Ionic Compatible Heart Rate Strap

[INTENSE]

I have heard that this is not supported / not compatible but has anyone actually tried to pair one of the more popular Garmin or Polar blue tooth models?  ie prove?

Keywords bluetooth HR heartrate straps

[Venkats]

There is no option to support such a pairing to test such a functionality. There is a feature request pending. Perhaps you can vote for it.

[INTENSE]

Where there is an "option", which I was wondereing if any tried.  I dont have a bluetooth monitor to try, only ANT+.

Hence my question before buying one and try.  Does anyone have, and have they:

Goto Settings > Bluetooth (I know it reads headphones, but thats the question.)

Has anyone tried it?  Would the bluetooth protocol identify and restrict or would it pair?  Then of course the question would be if it could use the data, but we got to get past step one first?

Lastly, where is this voting thing?  I searched before posting and nothing specific to this test/question came up other than the default "not supported"?

[WavyDavey · Accepted solution]

I tried it, and it doesn't work. I didn't expect it to work.

 The Ionic wants a bluetooth connected device as output for its sound, like a headset.

The Ionic doesn't have a way to receive the heart rate data, other than from its own internal sensors.

The chest strap wants a bluetooth connected device as output for its heart rate signal.

The chest strap lacks the capability to act as a bluetooth audio device, and so is of little interest to the Ionic.

The Ionic didn't see all bluetooth devices available, just ones broadcasting audio profiles like the Flyer, or a bluetooth speaker. 

[bbarrera]

Not supported. and I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Fitbit to support one.

[INTENSE]

Back to the store it goes...

Lots of nice features and what so far seems like a quality build, but it cant be a reliable/accurate workout/fitness device without accurate HR tracking... IMO.  Seems like a big miss.

Thanks for all the replies.

[ioniccrash]

ROFL, any update?

I am considering about asking for a refund. If theres a chest band that fixes the problem with heart rate readings then I might keep my Ionic, otherwise.... this is a joke/nightmare product.