I’ve used the Xbox fitness capabilities a few times, but as a runner (primary), biker, and strength trainer, I felt as if working out in the front the TV was limiting and confining. I even paid for the P90X and Tai Chi programs. Again, I only used them a few times. I wanted to use them more, but nature’s call was stronger.
So, maybe that’s why Microsoft is discontinuing its fitness service for the Xbox. The company took to the blogs yesterday to let customers know that the Xbox team is getting out of the fitness business.
Here’s how it shakes out, according to the Microsoft blog announcement:
- Beginning today, June 27, 2016, Xbox Fitness content will no longer be available for purchase. For existing users of Xbox Fitness, the content you’ve purchased will be available to play for a year, through June 30, 2017.
- On December 15, 2016, we will be removing our “Free with Gold” offer. Until then, Gold members will still be able to access and play the over 30+ workouts available for streaming as a part of this offer for free.
- On July 1, 2017, Xbox Fitness (and all associated content) will no longer be available for download/play. This includes content you’ve purchased. At that time, Xbox Fitness will no longer be available for download from Xbox Marketplace and content will not be available for play from the Xbox Marketplace nor within the game. Xbox Fitness users will no longer be able access Xbox Fitness and the associated workouts/programs.
The one thing that bothers me somewhat about this announcement is that there’s no attribution to the Microsoft Band. Why does it bother me? Well, when you take something away, shouldn’t you offer some sort of alternative for those customers who will obviously feel a bit miffed? – especially if you have an alternative?
It would have been nice to see the Xbox teams promote what Microsoft is doing with its Health platform and in particular the company’s fitness wearable. This occurrence absolutely opened the door for Microsoft to say “hey, don’t worry – buy a Microsoft Band and all those workouts you bought for Xbox are already available as a Guided Workouts.”
Instead, the announcement glorified Xbox Fitness evolution over the years and extolled the team’s pride in what it has accomplished. It’s ironic that the evolution and accomplishment ended in an early grave.
I’m not sure too many will be upset by this news, particularly if it allows Microsoft to put its focus entirely on producing the best gaming platform.
