Fitbit OS 4.0.2 - Firmware Release (27.68.9.15)

[MattFitbit]

Fitbit Update: 10/9

Hi everyone,

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.0.2, available for Ionic (Firmware Version: 27.68.9.15). 

We've begun releasing this new firmware to customers. This is a progressive rollout which means everyone will receive it at different stages until it has been completely released to all users. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. 

*Firmware releases are not distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. We do not recommend performing a factory reset to force the update to your device as your data will be lost and you may not get the update. Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

 
This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Ionic can be found here. 

If you run into any trouble updating your Ionic, I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. 

We appreciate your patience while we work to roll this out to everyone.  

[Drakermom]

Disappointed since latest uodate(two days ago). My ionic morning longer auto recognises my swimming. After 45 mins lap swimming both yesterday and today, I was credited with 14 mins of “genetic” activity. No lap count, no calorie count, no distance swum etc. Syncing to my phone app all I get is the 14 minutes of “something”. Until this update this feature worked great. I really don’t want to go back to using the “exercise” feature in my ionic. I loved the auto recognition. Have. It yet had the opportunity to test the auto recognition feature of my aerobic workouts. 

[SunsetRunner]

1. I live in Canada, and can't access the links in this post. Could read them from a US VPN server.

2. Don't attempt this update over bluetooth. Takes hours I think, never finished. 20 minutes over WiFi.

3. Has some new features, swipe down for some new settings. Sleep still doesn't work well, recorded 4 hours of my 8 hour sleep. 

[AceLupusWarrior]

Since this update my Ionic has had terrible issues with reading my heart rate.  It drops in and out and at times cannot read it at all, never had this issue prior to the update. 

After the update the watch prompted me to calibrate it, I did that.  I also tried a restart of the watch, but the heart rate does not track properly any longer, especially during my workouts.  That is the time I need it the most! 

The other issue I am having is that in the today list on the watch when you swipe up you are supposed to be able to select 7 items, but watch only gives me three options to choose from in the settings menu for this feature.  Please help!  Not a fan of this update so far!

[Fotopaul]

Go into the app on your phone and go to apps, probably it will say it did not finish installing and let it resume and you will have all the 7 items available. 

Not sure if its related to the HR monitor though. 

[rego629]

I updated my firmware on Wednesday and my FitBit completely died on Thursday. Not sure if there's any correlation but after 30 minutes on the phone with the help desk I'm basically told I can buy a new FitBit since my 1.5 year old Ionic is out of warranty. Pretty crappy way to treat a customer of the past 7 years.

[rego629]

he same thing happened to me! FitBit was very unhelpful and essentially told me I'm out of luck. 

[Fotopaul]

Have you tried holding all 3 buttons for 20 seconds and see if something happens? 

[AceLupusWarrior]

Installed this update 2 days ago, so I have been in the app several times since it updated.  It is fully updated and still no more options to choose in today feature and heart rate is a hot mess! Thanks for the offer of help though!

[Fotopaul]

Just to clarify I'm not referring to the dashboard and a notification about a update. I mean when you go into the ionic settings in the app and go to apps it might tell you to resume installing some stuff. Had the same issues as you and once it resumed installing some apps it worked as before, 7 to choose from. 

[rego629]

I did, yes. Nothing happens and I've tried several times. 

[AceLupusWarrior]

Right.  I have been into every setting within the app on my phone since the update trying to fix all the issues it caused me and none of it helps.  The night I did the update I opened the app immediately after the update and calibration finished and it continued the update at that point, then said it was complete and the firmware version shows the 27.68.9.15.   

[grcoaching]

Thanks for the release! I should have known NOT to update Fitbit. 😠
The left button now does not work.  What now?

[AceLupusWarrior]

Looks like a big conspiracy theory to get us all to buy their new versa 2!!  No thank you!

[carlfxy]

 Amazon.com is an authorized reseller, guess you learned why not to buy from 3rd party sellers on Amazon unless they are listed as authorized on fitbits list Still contact the seller explain it stopped working, and Fitbit wont sort it out maybe you will get lucky. Remember buying from 3rd party sellers is like buying from ebay, no one is going to honor a warranty. 

[infernoeffect]

I just remembered I purchased my Ionic with a Visa credit card, which gives me an additional year over the manufacturer's warranty. I will definitely be filing a claim with Visa, hopefully I can get my money back. I still can't believe Fitbit is screwing over so many people with an update that breaks their devices.

[Barrymc63]

 Every time the second hand on the clocked moved it recorded steps. Now it doesn’t record steps or track heart rate. Spent all morning on tech support to no avail. They offered a discount on new device since it is a few months out of warranty. Obviously there is a major issue with the device or updates or something and FITBIT is not standing behind there product. Why would I buy another Fitbit devices if this is how they feel about their products. Total bs. Has anyone been able to get a resolution. I would love to speak to someone in the States that can provide an answer but Fitbit is hiding behind their Central Asia support operations. Any ideas how to fix this Ionic before a take a hammer to it and smash it??

[Iain_K]

@MattFitbit Two specific questions I hope you can answer,

1:  What SPECIFICALLY does this upgrade fix?  The information offered is useless in making an informed decision whether to accept the update or not.

2.  If I choose not to update how do I make the annoying banner in the app go away permanently?

My Ionic mostly works OK and appears to be one of the few that has survived long enough to be outside of the warranty period.  I have no desire to upgrade unless there is some real functional benefit for iOS users, such as the text message reply options available to Android users.

If Fitbit didnt have such a terrible track record for bricking devices with updates I might feel differently, but when the company inflicting the update has a vested interest in selling me a new device, and doesnt offer any meaningful information regarding the benefits of the update why on earth would I want to take the chance?

I have a working device, I expect the supplier to have done enough beta testing and due diligence before releasing a new OS that we all still have a working device afterwards, other companies seem to manage to do that.  If the update bricks my Ionic money off a new one is an entirely empty gesture because you can bet that any replacement wont be from Fitbit, despite many years of previous brand loyalty. 

[FitmanFit]

@Iain_K 

I agree. Given the many reports about devices rendered useless after the update (some ceasing to work considerable periods after the upgrade suggesting that no user error occurred during the update process), it would seem foolish to enter any risk right now, in particular if the potential benefits of an upgrade are unknown. 

[kyla_s]

@DaveD73 Same. Last one killed my original and I'm terrified to update the replacement now. 

[sammysamsamsam]

Not happy. Has bricked mine too. wont turn on, wont charge just a black screen. Keep this up fitbit you will have no customers and no customers means no business.