There is something quite appealing about things that are beyond our reach. This is probably why people are gravitating toward the leaked images of the Microsoft Band 3, which never saw the light of day.
If consumers remember, Microsoft has produced the wearable device back in 2014. It is primarily a smart band that both have smartwatch and fitness-tracking functionalities. Last Oct. 3, Microsoft announced it is halting production of the product line, effectively ending the wearable's story with the Band 2.
If the device in the leaked images could have been the Band 3, then Microsoft's decision seemed unfortunate. The device looks decent especially when it also allegedly includes features such as waterproofing and radio frequency identification (RFID) support in addition to its capacity to track biometric data and its user's swimming performance.
The images and specifications of the alleged Band 3 prototype were posted by a member of Windows Central forum. It was not detailed how the image was obtained, but this could belie previous reports that Microsoft did not consider making the Band 3.
Whatever the case is, the device and the line are officially dead. While some stragglers might still be available in some stores today, stocks will not get replenished once they ran out. Microsoft has already stopped production and has also pulled out the Microsoft Band software development kit (SDK).
There are some observers who noted that Microsoft is only using Band as a way to expand the Microsoft Health apps. Indeed, the company seemed to confirm this view through an interview with ZDNet.
"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," Microsoft said.
A previous Tech Times report further noted that Microsoft now wants to push Microsoft Health further as a platform for health and fitness for all devices, including those running Android and iOS systems.
The entire health-app-expansion narrative seems valid since the wearable cannot be considered an utter failure. There was a point, for instance, when consumer demand was so strong that it immediately sold out in retail stores.
It is, however, also helpful to underscore that despite some bright spots in the Band's sales history, it has never posed any serious challenge to dominant players such as Fitbit, Android and Apple smartwatches. It is safe to say, therefore, that the Band's demise is brought about by a combination of different factors.
