Fitbit OS 4.1 - Firmware Release (70.7.14)

[MattFitbit]

Fitbit Update: 12/5

Hi everyone!

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.1 (Firmware Version: 70.7.14). 

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

The update includes a variety of new features and enhancements, including: 

• Smart wake: Smart wake will gently begin to wake you with subtle vibrations during the optimal part of your sleep cycle (during light or REM) within a 30-minute window prior to your pre-set alarm. This allows you to wake up feeling refreshed. 

• Clock face switcher: You will now be able to store up to five clock faces right on your device and quickly change from one to the other using the new clock face switcher.

• On-wrist Sleep Score: The score will now be available in the on-device dashboard that can be accessed by swiping up from the clock face. You can still see it alongside your sleep data within the Fitbit app after you sync.

• Exercise app improvements: The redesigned Exercise app will now display all 20 workouts in a new streamlined list on your wrist. 

• Battery notification: When your battery is running low, a new feature will automatically disable notification vibrations

• Agenda app: A new Agenda app allows you to see your calendar right on your wrist. 

For more information on the new features included in Fitbit OS 4.1 check out this article. You can also check out our press release. 

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. 

[Giuffra316]

I'm having battery issues like some of those reported here. Before the firmware update, I was getting 4-5 days on the battery. Now, it dies in less than a day. I just finished charging it this morning and 12 hours later, it's lost 65% and won't make it through the night to track my sleep. I've restarted the watch twice and it didn't help. I also used this to referee soccer, keeping track of the game clock. Now, I'm afraid it will die while I'm running the clock! I just convinced my wife to try Fitbit a few weeks ago and now I told her not to update the firmware over this. Hopefully, Fitbit resolves this soon. 

[dacchieu]

Hi @MattFitbit 

After successfull update this firmware, I used my fibit ionic normal arround 04 hours. When I waked up on the morning, My ionic won't turn on.

I see on my fitbit It's still sync to 2:22AM. I think have some problem with this firmware affect to my ionic!!!!

[Me201701]

@Ebojager, I just got a replacement and performed an update.  After performing the update, I am seeing the same issue with the battery and needing to use the Left and Lower Right button to turn on the replacement Ionic so replacements are exhibiting the same behavior once the update is applied.

[dacchieu]

Hi @Deen82 @MattFitbit 

I got same issue.

---------------

Hi Fitbit Team,

After successfull updated lasted firmware, I used my fibit ionic normal arround 04 hours. When I waked up on the morning, My ionic won't turn on.

I see on my fitbit It's still sync to 2:22AM. I think have some problem with this firmware affect to my ionic!!!!

[dacchieu]

Hi Fitbit Team,

After successfull updated lasted firmware, I used my fibit ionic normal arround 04 hours. When I waked up on the morning, My ionic won't turn on.

I see on my fitbit It's still sync to 2:22AM. I think have some problem with this firmware affect to my ionic!!!!

[Ebojager]

@Me201701 , Thanks that's what I was afraid of. This seems kind of wasteful to keep replacing devices knowing they are going to be faulty again once they get updated. Sounds like maybe a communication issue between support and what's actually going on with their software updates. 

I don't understand why they don't pause the update or send out an older version until they figure out the issues???

[dacchieu]

Hi @YojanaFitbit @Alex_Wakatipu @MattFitbit  

I got same issue.

@JBs_5 

I got same issue. This is should be firmware bugs.

@SuperMike 

A lot of ionic broken. Why?

[BradMcCormick]

Will be interesting to see what the explanation is from Fitbit??

[DmitryN]

The update was successful! I'm happy with. Glad to get a change in design and color. I can not say that definitely became more convenient, but something new is always nice to see. The only big drawback that I wanted to say is the inability to start training with a mechanical button. It was very convenient. Especially with gloves on. After the OS update, this feature was removed. At the same time, the pause and finish remained on the buttons. Now you need to get to the button on the display at the time of start. Very badly. The superiority of the Apple Iwatch is lost. For the starting athletes it is important! Please return the activity start to the mechanical button! And my opinion. Holding the bottom right button is free of functions. Make it possible to launch a pre-selected activity. Or open the activity screen to start. Thanks!

[EdwardsWM]

I have the same problem. The mechanical button does not work when
starting an exercise, but you can toggle between pause and restart using
the mechanical button. You are the first person other than myself that
I've seen report this problem. Very odd and very annoying. Surely this
is not by design and must be a bug.

[DmitryN]

In this forum more complaints on exit from by building. Those who have all good in here a little. Perhaps many now engage in in gyms. The problem with the start of activity is not much bothering them. I believe that this change has absolutely negatively affected the usability for athletes. Many of my friends use Garmin or Suunto. There start and stop are executed by buttons. But they are noticeably larger than the Fitbit! I have another Apple Iwatch. Ionic has so far won in convenience for sports. Now we have to endure the inconvenience. Unfortunately.

[Nobblytanner]

This new firmware update has wrecked my Ionic.

The update hung, after it asked me to connect for the calibration sequence.

It now will not sync at all.

I have tried restarting my Ionic, and the app too - this makes no difference.

What to do now?

PS: in future, please don't include me in phased firmware updates until it actually works properly!

[lucaiuli]

I'm with you on that!
Now, what I've done:

- Factory Reset my Ionic

- It still asks me to perform the update 😞 I cannot SKIP this step

- perform the update and my battery percentage is 78%

- leave the watch on the table - screen OFF - after 10 minutes in have 77%

It is clear that the issue is on the software side. Maybe, just maybe there is a debug daemon that is working non-stop. Some "garbage" left active into the firmware... a service that drain out the battery.

Maybe it will be a fix for it soon. Hopefully!

Thanks,

Julian

[BradMcCormick]

Hopefully someone from Fitbit will contact all these upset customers soon and fix the problems.

[Gainn]

Battery life is garbage since the update, and having to hold two buttons for about 15 seconds to fire the thing up is clearly not sensible.

Fitbit just releasing things without proper testing should be something we're used to by now but this one is worse than normal. 

[BradMcCormick]

Hope you get a helpful response 🤞

[ronald.jenkinso]

Can not connect my Ionic anymore. 

Looks like an issue with the Fitbit app background service. 

Used to be fine before the updates. 

Contacted the "helpdesk" and they are hiding behind the "compatibility" excuse. Then why did it work the previous months?

Urgent update to fix these problems because I'm thinking of throwing it in the rubbish. 

[chrisionic1]

Exact same thing happened to my new replacement ionic. This was new and hardly worn. I stored it away and switched to a garmin after having so many problems. I decided to try this one again when they started using the SPO2 sensor like they advertised years ago when I bought the first one. The update actually worked successfully on my watch but I went to the menu to shut down the watch to save battery. I tried to turn it on and no luck. No button combination or charging cord or port has gotten it to turn on. 

[Ernie_B]

the Ionic updated...NOW in a constant "Sensor calibrate loop"...never gets past that point.
The sensor never lights up now.   What to do ?

[Kev2719]

I updated this last night and it bricked my Ionic. Its stuck in re-start. All i see is the fitbit logo.

I cannot do anything. I even removed the device to try and re-start it but its a paperweight. 

Anyone else have this issue??

[SunsetRunner]

Have you tried putting the Ionic on charge and leaving it stationary on a flat surface to complete the calibration?