The World According to Mitch

On Monday I published my first article in the “Battle of the Bands” series between the Microsoft Band (left hand) and the Fitbit Charge (right hand).  Yesterday I spoke about my first impressions, and the Microsoft Band seemed to be ahead.  Today’s piece – connected applications – weighs heavily in Fitbit’s favour.

I have been using the Fitbit applications for as long as I have been wearing a Fitbit – that is, since April, 2011.  So it is natural that I would favour the application until I give Microsoft’s tools a chance.  That is not what we are talking about.  There are myriad health related sites and applications out there, and over the years the different companies have come to understand that rather than competing with each other they could complement each other.  Even so, in order for them to do that, agreements and development has to take place.  I do not know whether it is because the Fitbit system is more mature or it the company just plays nicer with others than Microsoft does.  Even so, let’s compare:

Third Party Applications compatible with Fitbit

• FitStar Personal Trainer
• FitStar Yoga
• MyFitnessPal
• Strava
• Weight Watchers
• Lose It!
• Thermos Hydration Bottle with Smart Lid
• Walgreens Balance Rewards
• MapMyRun
• RunKeeper
• Endomondo
• SparkPeople
• EveryMove
• Fitline
• Wristband Manager
• Pact
• Tactio Health App
• DriveBit
• Fitwatchr: Advanced Activity Tracker
• Matchup
• Lumosity
• DietBet
• Waterlogged
• FitTap
• Trendweight
• MyNetDiary Calorie Counter
• Walkadoo
• Wokamon – Monster Walk Quest
• LFconnect
• Running for Weight Loss
• Nudge Health Tracking
• Fitbase
• Under Armour Record
• MINDBODY
• Dick’s Sporting Goods

Italics show apps that I use or have used

Third Party Applications compatible with Microsoft Band

• Lose It!
• RunKeeper
• MyFitnessPal
• HealthVault TELUS Health Space
• Cortana
• MapMyFitness
• Strava
• TaylorMade MyRoundPro

Italics show apps that I use or have used

Crossed Out shows apps unavailable in certain geographic locations (i.e.: Canada)

I’m sorry Microsoft, but Fitbit beats you hands down here… and please don’t tell me ‘Oh, but our product provides many of the features the others do.’ I like Endomondo and wish I could continue to use it… which of course I can, just not in the same connected fashion as I do with Fitbit.

Winner: Fitbit