Why is the Ionic the only waterproof Fitbit device?

[olmsted73]

Are there any plans to develop a waterproof version of the Charge 2 since Fitbit has successfully developed the Ionic? Besides a $300 price tag, I’d personally prefer the size and functionality of the Charge 2 in a waterproof version with a scratchproof screen over the Ionic since I don’t need a “smart watch,” only a multi-sport, waterproof fitness monitor.

[WavyDavey]

Hi @olmsted73,

As you can see here, the Ionic isn't the only fitbit that is waterproof.

Fitbit doesn't disclose plans for future models. I would not hold my breath on the Charge 2 getting hardware upgrades.   It would effectively be a different model--a Charge 2.5.

In my experience, companies (have to) spend more resources on new models, rather than retrofit old models. But that's a generalized view. Fitbit will do what it will. 

I hear you about wanting something the size and function of the Charge 2. In some ways, I think the Charge 2 is the perfect tracker for its price tag. I do love the Ionic too though. It just seems like there's a big gap between the price/function of the $150 Charge 2 and the smart watches that are all over $300.

[datalore]

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@olmsted73 wrote:

Are there any plans to develop a waterproof version of the Charge 2 since Fitbit has successfully developed the Ionic? Besides a $300 price tag, I’d personally prefer the size and functionality of the Charge 2 in a waterproof version with a scratchproof screen over the Ionic since I don’t need a “smart watch,” only a multi-sport, waterproof fitness monitor.

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They have a Blaze 2 and Charge 3 planned for early 2018, so maybe the new hardware will be water proof. We're so use to seeing Garmin, Apple, and other manufactures build waterproof devices that we've forgotten how difficult it is. I'm with you and I'd love to see a water proof Charge 3. You can check out the rumors on the new devices here: https://www.wareable.com/fitbit/fitbit-working-on-new-charge-and-blaze-fitness-trackers-4731

[olmsted73]

I realize the Ionic isn't the only Fitbit device that is waterproof, but until now the only other wearable device that is waterproof is the Flex 2. I guess what I meant by my original comment was if the technology exists to make these devices waterproof, as in the case of the rather large and very pricey Ionic, why couldn't they be working on a waterproof and scratch proof version of the other devices? Let's face it, not everyone is looking for a "smart watch." I know I'm not. I think the Charge 2 is a perfect fitness tracking device, but the downfall of it is that its screen is not scratch proof and it is not waterproof so you cannot wear it to swim or even outdoors to run if you get caught in a downpour. I think the Charge 2 is probably the most efficient device, has a slimline design and has a better price than the others. If I were in the market for a smart watch, Ionic might be a considerable option. But, that's not what I'm looking for.But, that's just my personal preference. Hopefully they'll come up with something next year. Until then, I think I'll just keep using what I have been wearing. Thanks for the input!

[datalore]

I couldn't agree more; a waterproof Charge 2 would fly off the shelf. I just hope they do it, and like you I really don't care about a smartwatch and the only reason I'll get an ionic is because it's waterproof and I'm a swimmer. If the Charge 2 was waterproof I'd be set. 

[olmsted73]

Agree 100% 🙂

[UltimatePlayer]

Try a Garmin vivosport?   5ATM waterproof.  Glass screen.  Color display.  GPS on board.  Band width is smaller than charge and about the same thickness.  

[olmsted73]

I’ve looked at the Garmin devices and, although I like several, none sync 100% of the health & fitness data that is captured so that it can be shared with Fitbit. If it weren’t for the fact that I prefer the way Fitbit handles all the data that is collected and allows ease of access to view the historical data so I can track my progress over time, I’d probably simply use a device such as a Polar waterproof activity tracker that also allows me to sync a heart rate monitor chest strap to use during exercise sessions. Sadly, many of the leading fitness device manufacturers do not allow sharing of the data they capture with other manufacturers or app creators because they are in competition with one another in the market place.

[olmsted73]

Sadly, if I’m going to pay a $300 price tag for a fitness watch I’ve decided to switch to the Garmin Vivoactive 3. https://youtu.be/jNAX7ox-h_k

[bbarrera]

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@olmsted73 wrote:

I’ve looked at the Garmin devices and, although I like several, none sync 100% of the health & fitness data that is captured so that it can be shared with Fitbit.

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@olmsted73 Fitbit doesn't allow importing GPS, HR, or steps. You must use a Fitbit tracker to get minute by minute step data, or anything with GPS and HR. So a lot of the sync issues are imposed by Fitbit.

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@olmsted73 wrote:

If it weren’t for the fact that I prefer the way Fitbit handles all the data that is collected and allows ease of access to view the historical data so I can track my progress over time,

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Fitbit has the nicest, most compact summary - circles that become green when goal achieved.

But for anything else, if you want to drill in and see weekly/monthly/yearly progress of running miles, or bike miles, it isn't possible with Fitbit. Garmin Connect (GC) shows me that with one tap (like tapping calorie circle on Fitbit app). And finding an activity from two years ago in Fitbit is an exercise in frustration. Beyond that GC tracks gear usage - for example I've got 10,344 miles on my bike and 711 miles on the current set of tires. 

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@olmsted73 wrote:

Sadly, many of the leading fitness device manufacturers do not allow sharing of the data they capture with other manufacturers or app creators because they are in competition with one another in the market place.

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Garmin is the best in this area, I have a Garmin bike computer and setup Garmin Connect to automatically sync rides to:

- Strava

- RideWithGPS

- TrainingPeaks

- MapMyFitness

- Endomondo (which syncs to Fitbit)

Works very well, my rides just sync everywhere I want them including Fitbit. In the case of Fitbit, a bunch of stuff is stripped out because Fitbit only supports syncing start time, duration, miles, and calories. You can't sync HR or GPS into Fitbit, unlike all the other fitness platforms I've used.

The beta version of Fitbit app has a nice top-level "My Day" with tiles you can scroll thru, and the Fitbit app packs more info into less space because of the circles. So I always think Fitbit has a better top-level dashboard, but after that GC does a better job letting you see progress for individual sports, along with personal bests in running, walking, cycling, swimming, etc.

[datalore]

The new GC Beta looks really good, and the Vivoactive 3 is a strong contender for my next watch. I've had a chance to look at the beta version and it it's a vast improvement over the previous software approach. I will say the ionic has a better screen and music storage. Not sure if that's enough to put up with the buggy software. I'll need to upgrade my Charge 2 Black Friday, so it may come down to who has the best sale. 

[SunsetRunner]

I tried the Vivoactive 3 and it is extremely disappointing. There is a side touch bezel that activates itself everytime you bend your wrist. It gets annoying. And there’s no way to turn it off. Love my Ionic!

[datalore]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

I tried the Vivoactive 3 and it is extremely disappointing. There is a side touch bezel that activates itself everytime you bend your wrist. It gets annoying. And there’s no way to turn it off. Love my Ionic!

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I was a bit concerned about that side swipe, so it didn't work for you? Someone else pointed this out to me and said they had a problem with it as well. I'm leaning towards fitbit, but I like to keep an open mind about things. I have friends that are hardcore garmin people and wouldn't be caught dead with a fitbit, and I'm the lone and proud fitbit user among my group of friends. I've always been a bit of a non-conformist. My main reason for fitbit is I like the software, but garmin seems to have closed that gap. Like most things in life personal taste matters. I tell my friends all the time: we'd never have a conversation about why I like tacos more than sushi. I love them both but tacos are my favorite. It would be just as ridiculous to talk about why I like the fitbit software better. I also love the open SDK fitbit has implemented. I've already started developing an app for some friends and I should be able to finish by Thanksgiving. My app will be of no interest to most people, and that's the point. I can do it on fitbit and that's a major draw for me. I'll still see who has the best sale on Black Friday and decide from there. 

[SunsetRunner]

It definitely didn’t work for me but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. I agree the new garmin beta is great, and I do love garmin’s I just haven’t found one where it’s functional and I can wear it no matter what depending on the band change.

[SunsetRunner]

The band also seems so much skinnier even though it’s just a few mm but I didn’t like that.