14 DAY TRIAL // Rumor has it that Microsoft is getting ready to take the wraps off the third-generation Band activity tracker, and while there were people claiming that the device would launch as soon as this month, we’re being told that the unveiling will only take place in October.
Microsoft is believed to be pulling the Band 2 from stores because of ripping rubber bands, and although the company has already replaced some models with others made from a more durable material, reports of damaged units keep coming.
As a result, Microsoft is no longer refilling stocks with the Band 2 and instead prefers to focus on the third generation, but its unveiling won’t take place sooner than the fall, we hear.
Interchangeable bands coming?
As far as changes coming on the Band 3 are concerned, the new device will be more comfortable to wear, and there are some voices claiming that Microsoft might even offer interchangeable bands on this model.
This means that you’ll be able to change the band of the device with either one manufactured by Microsoft (there’s no info just yet that Microsoft might build its own accessories for the Band 3) or third parties (and this really makes sense, as Redmond could thus give companies around the world a way to capitalize on the growing popularity of the activity tracker).
Interchangeable bands are a feature that’s more prominently available on smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, but makers of activity trackers are adopting them too for their devices. The Fitbit Blaze, for instance, which is a model that’s specifically focused on fitness tracking, comes with interchangeable bands as well, thus providing buyers with an easy way to customize their devices.
For the moment, however, there’s still no indication as to how the feature lineup of the Band will be revamped with the third generation, but we’d love to see the device waterproofed and with support for swimming. This is a feature that Microsoft is looking at, we hear, but nothing has been decided just yet.
The October release date aligns with the unveiling of new Surface models, and this does make sense, given the fact that Microsoft is expected to hold a new hardware event in that month. Last year, the Band 2 was presented alongside the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book in October as well.