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. 

[AngelDeath]

@Giuffra316  try holding the left button and right bottom button for 20 seconds, this causes a hard reset, the reason why it wont turn on is the update somehow makes the watch hang and does not fully shutdown, which could be why you are feeling it warm because its stuck and not properly shutting down. There are so many tricks to get the watch back up.

[SilviaFitbit]

Hey everyone!

Thank you for participating in the forums. I appreciate the ones that have been sharing tips that have worked for you. 

Just wanted to clarify that if any post gets removed, Moderators will send a PM explaining why it was removed. 

@dacchieu Thanks for getting back. I appreciate your comments. In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team and they've mentioned you already have a case with them. Please continue the communication through email. 

@swimcraze Hey there. Thanks for the details mentioned. I would like you to make sure that once you stopped swimming, you're stopping the activity too. This can be the reason why it's not transferring all the data. It would be good if you could try restarting your watch and then track another activity. 

@darugnau Thanks for getting back. I appreciate the troubleshooting tried. In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team and they will continue assisting you. 

@Mbird831 Welcome to the Community. Thanks for the details mentioned. It's pretty weird that your Ionic is restarting itself. In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team and they will continue assisting you through email. 

@SunsetRunner It's nice to see you on the Community. I appreciate the troubleshooting tried. It's pretty weird that sleep score isn't showing on your watch. Could you confirm that you tried restarting it? After this, please try tracking sleep tonight and check if you get sleep score. 

@DmitryN Thanks for getting back. In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team. It's pretty weird that your Ionic is restarting and the button isn't working to stop the workout. 

@Giuffra316 Thanks for letting me know that you have a case with our Support team. 

@blacque It's nice to see you on the Community. Thanks for the details mentioned. We’re aware of it and are working to identify a resolution as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting you back on track.

I'll be around if you have any additional questions. 

[tluke]

I just set up a brand new Ionic and after the setup it says I have release 70.7.14 but the app on my iPhone 6 (IOS 12.4) says there is a firmware update available. Is there something newer than 70.7.14? After all the posts on this site I'm afraid to update anything more. Is it maybe a patch?

Before this new Ionic, my old now dead Ionic was factory reset upon direction of support. After setting that up the app also said I was on 70.7.14 and that there was a firmware update still available. Since  the watch still didn't work after the factor reset anyway I assumed it was a patch and did the additional update but after a long time and the screen showing the progress to be almost done it crapped out and said it lost wifi and asked would I like to try bluetooth? Trying bluetooth crapped out immediately and it took the old 2-button salute to even get a screen back. Still nothing worked.

That's why I'm afraid to do another firmware update on my new Ionic that says it has 27.70.7.14

[AngelDeath]

Mine has done the same thing, I factory reset my watch and uninstalled the app, when I installed the app, it told me there was an update, i did the update, and then it said there was an update, and it kept doing it. its the same update, seriously doubt Fitbit moved that fast and second if it was a patch it wouldnt have the same firmware version number.

[BradMcCormick]

I wonder was new ones sent out aren't updated before being sent? Tends to show it's a firmware issue?? Just asking

[BradMcCormick]

I still haven't updated. Too scared to. No guarantees of support or a fix. I'm just amazed this is allowed to happen. Hopefully Fitbit get onto it quickly and get it right.

[swimcraze]

@Silviabit Will check it out at my next swimming workout.
--
*KWAN SIEW KONG*
Our greatest strength may be our ability
to stand still and trust God

[dacchieu]

Hi @SilviaFitbit,

Yes, I have contacted them. I waiting for second email with tracking number replacement device.

[lucaiuli]

I updated my Fitbit Ionic and all was good, the firmware update went without problems. After that, my battery start to drain very fast. My watch won’t last half a day. I have my daily routine of walking using GPS. Before the update the battery last 1.5h days with my routine, right now it dies during the activity, the screen shows 0%, but when I get home and put it to charge, opens up to 46% or even 50% of battery left.
They send me a replacement, but I am afraid, reading about the other users with replacements, that I will still have the issue :(I asked them by email about that and they did not respond to my question. The issue is on the software side and not the hardware.
I hope they will release a patch for it.
Thanks,Julian

[BradMcCormick]

Let's hope

[youhippy]

Hi @lucaiuli I got a replacement for the battery issue. My replacement has survived the update. 

Same thing happened with my Dad's Ionic. Replaced and new one survived the update. Not sure if it's anything to do with the age of the device. Mine was 2 yrs (just outside of the warranty but i made a fuss) and my Dad's was only a year old. 

It's worrying that they pushed this update out, even when they knew there were issues with it during the beta testing. 

[lucaiuli]

Yes, indeed.I was out of warranty, too.Maybe the old Fitbit Ionic batches have old hardware, not maybe, I’m sure of that, and that’s why the replacement device will work. I just hope I have the same luck as you had. I read other users comments that the problem was there for their replacements too.
With my old one, currently on my wrist now, the battery last 1 day without using activity+gps, once I used it, the battery last 1 hour.
Hope they will somehow manage to fix by a patch, or, the replacement will work. I really like the Ionic and I’m with Fitbit since 2013.
Thanks,Julian

[Giuffra316]

@AngelDeath - thanks for your advice. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I
contacted Fitbit and after some discussion, they are sending a replacement.

[Moro]

I have had my watch since launch in Oct 2017, and all my updates have worked so far 😟

This is my 3rd Fitbit watch, and the only one that has even worked after 15 months! If it is bricked by an update before the next generation is released I shall walk away from this brand, as replacement is clearly off the agenda even though I believe Fitbit should accept responsibility for firmware update failures they "push" to users through their App.

I have been concerned about the firmware accuracy since I bought the watch over 2 years ago, which through every update has never recorded the correct distance I walk.

I have tried to explain what I see in the TCX files (regarding the cumulative node) as the reason for the under-reading to support...who just do not either comprehend or care about computing problems, and then dismiss them - and go on to refuse to engage in further discussion.

Moderator edit: Word choice.

[gharris9999]

OK, I updated my Ionic to 70.7.14 and the update seemed to go OK.  The Ionic went through all up grade steps and rebooted and the fitbit app on my Pixel 4 LX confirmed that the Ionic was running 70.7.14.

I then went to: Ionic->Settings->Shutdown.  The Ionic initially would NOT POWER BACK ON!  After a few minutes of panic, I tried the back+lower button reset.  The Ionic successfully restarted that way.  I wish Ionic firmware updates were not so anxiety producing!

[gharris9999]

Spoiler

OK, false alarm.  Back+bottom button effected a successful reboot.

[BradMcCormick]

Sort of good news!!

Would love to read your story @AngelDeath 

[sunnyvr]

Same problem, left button press doesn’t start the device. If you switch it off and then want to turn it on, only way is to press left and right bottom button which is basically reset option. Odd

[AngelDeath]

@BradMcCormick: 

Fitbit saved my life 

[paulameehan]

So frustrating. Did the update and my battery life has been greatly reduced..  used to get 4-5 days now recharging every 2 days...