Microsoft has scrubbed its online store of its Band wearable fitness tracking device, and it is unclear if Microsoft plans to make a new version any time soon.
GeekWire Summit 2016 speaker Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet first reported the news. Google searching “Microsoft Band 2” leads to several links, but they all direct to the front page of the Microsoft Store.
In addition to the Band’s disappearance from the Microsoft Store, the Band Software Development Kit is also no longer available.
Microsoft issued a statement in response to an inquiry about the band, saying: “We have sold through our existing Band 2 inventory and have no plans to release another Band device this year.”
Microsoft released the second version of the Band last year. It looks similar to the original device but has a curved screen and a less bulky battery. In addition to GPS tracking, sleep tracking, a heart rate monitor, and other features found in the first Band, the second version includes integration with Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, and supports a bevy of other apps like Uber, Subway, and more. It has received several updates to help it compete with other smart watches and fitness trackers like Fitbit and Jawbone, as well as the Apple Watch.
The company initially took a cautious approach to the release of the original Microsoft Band, the first flagship device for the Microsoft Health platform that debuted in 2014, and more heavily promoted the second generation Band. Microsoft in its statement affirmed its commitment to Microsoft Health, which collects data from a variety of wearable devices to give users insights into their personal health.
“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.”
