Ionic Firmware release - 27.31.1.29

[MattFitbit]

Hi all!

I am super excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 1.2! (Firmware Version: 27.31.1.29)

We've begun to roll out this new firmware to 10% of Ionic users. This is a progressive rollout, and all Ionic users can expect to have it within a few weeks. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. This firmware update includes:

Feature update:

• We improved the way we track your distance when you’re tracking a run with GPS.

What’s fixed:

• We fixed an issue where some customers’ clocks didn’t update after switching time zones.
• We fixed an issue where some customers experienced syncing issues after interrupting clock face installation.
• We fixed an issue where some customers noticed the Exercise app crashed after double tapping an exercise.
• This release also includes bug fixes and stability improvements.

Click here to view our Fitbit OS help article!

Instructions for updating your Ionic can be found here.

I would also recommend updating your Ionic over Wi-Fi as this can greatly reduce the time it can take to get set up. For more information on connecting your Ionic to Wi-Fi, check out this article. 

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

Looking forward to hearing everyone's feedback on the latest release. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know! 

[TheAssimiator]

@MattFitbit, sorry, but did you read the other comments? There are many users, they have issue with IONIC after last FW Update. So it's a global Issue, that have many users. In this moment, IONIC is not usable for many users. So FitBIT can publish the old working Firmware (with new release) as workaround, so that users can use his IONIC. What i not understand, that FitBit didn't do that, but rather annoy the customers who can no longer use their devices.

[Stocko1]

Hello, yesterday I posted issues I was having about the FW release. Last night I figured on trying again, leaving the phone and watch plugged in to charge. 

Lo and behold 27.31.1.29 has been installed on my tracker. I'm befuddled as to the why's and magic. But, so far so so good.  

[Nicky89]

Dear troubled users,

After trying all Fitbit's and Google's suggestions there was no improvement. The watch itself does what it has to. But when trying anything even far related to syncing and connectivity, the Ionic AND the apps fail terribly. Yesterday even my playlist (which I managed to download via Windows 10 app after hours...) "vanished" all of a sudden. Witchcraft, not watchcraft...

But I managed to at least force manual sync with the app today. A bit unorthodox, and quite cumbersome, but it worked already several times today. 

When connecting Bluetooth with your smartphone, you shouldn't connect to the 'normal' Ionic, but to the "Ionic (Classic)" signal. Therefore, first tap on (in Settings app) Bluetooth connect to headphones > Bluetooth Classic. Make sure the Bluetooth Classic is in "pair" mode. Your phone must than pair with this Ionic (Classic) point, and NOT with the normal Ionic point. Then, open the Fitbit app.

Of course, besides this Bluetooth connection, you should also still activate GPS and a data connection (4G or Wi-Fi). For me, this worked everytime I tried today, which is about 5 times. 

[davidf100010]

My Ionic completely crapped out after the latest update. I had to send it back. Even worse I spent $60 to overnight it to them because the support guy said they would over night it back to me once they receive it.

I travel a lot and needed it back within a week.

Then they email me saying " allow us 5 business days to confirm the arrival of the tracker" 5 days to open the box and make sure it is my Ionic, are you kidding. They have the FedEx tracking number and emailed me saying the Ioinc has arrived. They still need 5 days to confirm that they have my Ionic. Fitbit is really getting bad at taking care of the customers.

[Xroadie]

Such a useful reply to a user support question.

[ADSJD]

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@USAF-Larrywrote:

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@AusieGirlwrote:

Why does the app not sync with the pc via the charge cable?  If no dongle is supplied with the Ionic?  Seems to be that Ionic does require a dongle, please explain?

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The charge cable does not have any data connection, it has the sole purpose of providing the 5VDC to charge the Ionic tracker.  Whether or not the Dongle is required depends on the computer and operating system.  If you have a PC running Windows 10 and the PC has Bluetooth 4.0, no dongle is required. If the PC does not have Bluetooth 4.0, then a Dongle is required.

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I have the dongle from my Surge.  It is apparently not Bluetooth 4.0 as my Ionic will not connect using Fitbit Connect and as with many people I cannot use the Fitbit App on my PC as it always comes back with the message "Authentication Failed".  I purchased a Bluetooth 4.0 dongle but Fitbit Connect does not recognize it.  Is the refurbished dongle from the Fitbit Store Bluetooth 4.0 or will it be the same that I already have and if it is Bluetooth 4.0 will Fitbit Connect recognize it?

[MattFitbit]

@Halierae If you haven't already done so, I would recommend performing each of the troubleshooting steps detailed, here. If you continue to receive an error message, please feel free to post a screenshot and we can go from there. 

@xenoNfluX Our team is aware of this experience and are working to have this resolved in a future update. 

@Xroadie @GekkoZZZ @Wizegeezer @Stocko1 Great to see that you were able to get updated successfully. 

@genome @Mpd3m @Jim-LaQuinta @Stixy @TricieTracker @Xlilsisx @HasseH If you continue to experience syncing issues, I recommend performing each of the steps detailed in this article. If you get stuck at any point, feel free to let me know where. 

@MFLitchfield @Pagel Sorry to hear that your issues with GPS. I invite you to provide your feedback in this GPS dedicated thread. Thanks!

@LizZ3 Glad to hear you got your notifications working again! 

@Swimguy Our team is still working to have the Game Golf app release. I will be sure to keep you all updated as more information becomes available. 

@LuckyOneThree @Shay324 If you are still unable to receive notifications on your Ionic, I would recommend performing the troubleshooting steps detailed in this article. I would also double check that you have them enabled by swiping to the right on your clock face. Hope this helps! 

@Nicky89 Sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing. I have reached out to our support team on your behalf and they should be in touch via email soon. 

@SunsetRunner @SunsetRunner Thanks so much for the assistance! 

[Jim-LaQuinta]

@MattFitbit Actually, the sync issues I had (actually my wife had with her iPhone 6S Plus were prior to the Firmware update, which I got around to a couple of days ago.  And it was an odd one.

I plugged in her Ionic and connected to her PC for the update.  The screen on the update went along for about 15-20 minutes and seemed to get stuck about 40% done.  I had to leave the room and came back 15-20 minutes later and the PC showed the update still at about 40%. 

Then I picked up her Ionic, tapped on the charging indicator on screen and saw her (default) clock face.

 I swiped that and got to apps and checked today, then the About - and she was at .... . 1.29.

Back to the PC where the update was still stuck.  I cancelled it and restarted it and nothing seemed to happen.  Cancelled again and checked her phone APP which showed an update available.  I restated the Phone App and the update ready cleared.  Then back to the PC where I closed and restarted the PC APP and the update cleared.

Her Ionic seems to be working since then. 

Thanks for following up, I appreciate it.

[FastTurtle]

I have had several issues:

Problems syncing (had to fix by reset and reinstall)

Problems tracking sleep:

 -Did you know it is possible to edit sleep schedules to enter negative time (later start than end)?. I'm a software engineer and that is just lazy programing (no bounds checking).

 -For the last week no detailed sleep data, no mater what I did.

Then the watch started turning off randomly.

I am now trying a clean factory reset and reinstall, but so far it has been able to do the firmware update.

How is FitBit planning to make while customers that are having such disappointing experiences?

[Aztech]

Update: I contacted Fitbit support and they gave me instructions to complete a factory reset on my Ionic. This has solved my issue on the locked up device. 

Note: after the factory reset I had to go to my Bluetooth setting on my iPhone and remove my “Ionic”. Before I did this it would not sync to the app. It was half working but constantly complaining that Bluetooth connectivity was failing. 

Cheers, Aaron

[soccersnaps]

ionic working before update with no issues syncing, loading music, gps  etc. firmware update seems to be no different as all seems ok so far, screen noticebly quicker when swiping. No factory resets required, no app uninstalls re-installs required...........happy 🙂

[USAF-Larry]

Today, for the first time since the firmware update, my Ionic crashed & restarted while using the Elliptical workout mode.  This happened frequently before the firmware update, but had not happened since and I was hoping it was fixed. But, today it crashed again.

[TricieTracker]

Lucky!!!

Mine has begun to work, but only after my computer-techy husband worked on
it for several long sessions. I still don't get all my updates, but it's
gradually getting better every time he has a chance to work on it. We had
to clear the cache in the app on my phone, we uninstalled and re-installed
it several times, turned off and re-started the watch, the phone and the
app. We paired and unpaired the bluetooth several times. I think the most
helpful was clearing the cache, but no factory reset. For what it's worth,
I have an Android phone.

Hope everyone else's is doing better and you're getting the kinks worked
out. What a pain. It's been over two weeks since mine has worked as well as
before the update.

[JohnPerry]

Glad to hear someone else is enjoying the Ionic with no problems. Ditto! It
does swipe faster after the firmware update and the clock faces work
better.

Moderator Edit: Personal Info Removed

[Pattirose]

lucky you

[TricieTracker]

I was on vacation where I had no phone signal and did not have the update
yet. The roads were terrible and it tracked the slow, bumpy ride in a van
as if I were walking. I had 8,000 steps before I got out of the van on an
excursion!

[Nettuno]

I lent the Ionic to a fitness instructor to test the efficiency of the watch ... he says that a useless accessory for training, has no logic of calorie consumption and the cardio is far from reality ... it's a week that I teases for spending money on a toy like Fitbit and not taking something professional. 

[Nettuno]

what should I do?

[GekkoZZZ]

Useless accessory for training?? What do you mean with what? What are you going to use the Fitbit for? Motivate you for doing more training? Optimise your training? For me the Ionic motivate me to do training and it also make be train better. 

[shipo]

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@GekkoZZZwrote:

Useless accessory for training?? What do you mean with what? What are you going to use the Fitbit for? Motivate you for doing more training? Optimise your training? For me the Ionic motivate me to do training and it also make be train better. 

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I would ignore any and all negative comments from personal trainers; the last thing they need on the market is a wrist based device which might put them out of work.