Microsoft Executive Explains The Company's Strategy For The Band

Microsoft Corporation MSFT launched its health band right before the holiday season anticipating huge demand. However, owing to problems in Bluetooth and sync capabilities of the device with different mobile the company is finding it difficult to execute its plans. Microsoft's Matt Barlow was on CNBC to discuss the company's strategy for the device and whether the reported issues have been completely resolved. “We are excited about the band and we have definitely seen a lot of people, iPhone users, Android phone users, Windows phone users come on in, take the band home and use it. So, I am sorry to hear about the challenges […] but a bunch of other people are using those devices are having a great time being fit with the Microsoft Band,” Barlow said.

Have The Bluetooth & Sync Problems Been Solved?

“With any types of new product rollouts, you are going to have updates that need to occur with software and we are updating software and updating usability. So, I am definitely convinced in seeing people using Microsoft Band with all phone types without any issues moving forward and I tell you, if you are using the heart rate tracking capability 24-hours a day, it is a great thing to use as you know.”

Is $199 The Sweet-Spot For Pricing A Wearable?

“Yeah, the thing that we find with fitness devices of all types and now we are seeing the Smartwatch as well in the wearable space, people are really looking for value and when I think about what we have with Microsoft Band being great for fitness 24-hour heart-rate monitoring, on-board GPS and guided work outs […] that $199 price point is certainly magical. Not only for a gift in holiday, but certainly for this time of the year, where people are trying to make best use of their fitness new year resolution.”