I'm still not entirely sure what fitness bands are or what their purpose is or who wears them, although some of you expressed your fondness in a past post. Yet as much as the market appears to be expanding (even Microsoft is getting involved, late as they tend to be), Nike, who manufactures one of the most well-known fitness bands out there, the Nike+ Fuelband, is pulling the plug.
I have to admit the thing looks nifty, but according to this post on Wired, Nike is halting production. The speculation is that they are going to instead throw their support and software development behind the rumored-to-be-upcoming iWatch, Apple's answer to whatever it's an answer to. I'll say it again, I didn't know people still wear watches, but with some commanding prices of well over $100,000 the market is clearly still there.
I find this strange as Nike is a gigantic company, and there is no reason they couldn't supply software to the iWatch while continuing to offer their own brand. They have long had a relationship with Apple, however, and the Fuelband itself was iOS only, so perhaps this is a natural way to cut costs yet still remain in the market.
Cutting costs and staying in the market is a decision many companies have to make nowadays in order to remain competitive or afloat. I have to say, I don't have one of these health bands but I don't think I would mind buying one. The wearable technology I do have problems with so far is the cell phone watches, I just don't see it. I rather be holding it with both my hands and have a bigger screen that wear my cell phone (which is rarely used for phone calls anymore) as a watch. The moment that these wearable cell phones come up with the 4D touch technology or virtual technology that will make like a screen from the Jetsons come out from my watch with flawless resolution, now THAT I'm willing to pay hundreds for (catch how it still wouldn't put me in the thousands?). Perception of value is everything.
ReplyDeleteI think fitness bands are good, as many people need some type of gimmick in order to exercise and/or lose weight, and this products fills that void for many. I am somewhat surprised that Nike is pulling the plug on the Fuelband, as I know many people who own them and love them. It is important for brands to stay relevant, and I am sure that Nike did plenty of research before making this decision, however I have to agree with your statement that Nike could definitely provide some type of software for the iWatch while still making their own brand, or maybe they are aware of an issue with their brand that consumers have not yet been enlightened with.
ReplyDeleteI actually really like this watch. I think it is a great way to measure your daily activities. It would be good to track just how many calories your burning from daily tasks and gym activities. I'm a geek when it comes to technical gadgets. I guess this product will be obsolete but since it was introduced, I'm sure there will be more copycats out there that can make a better product. Maybe we can see one that has a GPS tracker on it, or can make calls. Go go gadget watch...
ReplyDeleteI've heard lots of great things about this watch. I haven't personally bought one because I realized after purchasing one that did similar things like calculating the calories I burned, monitoring my heart rate, and using it as a stop-watch for a few weeks, I never used it again. I do think these type of watches are great for people who like to see their progress. I know I like to know how well I'm progressing, but I just don't have the motivation to keep track of all that information. I definitely think that we are going to see more products of this nature because more and more people are implementing healthier lifestyles.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, and I would not mind having one. I am always wanting to track my health. This item just might be the key to it. although like Nichole's response, they need to make it a lot cheaper to even think about it. I like the technology though.
DeleteMya Taylor
Ok, I had an idea what these were, but had to go to Nike's website just to be clear. It seems that someone actually does wear these, but for $149 you wont see me wearing one. Besides, the last thing I need is an hourly reminder of the exercise I am not getting! However, for the right person a fitness tracking device is great and a must have. It seems like the watch feature is just that and not the reason these are worn at all. For me, the price is hard to justify. Does this little thing really contain that mush technology or is it the supposed cool factor that goes with it?
ReplyDeleteThe Nike Fuel Band was not a great product. The Jawbone Upband is a much superior band. I personally wear one everyday to track my steps. I have a first generation and am very pleased with the visual qualities of the band and the ability of it to track all of the information that I want.
ReplyDeleteI am ecstatic with the news that Nike and Apple are pairing up to make the rumor iWatch. I believe Nike is doing the right thing with pulling their watch brand off to focus with is partnership with Apple because their is more potential and a market with I watch than the Fuelband. I've seen and used a fuelband and it has it limitations on what it can and can't do. They might as well incorporate the abilities that were in the fuelband into the new iWatch.
ReplyDeleteI found that Nike is going out of their element for this product and in the past made a not so good quality for this feature. I wish that Apple would team up with another company to get the job done right... And not be focused on the name attached with them. Thanks for sharing this post... Very interesting!!!
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