Several weeks ago, it was rumored that Microsoft could be discontinuing their Band series of fitness trackers. It looks like the rumors have partially come true because as noticed by ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft’s online store is no longer listing the Microsoft Band anymore, and has also removed all references made to it.The device was listed on the 2nd of October, according to a tip sent to Foley in the form of a cached website, so it looks like the removal was pretty recent. In addition to removing the Band from its store, Microsoft has removed the Band SDK, although that isn’t surprising considering that they aren’t selling the Band 2 anymore. Presumably if and when there is a Band 3, we can expect the SDK to be back.
Note that this does not fully confirm the Band’s discontinuation. In a statement made to Foley, a Microsoft spokesperson said, “We have sold through our existing Band 2 inventory and have no plans to release another Band device this year. 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.”
What does this mean? Basically it sounds like Microsoft has decided not to launch a new Band device this year. There is no guarantee that we will see one next year either, but for now it sounds like Microsoft could still be deciding on what to do with the lineup.
Filed in . Read more about Fitness, Health, Microsoft, Microsoft Band and Wearable Tech.