02-22-2016 09:42 - edited 02-22-2016 10:26
02-22-2016 09:42 - edited 02-22-2016 10:26
Hey all!
I've been seeing a ton of great conversation about Connected GPS- the technology that will allow you to see your maps, as well as pace/distance using your phone's GPS. Ahead of launch of the device, I'd like to provide a bit more information about Connected GPS in comparison to our built-in GPS technology (found in Surge) or our existing GPS functionality in relation to other devices! The following is an in-depth look at Connected GPS, and and opening of the floor for questions! Are you ready? Let's do it!
Connected GPS is a new part of the Fitbit ecosystem! Using Connected GPS, Blaze connects with your phone's native GPS capabilities to plot routes and activity stats screen as the pace and duration.
The necessary components for initiating a Connected GPS exercise are:
To initiate a Connected GPS exercise, open the appropriate exercise (exercises that offer GPS connectivity on the Blaze will have a gear icon on the tile). Once you select the exercise type, you'll see that your Blaze will begin to look for your phone's GPS services. Once the device establishes a connection, you'll be notified that you're ready to go. You can always bypass the connection if you'd like, much like on Surge.
GPS is built-in on the Fitbit Surge, meaning that you could initiate a GPS activity without your phone in proximity. The MobileRun process works a bit differently; you'll have to open the Fitbit app and select Track Exercise > Stopwatch Icon > Start.
Phone Not Found: Users may see the following error state if their tracker is unable to connect to their phone. If this happens, please ensure the following: phone is within range, your app is open, phone is charged up, Bluetooth enabled and bonded, and Internet connection is present.
Check Fitbit App: If you come across this error, there may be a bit of action required. Please ensure that your app is open, you are logged into your account, and that location services are enabled.
Location services are required for Connected GPS to function properly. Please ensure that location services are enables, and set to "Always" if applicable.
Permissions are requested upon setup of the tracker. Users who intend to use the Connected GPS feature should accept the permission requests. If you switch phones during the life of your Blaze, you'll be prompted to run through all of these permission requests again before being able to successfully use Connected GPS.
05-03-2016 20:54
05-03-2016 20:54
05-03-2016 21:00
05-03-2016 21:00
@Rich_Laue On Android 6 we have
1) Off
2) GPS & Wifi & mobile networks - works but is inaccurate
3) Wifi & mobile networks - gets 'check fitbit app' message
4) GPS only - will not connect to the phone (single red bar and no map)
05-04-2016 02:31
05-04-2016 02:31
Sense, Charge 5, Inspire 2; iOS and Android
05-04-2016 11:55
05-04-2016 11:55
05-04-2016 15:21
05-04-2016 15:21
05-04-2016 15:43
05-04-2016 15:43
05-04-2016 16:34
05-04-2016 16:34
05-04-2016 16:39
05-04-2016 16:39
05-04-2016 19:10
05-04-2016 19:10
05-07-2016 03:55
05-07-2016 03:55
Why exactly does the blaze require an internet connection for Connected GPS?
if this is using the phones GPS - this should not be required?
05-07-2016 05:17
05-07-2016 05:17
Sense, Charge 5, Inspire 2; iOS and Android
05-07-2016 05:21
05-07-2016 05:21
05-07-2016 05:42
05-07-2016 05:42
I can't answer that, except to say I guess it just needs to shake hands with the server before it gets started. Sounds like the Surge might work better for you, as it has a built in GPS chip.
Sense, Charge 5, Inspire 2; iOS and Android
05-07-2016 07:33
05-07-2016 07:33
My guess would be that fitbit is doing some type of initialization process with the server.
05-07-2016 13:29
05-07-2016 13:29
@jwebb72 I tested turning the phone to GPS only mid walk today and on the Samsung S7 Android 6 it doesn't work. As soon as you select GPS only the using location symbol turns off and all tracking and mapping the route stops.
05-07-2016 13:41
05-07-2016 13:41
05-07-2016 13:52
05-07-2016 13:52
@Rich_Laue whenever you connect (sync) to any Fitbit using the app the app connects to Fitbit.com to upload the results. You can immediately see the changes on your fitbit web page or another device using the app. Afaik that is the only time the internet is required.
05-07-2016 14:21
05-07-2016 14:21
05-07-2016 15:44
05-07-2016 15:44
@Rich_Laue , but was your Blaze already connected to that phone? In my case, not.
Sense, Charge 5, Inspire 2; iOS and Android
05-07-2016 19:59
05-07-2016 19:59