The "band" is an integrated housing for the speaker, microphone, and camera. The band is not user replaceable, but with anything in life, with enough ingenuity, anything is possible. I would certainly NOT encourage removing it just to change the color. Give it some time and it may grow on you, for the great price you paid. In a couple of months, you will start seeing skins coming out to cover the band with all kinds of colors and designs, like they have now for the case and clasp.