Looking at the feature list, the Apple Watch appears to be more of a "lifestyle" device. While Apple may add apps later (or 3rd party developers), it doesn't appear to do sports/fitness tracking, sleep efficiency tracking, etc. The Microsoft Band does.

However, if you're a serious athlete, you'd probably want a different device, as neither are waterproof. So for triathlon, or just wearing in the shower, pick something like the Garmin or the Basis.

I have a Band, and within the device's limitations, it's excellent. I'm able to read and send messages while leaving the phone in my pocket (handy in Austin that has a "hands-free" law when driving). Simple Cortana queries show up on the screen, while more complex answers ("Show me the closest tailor") require you to look at your phone.

Cross platform support. I'm assuming Apple's will only work with iOS devices. Windows will support Windows, Android, and iOS devices.

It's also less expensive, and from what I can tell, less bulky. You can also buy it, where as you cannot buy the Apple Watch.

Also, not sure about the various types of Apple watches, but it seems like the MS one is just one type, and does everything, where as the Apple watches each come with different features.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure which watch comes with what on Apple's website. GPS isn't mentioned on the Watch or Sport Watch pages, but it is on the health-and-fitness page, so maybe it's only the sports watch with GPS? Not sure.

I guess the simple answer to your question:

> why would I buy a Microsoft Band? Why is it awesome?

It exists, and can do things now. Apple's Watch? Even Apple isn't clear on what it can do.

It's an odd place to be where Apple's product lineup is more confusing and less clear than Microsoft's. Reminds me of a certain commercial by a certain tech company mocking the difference choices for an OS. =)

I can tell you why I bought the MS Band: wanted to track my sleep pattern; I wanted to keep a track record of my workouts; I wanted to keep a track record of my running. Why is it awesome: GPS, UV Monitor, optical heart rate sensor; 3-axis accelerometer; skin temperature sensor; microphone; Bluetooth; touch enabled color display; etc.

Convincing reason to buy the MS Band over the Apple Watch: probably the number one reason for me is that it works with my Phone: Lumia 925. Other reasons: cost and availability.

From the linked article you can see links to:

> Band SDK Preview for Windows Phone

> Band SDK Preview for Android

> Band SDK Preview for iOS (coming soon)

I guess it depends on how much weight you put into cross platform.

Even if you just want to support one phone system you get access to a bunch of sensors that aren't currently slated for the iWatch.

> Use a range of sensors including heart rate, UV, accelerometer, gyroscope, and skin temperature, as well as fitness data, to design cutting-edge user experiences.

I'm unlikely to buy either, but if I were going to I'd go with the Microsoft Band. It's unobtrusive. The Apple watch looks massive, and IMO quite ugly. Square watches in general are hard to pull off, and that's with ones that don't jump off the wrist and meld in with the band better. This is obviously a superficial consideration, but if it's something I'm going to be seen wearing daily it had better look acceptable to me.

Built in GPS. I don't want to bring my phone on runs with me. For me, it replaces a Garmin GPS watch.

Turducken?

They aren't really head to head competitors. Two differences that come to mind are: You want it this week, and GPS.

Of course, that first one was more convincing several months ago.