14 DAY TRIAL // Rumor has it that Microsoft could give up on the Band wearable, as its efforts to bring Windows 10 IoT on the third-generation model failed, but the company has just dropped a hint that this is not at all the plan, and the device will continue to be available for interested buyers.
Microsoft renamed the Health app to “Microsoft Band” in a pretty unexpected move, especially given the rumors that the company could give up on its device.
For the moment, it appears that the new name is being used only on Windows and Android and the Microsoft Health designation is still available on iOS.
Details regarding Microsoft’s decision are not yet available, but renaming the app kind of makes sense especially because one of its primary goals is to make it possible for Microsoft Band users to sync the device with their phones, no matter the platform.
The changelog posted in the store tells almost nothing about this new name, with Microsoft explaining that “we’ve got a new name; the Microsoft Health app is now the Microsoft Band app, everything else is the same.”
Next Band coming in spring?
As far as the next Band is concerned, there are still vague reports on this, with some sources indicating that Microsoft could give up on it completely. Others, however, believe that Microsoft might actually launch a slightly improved Band in the coming months, but the differences versus the existing generation would be just minimal, and the very same firmware is likely to be used - which is a sign that no new sensors would be added.
The third-generation Band was originally expected to make its debut in October this year, but it’s now more likely to go live in spring 2017 if Microsoft indeed decides to launch it.
For the moment, however, the new name of the app is living proof that Microsoft is committed to keeping the Band alive, but it still remains to be seen what’s going to happen next in terms of hardware.