Windows Phone Support Blaze

[supermoe]

So you've developed a completely new device but still don't support CallerID,Text Messaging or Calendar updates on Windows Phone?

Moderator edit: format

[Rich_Laue]

Windows phones have had a GATT client for a long time, Fitbit needs windows to have a GATT server. 

[niknak82]

It does,

It's available on the Windows 10 Universal platform,

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/uwp/devices-sensors/gatt-scenarios

Although not sure you're gonna be going for jogs with your laptop though?

[MaxLV]

When (and what) was the last Windows Phone Microsoft released?

More importantly, instead of telling us over and over again what Microsoft is doing (with GATT) tell us what you know Fitbit is doing about adding GATT suport for Windows Phones to Fitbit devices.

We ALL know Microsoft has added GATT to various products, no need to keep telling us that.

Tell us when Fitbit has.

Fitbit hasn't and probably wont. This is Fitbit forum BTW. 

[lola65]

It does not matter to me anymore, I have had more trouble with this phone this year. My apps stopped working, I could not download apps without getting rid of key features on my phone and having to go the the basic features. I am retiring the windows phone, never to return, I will never purchase a Windows phone again!.

[Rich_Laue]

Fitbit can not add the support for notifications or connected GPS until Microsoft adds the GATT server. 

This needs to be done in the Operating System. @MaxLV. 

Basically Fitbit is waiting for Microsoft to install a door.. Once the door has been installed, Fitbit can then open the door and use the service. 

When will this happen, Microsoft promises to install a door in early 2017.

[FitnessBP]

So to clarify, once that "door" is installed, we should be receiving the notification on the windows phone 10 right?  I'm just wanting some clarification because I just got the Blaze as a gift and would hate to return it due to not being able to use all the features.  Thanks

[Rich_Laue]

I would think so, Fitbit is the one that went to MS to help get it straightened out. 

Asking other Fitbit users might not be the best way to get your answer. 

[Julia_G]

@FitnessBP, once that "door" is open it will presumably be possible for Fitbit to add notifications for Windows phones if they want to develop that feature, and some time ago they stated that this was something they did want to bring notifications to Windows phone users.  However, there have been many different developments and changes to both Microsoft and Fitbit proorities since then, so I would not count on it definitely happening.  As @Rich_Laue has said, other Fitbit users are not able to answer this question, and there has been no recent statement on the subject from Fitbit.

Having said that, I don't believe any other fitness device, except Microsoft Band 2 (which has now been discontinued), offers notifications either (many don't even offer a Windows app) so changing brands will not solve this issue for you, and you may want to keep your Blaze even without notifications because of its other features and because it otherwise has good compatibility with Windows phones.

I hope this helps.

[MaxLV]

Wrong! 

Most 'fitness wearables' have smatphone notifications. See:

http://urbanwearables.technology/best-fitness-trackers-for-smartphone-notifications/

If you have an Andriod or Apple smart phone that is.

Windows phone 10 Already has the capability, My Blaze syncs happily with my Windows 10 640XL, but it doesn't have notifications. As to Microsoft supposedly needing to add a 'door' to allow that it's just a rumour/wishful thinking. Notifications on my Blaze only work with Android devices. It does NOT support Windows 10 smart phones. This is something FitBit need to fix/add not something Microsoft has to do.

As Microsoft have effectively 'abandoned' further development of the Windows phone platform, theres no real motive or reason for FitBit to provide this function either.
You want smartphone notifications from your FitBit wearables? Get an Android Smart Phone. 

[Julia_G]

@MaxLV,  when I said no other wearable would deliver the notifications to @FitnessBP, I was referring to HIS PHONE, which was the question.

As for your other points, you are only partially correct.  Please see the discussion above.  MS does need to provide a Gatt Server because Fitbit (and many other devices) use that to deliver notifications.  The Gatt Server is available in Beta versions, apparently.  It may or may not ever be delivered to the final version of the Windows Phone OS, as you state, and Fitbit may or may not then write the code to make it work.

The person who asked the question has a Windows Phone and a Blaze.  He was suggesting returning his Blaze, not his phone.  I was simply pointing out that with his phone he was not going to find another tracker that worked.  

[Rich_Laue]

I'm going to add that there may indeed be other tracker a that do not use the GATT service and indeed notifications will work with win10, I'll assume that the MS band is one of them. 

[Julia_G]

I am fairly confident that no wearables give notifications to Windows phones except MS Band and MS Band 2 and those trackers are now discontinued.

In fact most fitness wearables don't work at all with Windows phones.  Fitbits are the exception and most features will work, just not notifications and "connected GPS"

[BigBri41]

I've been tempted to give Vector a try as they claim to have notifications, but for some reason, I really believe Fitbit is going to implement this functionality. You can check the Vector watch out here:

http://m.windowscentral.com/video-vector-watch-windows-phone

[SunsetRunner]

For Fitbit folks who might find this, I'm posting this (and I almost never post anything anywhere) to add my two microcents to encourage bringing notifications to us once it is possible.

I got a Blaze for Christmas to replace my beloved MS Band 2.  Tried it out for a day and loved it, but I can't go back to having to pull out my phone to see if I need to attend to a text or call. Back in the box it goes to await the day it can fully replace my current solution.

From reading here and elsewhere, I know you are waiting for GATT support in Windows 10 phones, which appears to be on the way in early 2017.    In the meantime, I'll continue patching my Band strap with electrical tape and hoping from good news from Fitbit.

[SunsetRunner]

---

@BigBri41 wrote:

I've been tempted to give Vector a try as they claim to have notifications, but for some reason, I really believe Fitbit is going to implement this functionality. You can check the Vector watch out here:

http://m.windowscentral.com/video-vector-watch-windows-phone

---

what's about HR monitoring ?

[BigBri41]

Yeah I don't think the Vectors are being marketed as fitness watches, just smart watches.  It probably doesn't even track sleep which is just as important to me as notifications. I just mentioned it because they have notifications working. These Fitbits will be a no brainer purchase for us windows mobile users once Microsoft/Fitbit get the GATT stuff sorted out.

[nagelgj]

it seems the api requirement is finally there for windows insiders

http://m.windowscentral.com/windows-10-build-15007-pc-and-mobile-rolling-out-insiders-no

[lola65]

I no longer have a windows phone, and
will never purchase one again. I purchased a samsung galaxy j7 phone and
my apps and fitbit app is working

[Kairatera]

The requirements may be there now, but it still says that the blaze does not offer notifications on Windows devices, that's what I'm seeing on the Fitbit website anyway.

[Rich_Laue]

Mabe Fotbit is still testing and troubleshooting.