I Call Foul on Microsoft Band Support

A couple months ago I detailed how I called Microsoft Band support when my Microsoft Band stopped communicating with my PC. Personally, I thought that the Band was defective after using it only a couple months, but the support representative assured me that it was known issue and had nothing to do with defective hardware. He said that Microsoft was aware of the problem and would release a firmware update in the near future to rectify the problem.

He was convincing. I believed him despite spending lobbing some skeptical questions at him. And, I wrote about the experience here: Known Issue: Microsoft Band Stops Being Recognized for Desktop Sync. I also promised to update you all on the progress.

Since May, there's been at least three firmware updates (though the Microsoft Band history page says there's only been one), none of which have solved the problem. I talked earlier about my experience purchasing a second Band from Best Buy – which was a bit concerning for Microsoft's retail power. And, with the new Band in hand one of the first things I was most interested to test was the connectivity to the desktop through the Microsoft Band Sync (desktop) app.

Sure enough, the new Band connected and worked immediately. As a logical thinking individual who has done a lot of hardware troubleshooting during my 20-plus years in IT, I remained skeptical that it wasn't a hardware defect despite the support rep's persuasive assurance. And, now I think I have proof. This can't be a simple software issue.

Is it possible that Microsoft Band support's response on this issue has been scripted to stave off the cost of a mass recall?

I'm going to find out. I'm going to spend some time today to voice my concerns back at Microsoft Band support and see if I can get to the bottom of this. I suspect I'll get the old Band replaced at the very least, but I'll let you know how it goes.