MagicBand+ announced

[lewisc]

A guest buying a MB+ has a reasonable expectation it will work out of the box. Guests aren't required to research such a purchase.

Fuel rod says a fully charged rod is good for 8 months. Are the bands not 80% charged from the.favtory? Are we looking at old inventory? Are the bands shipped on? In other words are the bands sitting on the shelf looking to pair?

Solutions
Malls, airports...have tables with cables so customers can just plug in their device and charge. Disney needs a place where guests can charge their bands.

Charge a $20 or $25 deposit. Give the guest a fuel rod. Could be a generic battery without any swap. Same day full refund or guest keeps the battery. I suspect many (most) guests won't wait in line to get their deposit back. Disney could order them with a Mickey logo. Another overpriced souvenir.

Disney could have some MB+ behind the counter with frustration free packaging. In other words easy for Disney to charge

 

[AEfx]

Is that true? I have a CM friend who works in stores in DHS and they have very explicitly been warning people that they aren't fully charged and they will need to do a software update to fully utilize bands they are selling

Yes, now that they are aware of the fact after complaints. Things changed very swiftly.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Yes, now that they are aware of the fact after complaints. Things changed very swiftly.

She told me about this before they were even released as they were informed during CM training

 

[AEfx]

So they want them to open every single box to charge before people buy? I don't believe that.

It's a factory issue. Like most devices, Disney was likely promised a certain threshold that for whatever reason (too long in storage, not charged enough at the factory, etc.) hasn't been met.

Yes, no factory device is going to come with a full, 100% charge - but many come with 70-80%. Enough to use it. This was especially important in this case, as this isn't a phone or something you plan ahead of time to buy - but something they are positioning as an impulse buy at the parks to get the most out of your day.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Yes, no factory device is going to come with a full, 100% charge - but many come with 70-80%. Enough to use it.

The problem may be the MB+'s low capacity.

If a device with a large-capacity battery is sold at 20%, that may be sufficient for being fully operational for a handful of hours.

But if a tiny battery device is sold at 20%, that may be even below its capacity to even run, let alone last for an hour.

 

[correcaminos]

It's a factory issue. Like most devices, Disney was likely promised a certain threshold that for whatever reason (too long in storage, not charged enough at the factory, etc.) hasn't been met.

Yes, no factory device is going to come with a full, 100% charge - but many come with 70-80%. Enough to use it. This was especially important in this case, as this isn't a phone or something you plan ahead of time to buy - but something they are positioning as an impulse buy at the parks to get the most out of your day.

Meh agree to disagree on this. I never buy any electronics assuming I can use full charge that day.

 

[lewisc]

The problem may be the MB+'s low capacity.

If a device with a large-capacity battery is sold at 20%, that may be sufficient for being fully operational for a handful of hours.

But if a tiny battery device is sold at 20%, that may be even below its capacity to even run, let alone last for an hour.

Possible, but that's not the customers fault. Customers who buy a MB+ at the entrance of a park have the, reasonable, expectation of being able to use it. The solution may be more expensive, to Disney, then adding a few cents to the mfg cost of the MB+ by using higher capacity batteries.

Maybe the stores need to get the new inventory. Ship out stuff that is more likely to need to be charged immediately.

 

[lewisc]

Meh agree to disagree on this. I never buy any electronics assuming I can use full charge that day.

In general, I agree. In this specific case no. Guests who are buying the band at the park entrance have the expectation of using it immediately. Stuff mailed to the house, not.

 

[correcaminos]

In general, I agree. In this specific case no. Guests who are buying the band at the park entrance have the expectation of using it immediately. Stuff mailed to the house, not.

Not sure I understand the difference with this and any rechargeable electronics that I buy in person or online, but that's me. So again agree to disagree.

 

[AEfx]

Possible, but that's not the customers fault. Customers who buy a MB+ at the entrance of a park have the, reasonable, expectation of being able to use it. The solution may be more expensive, to Disney, then adding a few cents to the mfg cost of the MB+ by using higher capacity batteries.

I think the difference is one, how many "electronics" do you buy on-site at a place you are expecting to use them that day, and two, the difference between a full charge and enough to at least use it.

I think @lewisc is likely correct and they cheaped out on batteries to keep that massive profit margin up. These are not complex electronic devices using comparatively massive amounts of power like a phone or tablet (which I've never gotten one of even those that didn't at least have 70-80% charge). These bands are based on ancient technology that has stood the test of time because of it's very low-power consumption needs. It's not like it has a screen or processors to power, even those little LED flashing lights take up a minuscule amount. It's also not like other "electronic" devices in that they have to keep battery size down because of weight/etc. - at this level, it's about the cost of the battery, not it's size/weight.

I will not be surprised at all if we hear real awful soon that the "you must have 60% charge to even update this thing so you can use it" requirement in the app is overridden with a lower threshold.

 

[lewisc]

Not sure I understand the difference with this and any rechargeable electronics that I buy in person or online, but that's me. So again agree to disagree.

The issue isn't what either of us expect. The question is what a typical guest expects. Members of Disney fan forums aren't typical guests.

I wouldn't expect a battery in a mister fan bought at Walmart or a Dollar Store Maybe yes maybe no. I'D expect a battery in one bought in a theme park

I think the difference is one, how many "electronics" do you buy on-site at a place you are expecting to use them that day, and two, the difference between a full charge and enough to at least use it.

I think @lewisc is likely correct and they cheaped out on batteries to keep that massive profit margin up. These are not complex electronic devices using comparatively massive amounts of power like a phone or tablet (which I've never gotten one of even those that didn't at least have 70-80% charge). These bands are based on ancient technology that has stood the test of time because of it's very low-power consumption needs. It's not like it has a screen or processors to power, even those little LED flashing lights take up a minuscule amount. It's also not like other "electronic" devices in that they have to keep battery size down because of weight/etc. - at this level, it's about the cost of the battery, not it's size/weight.

I will not be surprised at all if we hear real awful soon that the "you must have 60% charge to even update this thing so you can use it" requirement in the app is overridden with a lower threshold.

I different poster mentioned battery capacity. I can't take credit for that idea.
Possible the mfg saved some money by speeding the assembly process and not charging the batteries enough.

 

[correcaminos]

The issue isn't what either of us expect. The question is what a typical guest expects. Members of Disney fan forums aren't typical guests.

I wouldn't expect a battery in a mister fan bought at Walmart or a Dollar Store Maybe yes maybe no. I'D expect a battery in one bought in a theme park


I different poster mentioned battery capacity. I can't take credit for that idea.
Possible the mfg saved some money by speeding the assembly process and not charging the batteries enough.

And meh I don't agree that people assume electronics are fully charged upon purchase. In fact I think the opposite and if one does assume they are out of touch with reality. Much like buying something that requires batteries I assume I need to buy batteries unless sold working with a tab to pull. Like the bubble wands. If there is no tab I buy batteries.

Honestly this nit picking argument is getting tiresome to me. I simply disagree with your thoughts and assumptions on the population as a whole. If it comes with a charger I assume people know it needs to be charged like every single rechargeable item out there.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I can't recall any rechargeable device I have ever bought (and this includes going through about a dozen phones) that did not immediately need to be charged.

The only electronic devices that I've ever purchased that came already fully charged were *non*rechargeable, e.g., a LED keychain fob.

Ever.

Hey, remember when electric devices didn't even come with their own batteries?

 

[AEfx]

There is a difference between "fully charged" and "usable charge". These cannot be updated and used unless they have at least 60% power.

When you buy a phone, in most cases they activate it in the store, and that's why they come usually at least a good portion charged. Enough to get the unit activated and use for the remainder of the day.

In any case, a phone is also a much different device, and not sold as an impulse buy, as the majority of these will be.

It's a completely reasonable expectation for people to think they are going to be able to buy a little plastic bracelet at the front of the park that is meant to be used in the same park, at least somewhat. Especially on a device that supposedly can last multiple days on a full charge. Would they expect to have to charge them that night for continued use? Sure. But to even use it at all when opening the package? That's a big difference.

I won't be surprised if Disney is going to capitalize next on selling extended character-labeled power strips at the resorts...I mean, a family of four with cell phones and these are going to need 8 USB plugs to charge their stuff every night. Eight cords and double the devices to deal with. How magical, LOL.

 

[Patcheslee]

Do they have large signs that say MB+ mist be charged prior to use in the shops? Also I can understand why people that don't visit often may not realize this. MB2 is immediate use, and may assume this is just a newer style. Based on people throwing away the charger, it's possible.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

When you buy a phone, in most cases they activate it in the store, and that's why they come usually at least a good portion charged.

This might be the most Senior Citizen sentence I've ever read.

Who buys a phone at the store?

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

This might be the most Senior Citizen sentence I've ever read.

Who buys a phone at the store?

I thought everyone did, I’ve never got a phone anywhere but a cellular phone store. I trade in my old phone every 3-4 years so the T-Mobile store is the most practical place to do it.

Where do you buy your cellphones?

 

[lewisc]

This might be the most Senior Citizen sentence I've ever read.

Who buys a phone at the store?

Apple stores always look busy. Best Buy seems to have a large cell phone department. COSTCO has cell phone department.

I bought my last few phones online.


I remember when you needed special software and cable to transfer stuff to your new phone.

My recent purchases phone snd battery brick were at least half charged.

 

[correcaminos]

I thought everyone did, I’ve never got a phone anywhere but a cellular phone store. I trade in my old phone every 3-4 years so the T-Mobile store is the most practical place to do it.

Where do you buy your cellphones?

Out of the last 4 phones I have bought for the family, only one was store pick up and it was with Best Buy. All other phones, tablets, earbuds, watches etc are shipped. My phone was directly from Samsung. My spouse and parent were via T-mobile (online). My kid was Best Buy. My other accessories were all online. Even the one phone I did a store pick up was not charged enough to get very far. I charged it on the way home.

In store is a real PITA to me and I avoid going in store whenever possible. The workers there tend to be polite but not the fastest. I can more easily and way more comfortably transfer and activate at home.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

Out of the last 4 phones I have bought for the family, only one was store pick up and it was with Best Buy. All other phones, tablets, earbuds, watches etc are shipped. My phone was directly from Samsung. My spouse and parent were via T-mobile (online). My kid was Best Buy. My other accessories were all online. Even the one phone I did a store pick up was not charged enough to get very far. I charged it on the way home.

In store is a real PITA to me and I avoid going in store whenever possible. The workers there tend to be polite but not the fastest. I can more easily and way more comfortably transfer and activate at home.

Do you just mail back the trade in for a refund?