, but I never used them anyway when I had one. Comfort is not fantastic, this is clearly not built first for comfort, but it's not terrible either if you wear the screen on the inside of your wrist and don't wear tight sleeves. Bit tricky for me wearing shirts all day but oh well. If you wear it up your arm slightly higher than you would a watch, it's completely fine. Be mindful that Microsoft are likely to announce a Band 3 in October, but it will launch later in Australia and likely cost around $350-400. In the end I'm really happy with the capabilities of this smart little band. It's making me want to exercise more and I'm learning to wear it in ways that don't physically hurt! Hope that helps potential buyers to jump on a great deal.
Works well with my note 5 but the only email app I can find that actually shows you the email is gmail,
FWIW, I use Nine for email and I do get a small portion of the body of the email. Does gmail let you read the whole email?
I wish! Nah, it's just the first 180 characters I believe. Strangely enough outlook doesn't give you any of the actual message. You'd think they'd support their own app?!
+1 for the band 2
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/239034
Younge on 12/04/2016 - 11:19
Decided to upgrade from my Fitbit HR to Microsoft Band 2 and give you feedback 3 days in.
Bought for $303 from JB HI-Fi - RECEIPT - http://younge.eu/Younge/OzBargain/20160410-Microsoft-Band-2%…
Reason for upgrading was due to GPS tracker and my current Fit Bit not recording my HR/sleep correctly.
When i first tried the band on it wasn't very comfortable due to the salesman putting it on the wrong arm but after correcting this it is as comfortable, if not more then my Fitbit HR.
What i like -
How much data this thing records, like seriously, puts fitbit to shame
receiving text notifications on my wrist, very hand when i'm at the gym
being able to control music - i have wireless headphones that i can now turn up and down easily
interface is beautiful once you get used to it
things i do not like -
battery life - It dies very quickly depending on how much you use it. I've got into the habit of charging mine for 45 minutes each day whilst i get ready for work which seems to be enough but for some this might be annoying.
Doesn't work as well with third party apps - MYfitness Pal doesn't Sync steps due to a known bug - hopefully this will be fixed soon.
I'm more then happy with my purchase and to who ever else is debating getting one try not to get sucked into the bad reviews online. I searched for hours on end trying to find a reason not to buy one and ended up trying it out for myself.
Another quick update - Can build a custom work out for my running for minute and rest for 30 seconds - Microsoft health is seriously a cool tool!
Woke up via "Smart Alarm today" - works very well…… very well indeed.
Too much sleep or too little—neither is a good thing. When you set a Smart Alarm, your Band will sense your sleep patterns and estimate the best wake-up time for you (up to 30 minutes before your alarm set time) helping you be at your best in the morning.
Discovered by switching off Bluetooth the battery life increases a lot.
Has anyone got keyboard or Cortana responses working with MS Band 2 and Android?
I have an old MS Band 1 and cant get either to work (I had to sideload cortana, as it is not available here yet on Android - boo). I used the keyboard fairly often when I was still on WP.
I'm considering changing to a Gear S2 (or Gear S if I find one cheap enough), but need to figure out whether for the extra functionality with Android/ Samsung is worth the cost/ whether to consider Band 2/ whether I can try to get the Band 1 to provide more functionality.
Hi,
Yep, sideloaded Cortana on my band 2 and works well. Keyboard works too. I just googled the question and the first thing I tried worked perfectly.
I'd suggest going for the band 2 or just hang out for the band three in October
Great price. Really wish I had that instead of Samsung Gear