Purchasing a Ionic (or Versa 2) App Question

[Jarubell]

Is the distance only calculated via the GPS?

Can GPS coordinates be viewed on the Ionic?

Where can I browse through the available apps?

I am deciding between the two, Alexa and Voice replies seem like things I wouldn't use. So the main difference is on board GPS. Just getting hung up on the Ionic has been around for a bit and Versa 2 just got here.

[SilviaFitbit]

@Jarubell Welcome to the Community. Thanks for the details mentioned. 

Fitbit devices calculate distance by multiplying your walking steps by your walking stride length and multiplying your running steps by your running stride length. We estimate your stride lengths using your height and sex.

When using GPS and you track 1 or more runs using on-board or connected GPS, we evaluate that data to automatically update your running stride length. For best results, run at a comfortable pace for at least 10 minutes. When you're exercising you have the option on your watch to track the activity using GPS. 

Can GPS coordinates be viewed on the Ionic? At the end of the workout, you will see a summary of your activity and then the GPS recorded data will be available on your Dashboard. 

Where can I browse through the available apps? Here are the available apps and clock faces either for Ionic or Versa smartwatches. 

Additionally, you could check the comparison page here and select Ionic and Versa 2 to find out the differences between the two. 

Let me know if you have any additional questions. 

[Iain_K]

@Jarubell 

You are wise to be doing your research, but widen your scope.

If you want reliably functioning "on board" GPS, consider the Garmin or Apple products

Ionic is the only Fitibt with built in GPS (ie no need to take your phone too), and frankly it can be buggy as hell.  Most of the time its OK, but it cant be relied on 100%  (see example clip of two identical runs captured from Strava!).  You can do the stuff you want, but half the time the apps dont run as intended, and compared to other options there are not than many apps available in the first place.  Plus you get to play update roulette everytime there is a firmware update, wondering if your device will still work afterwards.

[Jarubell]

@Iain_K

I'm not an active person, no where near a runner but I do want to get active. I just want the basics from a smartwatch HR, time, steps, notifications, and maybe that pay thing (not sure what more a watch could do, or need to do). The reason I'm looking at Fitbit is because I now see I can get either a Ionic or Versa 2 with my Aeroplan points, thought being around for some time, Fitbit would be a solid product. If I do get a Fitbit, I'm now leaning toward Versa 2, but reading the Ionic comments, I'm not sure about Fitbit.

I guess the onboard GPS is not a big deal for me since I'm not running.

Thank you for your reply,

James

[Iain_K]

@Jarubell 

Fitbit is great when it works, but the Ionic doenst seem to have matured and become less buggy as its developed, and the number of good apps for it is still very limited.  I never use the fitbit pay thing, my bank does not support it, although it supports similar systems from apple and google.  Overall I get the impression that the fitbit pay system is not all that widely supported

If you are an iOS user for what you are looking for I know people that swear by their apple watches. Not necessarily the latest and greatest version, but the basic series 3 without the cellular connection are now under $200 on Amazon Prime.

Built in GPS is a selling point for me as I dont want to have to lug my phone around with me when Im exercising.