Microsoft Band support is ending: Here’s what to do next
Microsoft is closing Band apps and services and offering refunds to customers
Microsoft is laying the Band to rest. The tech giant announced on Friday that it will have discontinued support for all apps and services related to the fitness-tracking tech by 31 May; customers have until then to export their data and say their farewells.
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Fortunately, Microsoft has also announced that it will be reimbursing any customers who synced data between 1 December 2018 and 1 March 2019. The lucky few who fall into that category will receive $80 for the Band, and $175 for the Band 2: all you need to do is wait for an email.
Users who insist on using the Microsoft Band after 31 May will still be able to access most of the tracker’s core features via the app, including the activity tracker, heart-rate monitor and step counter. Microsoft will be ending backend support and removing the app from Google Play and the Apple App Store, though, and has made it clear that users who uninstall the app or reset their device will be unable to start anew.
In reality, the Band series of fitness trackers has been gathering dust since it was discontinued two years ago; Friday’s announcement simply marks the end of Microsoft’s official support for the product.
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For those affected by the announcement, our guide to the best fitness trackers might ease your pain. From Garmin’s fantastic Vivoactive 3 to the inexpensive Xiaomi Mi Band 3, there’s honestly never been a better time to ditch the Microsoft Band.
If you’re still mourning, however, and would like to know more about the announcement, Microsoft has published an FAQ page to answer any burning questions you might have.