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.  

[Mkb823]

Well I heard back from support. Since mine is 14 months old (as evidenced by my proof of purchase) they said it is out of warranty and they can offer me a 25% off discount toward a new device on their website. I think I’ll be moving on from Fitbit. Too expensive to only last 14 months. 

[prodmitry]

Look at amazon's reviews of Ionic: almost 30% of all the reviewers gave 1 star, and the majority have the same issue (device got bricked for no reason).

[Docmphd]

Benedikt, you said "if it is not a clear problem on their side" in your hypothetical about Apple. The problem with that statement is that this IS a clear problem on the side of Fitbit. They released a new firmware version that destroyed devices. Clear as day.

[Mazza59]

wow! thats not good news for you then. Maybe it depends which country you are in. Im in Australia, where are you. We have very good consumer protection laws over here, so maybe that played well for me.

[LindaInBend]

😞 agreed. I had a Samsung galaxy watch that failed just after the
warranty, too. Which is why I switched to Fitbit. We'll see. Hubby may
have gotten extended warranty. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm in the USA

Moderator edit: Removed personal information

[Ecuamer]

Social media blitz. What other way can the handle a PR Mishap is by making
sure any and all post are seen on social media . It’s a shame how this got
out of hand .
I held Fitbit in the upper tier of customers satisfaction. I don’t get why
they are shooting themselves in the foot by claiming that they aren’t aware
of firmware corruption.

[Flammen]

Sadly enough while performing this update my Ionic got bricked. It was working great prior to that and I can’t complain about the assistance I got with the tech support to try to resolve the issue.

Where I find in sad is that after performing an update I lost my beloved watch and I am offered a 25% towards the purchase of a new one... Make me wonder if if I should reconsider...

[bliss_s]

I've noticed that I'm no longer getting the message to "update" my Ionic's firmware from the app.

Did I just out wait it out or has fitbit tacitly admitted the update was bricking Ionics?

Have others that ignored the request to update also no longer getting the request?

[aldhefairi]

check your premium subscription, maybe you did renew it.

[gregj1763]

Hi Matt,

Given the amount of problems I have seen others have had when updating their Ionics, it's fair to say I was a little apprehensive when I did my wife's Ionic and my Adidas version.

Thankfully all went well and we are updated without a hiccup.

I'm interested to hear from other users where they live, I'm in Australia and know quite a few friends with Fitbits but have never heard of any of them having problems. 

Just curious

[Ohjustme]

I have not updated and am NOT getting the reminder to update. The banner in the app is gone. 

Hoping they have pulled the update. 

I'm in the U. S. A. 

[Sealz08]

I updated my watch about a week ago, my watch now doesn't receive notifications from messaging apps. I've tried all the advice for fixing it but hasn't worked. I've seen the posts about issues with iphone but my phone is Samsung 9. It's really frustrating not getting my notifications! What can i do? 

[benedikt.ebli]

@Docmphd 

It is not clear as day. Many users were able to update without bricking their Ionic. I understand the anger. But I also understand Fitbit. We should be glad to get updates at all. Remember the beginning times of Android? Stucking with an old version and no official update? This was not very satisfying.

But as I said. Fitbit has to do its homework better. Testing firmware updates on more different environments. But it is hell today. There are so much possible combinations of OS Versions and vendor specific adjusted versions of the original OS. 

[benedikt.ebli]

Battery usage after the update seems identical. Lost 13% in 12h of normal use. Display light is on auto.

Notifications are working probably.

[benedikt.ebli]

BTW I am from Austria and using a relativley new Ionic. Maybe old versions tend to get bricked? Maybe there are hardware differences?

[janetalso]

That is great. They only gave me 25% off. So I am going to forego Fitbit
devices. Happy for you though!
--
Janet

[Iain_K]

@benedikt.ebli Or maybe, just maybe, its no coincidence that its the older out of warranty ones that are getting killed off.  Am I too cynical?   Perhaps fitbit miscalculated that us loyal customers would just pay up for a 25% off new one?

However there are many reported failures both here and on the Facebook page of relatively new replacement units getting bricked, with Fitbit basing warranty claim eligibility on the date of original purchase, rather than replacement activation.

I cant speak for others but I am definitely not happy to have had the update at all. 

[jcrben]

Fitbit restored syncing even tho I didn't upgrade my firmware! It's still at version 27.331.30

[malar]

SECOND REQUEST:

Hello MattFitbit. I have just  received the new watch that replaced the damaged one. Everything seems to work.  However I don't know  if it includes the update  4.02..  Also got notification of a tracker  update. Please advise if  IhavE the 4.0.2 and if safe to update Tracker.  Thanks

[LindaInBend]

Hmmm, I got a link for a replacement tracker. Wonder if they were able to
confirm with Best Buy that we got the extended warranty...
?

Linda FB