The Microsoft Band 2’s UI vs. Fitbit

Gadgets, General, Microsoft Band 2, User Experience 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Let’s do an analysis of the UI differences between the FitBit and the Microsoft Band. Watch out, Microsoft… the FitBit user interface just got better.

I last blogged about the Microsoft Band 2 and my wishlist of 25 features. I’m pleased that the team has already fixed 3 features, leaving 22 remaining 🙂

Everyone in the Cogan household is continuing my social experiment and wearing both the Microsoft Band 2 and the Fitbit. The Microsoft Band is better in so many ways but the visual differences in the mobile app are its biggest weakness.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”User Interface – a waste of real estate :-(“][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”2764″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]I see 6 pieces of information on the Fitbit

  • 6 visualizations of data
  • 6 numbers

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Vs.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”2765″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]I see 3 pieces of information on the Microsoft band

  • 0 visualizations
  • 3 numbers

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Let me Sync naturally :-(“][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”2768″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

  • Drag down to synchronize
  • Syncing takes 5 seconds
  • The ability to sync on multiple devices; in my case, both my iPhone and iPad

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Vs.

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  • Can’t sync naturally on this screen
  • Syncing takes 2 minutes and 5 seconds
  • Can only sync on 1 device; in my case, my iPhone

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Customization is a whole new world :-(“][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”2766″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Customizing on the Fitbit

  • Just press “Edit”
  • UI shows the controls in the Edit view in the same place
  • Easy-to-use iOS metaphor with shaking, dragging and “x” to delete

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Vs.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_single_image image=”2767″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]- No “Edit” menu, instead you need to look on a menu and find “Manage Tiles”

– A completely different Edit view

Also note: The normal UI’s 3rd menu is “Cals”, but on the customizing UI the 3rd menu is “Calls”… You can’t remove it :-([/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’m loving the Microsoft Band 2. The updates so far have been improving the experience heaps. Let’s hope some UI improvements are coming.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]