The "Real" Reason For the New Magic Bands

[hayesdvc]

What do you think the internal reasons Disney has decided to change the design of the Magic Bands; i.e., financial, "Big Brother" related, etc?

 

[GillianP1301]

I am hoping that some of it is environmental so that you could opt just for the "puck" centre and place it in a wristband, keychain, lanyard, whatever thingy that you already have.

I think there is also a big marketing component here because people will likely be far more willing to pay for special design bands if they know they can keep them for future use without having to worry about a battery dining. Just get your new puck each trip and insert in whatever band you want.

 

[helenb]

I agree, I think it's financial. If you can keep the center piece and don't have to muck about transferring data, people may be more likely to buy 'themed' Magicbands. Not to mention the other accessories that go with the pop out piece. It's my understanding that the MB accessories they had originally didn't work well, so this is their next attempt at it.

Do the new bands need battery replacements? On the current bands, the battery dies and you can't use it for everything, and the batteries are not designed to be replaced. That means you need a new one every year or so.

 

[Farps]

I'm not sure if they are watching me, but I am making a new tinfoil hat as we speak !!!

 

[erionm]

MB2s will (reportedly) function exactly the same as the original, so not "big brother" related.

 

[OKW Lover]

What do you think the internal reasons Disney has decided to change the design of the Magic Bands; i.e., financial, "Big Brother" related, etc?

I think its just the advance of technology and the desire to offer a different form factor. Not seeing any dastardly "Big Brother" related motives behind it at all.

 

[OKW Lover]

If you can keep the center piece and don't have to muck about transferring data,

There is no "transferring data" involved in the MB technology. Its just a window to your MDE account.

 

[Jennasis]

It's all about the money.

 

[erionm]

I think its just the advance of technology and the desire to offer a different form factor.

Plus a new line of accessories in which the removable icon (puck) can be inserted into.

 

[bumbershoot]

I am hoping that some of it is environmental so that you could opt just for the "puck" centre and place it in a wristband, keychain, lanyard, whatever thingy that you already have.

I thought they said on the big thread about it that the pucks won't be sold separately? That each one will be sold with a band?

 

[mom2rtk]

It's all about the money.

In other news, water is wet.

 

[GillianP1301]

I thought they said on the big thread about it that the pucks won't be sold separately? That each one will be sold with a band?

Well if that's the case, scratch the environmental justification. Which leaves me with the Marketing/make money reason.

 

[senecabeach]

When will the new bands be coming out?????

 

[toonaspie]

Isn't one of the bigger complaints by guests the fact that they have to wear it as a band? I think the real reason here is that Disney is finally listening to those complaints.

I like the idea of the removable puck. Makes sense since this part will have to be changed with nearly every trip while the new bands can be used multiple times.