Fitbit OS 3.0 - Versa Firmware Release (32.33.1.30)

[AlessFitbit]

Fitbit Update 1/10/19: 

Hi all!

Big thanks to everyone for your feedback on the release of Fitbit OS 3.0!

Since the majority of users have now updated to 3.0, I will be closing this thread from further comments to help keep our Community discussions on-topic.

If you are experiencing an issue outside of the firmware update process, I invite you to start a new thread on this forum and we will be happy to assist you there. 

Thanks again and happy stepping! 

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Fitbit Update 12/26:

Hey, everyone! We're aware that some of you may have noticed a fast battery drain on your Versa watches after completing this firmware update. Our team is investigating the root cause of this issue and whether it was caused by this update or other factors are involved. 

In the meantime, if you're experiencing this problem please try a restart on the device then consider switching to a Fitbit made clock face! Many 3rd party clockfaces (especially those with animations) are known to use up more battery. If you try this out and are still seeing a fast battery drain, we can connect you with Customer Support for next steps or you can reach out to them and create a case. 

We look forward to getting you all back on track! 

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Fitbit Update 12/22: 

We've released Fitbit OS 3.0 out to 100% of users. Please make sure you have the latest version of the Fitbit app (2.84) before downloading the newest firmware. 

We're excited for you all to have the newest Fitbit OS, but please let us know if you have any questions about this update. Happy Holidays, everyone! 

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Hi, everyone!

I am excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 3.0! (Firmware Version: 32.33.1.30)

We've started to roll out this update and it's currently out to 20% of Versa users. This is a progressive rollout, and all Versa users can expect to have it soon. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed.

WHAT'S CHANGED?

Please check out this help article to see what's new in this update.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Versa can be found here. We recommend updating your Versa over a home Wi-Fi network as this can greatly reduce the time it can take to get set up. For more information on connecting your Versa to Wi-Fi, check out this article.

If you run into trouble updating your Versa, please follow these steps:

1. Restart the watch. 
2. "Remove" the watch from your account inside of the Fitbit app.  
3. "Forget" the watch from your phone's Bluetooth settings (along with any other Fitbit devices paired to your phone)
4. Try the update again.  

*If anyone isn't seeing the TODAY app after updating, please try the following:

1. Make sure you're running the newest version of the Fitbit app (version 2.84) 

2. Connect to Wi-Fi in the Fitbit app, plug your Versa into the charger and let it sit. This will automatically update the Today app. 

Looking forward to hearing everyone's feedback on the latest release. If you have questions, please let me know in this thread!

[SunsetRunner]

Here is a question I am unable to find an answer for.  After a factory reset the watch will begin the download and complete at 100%. Right after the completion a large red X appears on the screen but the installation starts and completes.  That red X must be some type of notification that could help in troubleshooting this poorly designed watch?  I warned the Versa if it didn't cooperate it was being returned to Costco in a few days.

[LisanneNL]

Hi!

Since the firmware update, my versa keeps on losing connection to my phone (gps) during running. It results in inaccurate distance and speed data.

I tried to unpair and pair my phone and versa again and restarted the device, but nothing changed.

Any suggestions on what i can try next?

[Salcy]

Good Morning and Happy New Year Everyone.  Well the food news fprnme is that my battery is at 50% after 48 hours of charging.  The "bad" news is that I have not used any of the extra features like assisted gps and bluetooth headphones during those first 48 hours (which explains the normal battery life).   In the last few days when I worked out twice for 30 minutes using the gps and bluetooth headphones during those 48 hours, the battery life was cut in half (aprox).  I guess it is a matter getting used to it and getting to know your Versa... I am not defending FitBit on this but the fact that I lost almost a whole day after the update is not going to get fixed going back and forth with the moderators in this chat.  Changing topics, my Versa seldomly looses connection with my phone during jogs. which lead in one occation  to faulty data.  Also I get extra steps while sitting for several minutes LOL.  Every so often my bps are not registered.  I understand that technology is not infalible and may get buggy at times.  Overall I like the simplicity of my Versa and I stand out among the iwatch drones out there LOL.  I am finally coming into terms with the limitations and capabilities of my Versa and the fact that this device is a health/workout monitor first and "smartwatch" second.  Regards

[mingke]

@SunsetRunner
Sure, u arérúght. Í am using Versa just as a watçh and tracker. I do not Get notification etc. I just use my phone for that

Sent from my Huawei Mobile

[vlkirkpatrick]

Here is what I want to know....

Is this update going to fix the problem of logging steps and floors while driving. There is a huge problem of Versa logging while driving anything or even while sleeping. Just google it and you will see. Personally I am a school bus driver and it's nothing for my Versa to log 10,000 steps and many floors while I'm driving my school bus. This is the most annoying thing. (And no, I don't want to take it off or turn it off while driving. I need to check time as I drive to make sure I'm on schedule and my Fitbit is my watch.) And the suggestion of using Drivebit on the phone to log driving is ridiculous. If that's the way Fitbit wants to handle the problem, then at least make it an app on the Versa and let me be able to assign a button to start/stop logging drive time. Or else fix your stuff Fitbit! Also, Drivebit has stopped working on the phone anyway. So there is really no solution right now. Please tell me this update fixes it. Otherwise I don't want it. It seems like there is a whole pile of other issues arising after updating. I had to reset my wifi passwords, not a fitbit related issue, and am now having to setup my Versa to sync to phone again. I really hope its not doing this update in the process. I had to setup it up like it was a new device, deleting it from my account and device and starting fresh. I'm past the point of returning this device, so make me happy Fitbit!  

Moderator edit: format

[lenny4d]

@Salcy  " I am finally coming into terms with the limitations and capabilities of my Versa and the fact that this device is a health/workout monitor first and "smartwatch" second. "  --- Good!, let there be peace 🙂  I can't comment on "the day difference" but everything that you have reported wrt batterylife appears normal to me.

@vlkirkpatrick"Here is what I want to know....Is this update going to fix the problem of logging steps and floors while driving." -- No. "Personally I am a school bus driver and it's nothing for my Versa to log 10,000 steps and many floors while I'm driving my school bus." -- does the problem disappear immediately when you either lift off your hand from the steering wheel, or put the watch in your pocket? Just to confirm that it is the driving induced wrist motions!, not permanent. I know it is annoying for those that suffer from it (most people by far do not!). In the end it is a device that interprets wristmotions and in fact strong driving induced vibrations are quite like ... steps. Go figure. Indeed, may a fat "I am driving" display button would have been a good idea. I agree. In the mean-time have you considered using vibration-dampening gloves? Might be worth a try.

Moderator edit: format

[vlkirkpatrick]

Yes, it happens even with my hand off the steering wheel. Technically I'm not supposed to drive one handed but I do sometimes and check my steps at the next bus stop. Sure enough, there are always more steps counted. Why can't someone write an app for Versa that allows you to turn off the tracking while you drive. Assign one of the buttons to stop/start the tracking. If I knew coding I would do it. Drivebit hasn't been working on my phone so I deleted it. And having it on my phone isn't really very helpful. They are pushing to make us leave our phones in our cars while on the bus because some drivers insist on texting or calling while driving the kids. They of course get fired when caught but then the rest of us pay the price with more rules put in place. Sorry that's beside the point.

Fitbit should realize that a lot of people are affected by this and make a work around. A simple app that can be installed from the Fitbit app store would solve the problem. It could just mark the time when you press the button, with an on screen message that you are driving, and then mark it again when you press it again. Then the app knows to delete any steps/floors counted during that time window.  The calories could be deleted too for all I care. I'm not worried about what calories I burn while driving. 

[lenny4d]

@vlkirkpatrickthanks for replying. Yeah I agree, a kind of override app. Unfortunately, it is not possible for anyone to create an 'app' like that though the public API. Also, be aware that quite a few apps override the clockface which obviously you don't want to loose at the same time, so it's all complicated.  

[vlkirkpatrick]

Ok, so there is an app I installed on my Versa that logs water. My thought was to sort of copy that. My app would log an activity. Instead of me having to remember to go on my phone and log a driving activity for the time I was driving, I could create an app that logs drive time and create an entry in the app for driving. Much like logging activities after the fact. Make sense? Would that be possible? Make the screen show the time and 'Driving Mode On'. Upper right button turns it on/off. I've seriously been sitting here thinking this out as I look thru the documentation for Fitbit OS app building. I'm geek enough to figure this out.

[Salcy]

@lenny4d Hi.  I can atest that I will get my 4 days worth of battery life if I do not do other that just wear it.  I came into terms with tue fact that adding the work outs with gps assitance and bluetooth will eat up 1 day+ of life.  My issue bow is that the Versa is counting steps even when I am driving or just resting.  Not too sure if this issue started after the update...Please look into that if possible.  FYai I think the Versa is awesome and has lots of potential.  Regards

[Susie2057]

I was sent a new versa after my battery issues (died every 4 hours) and it’s been working great with no issues. Battery life has been great, no issues with sync. Everything working as it should.

[lenny4d]

@SunsetRunner  "I can't even have someone from Fitbit tell me what a red circle with a red X inside indicates when the firmware finishes downloading and about to install. "  Yeah, it is a pain that the 'red-cross-of-death' isn't properly explained anywhere neither what to do! I agree. Normally route to 'repair' is to try another factory reset, and if that doesn't help it is customer service.... 😞

You also wrote this: "Just received this Versa and it will not stop losing sync then Bluetooth. I have the latest app and firmware done all the suggestions and it will sync once and then not again without installing it again.  .... Have many computers and wireless devices that all function flawlessly along with Bluetooth devices.  Have spent over a day installing and uninstalling things to get this watch to function as designed but that is impossible.  The watch drops the Bluetooth and that ends the sync." --- First, most BT devices out in the world are standard bluetooth which is something different (and much less hassle) than Bluetooth low energy (BLE) that wearables like fitbit is using. So don't mix experiences. Secondly, I see there are a lot of ppl that 'out of desperation' start to uninstall/reinstall apps/restart/reboot/factory reset, and consistently this makes matters worse. What you are trying to say is that you manage to make it sync (either by itself or forced) once but after that it doesn't want to sync again. Is that an auto-sync, or manual sync. If you go to the Versa page on the mobile app and press on the manual sync button, does it terminate right away or spins for a long time before terminating? Also, when you open the mobile fitbit app, and just stay on the front page (the one with all the tiles), and don't do anything, do the steps and heartrate and calories update and do you see the heart-symbol flash? Or is it dead-silent and absolutely nothing ever happens. Even before a proper sync (which is between the tracker and fitibit server, the mobile app is just an intermediary) is done or complete, the tracker will update the front page of the mobile app with the latest values and update the heart-rate continuously. This is in parallel with syncing (or not syncing, doesn't matter). This can help to tell if you have a working bluetooth connection in the first place or not.

"The WiFi is another joke and a hassle to get the watch to find it and accept the password." --- No idea what your problem is. For me it works flawlessly, as for most people. Works out of the box. All the time.

[SunsetRunner]

I'd bet cash money that if Fitbit would issue another update that the majority of us with non-working devices now would have working devices again.

If I had known about their warranty clauses I NEVER would have purchased their product.

Out $300 with a non-working device because I didn't buy it from an "authorized" dealer. Well, it's still a genuine product and I have included my photos of my box, the sticker on the box with all the details, and still "it could be a counterfeit."

It clearly was an issue with the firmware update because prior to that, I had NO issues what-so-ever with the product and it worked beautifully.

[mingke]

@SunsetRunner

I expect Fitbit to stand behind all of its products. I cannot imagine people buying Fitbit and ask the seller whether they are "authorized" dealer. And who ever heard people selling fake Fitbit?

There is a smartphone brand that is now in my blacklist for having the dame policy. I will never buy this brand again because they do not stand behind their product. They are blaming us for buying this from "unauthorized" dealer,

[kitten0000]

I updated but i want the older fitbit version back is that possible? I dont like the fact that when i get a notification that my screen wakes up. I get like 20 notifications an hour and first of all it drains by battery and the second thing is that i work in a store and customers can read my messages! 
How can i downgrade? I want my Versa to only vibrate when getting a message. 

[Karrde]

Hi Alessa

I am also experiencing The Battery Drain issue that your post mentions. My watch went from 4-5 days & nights (the sleep tracking is really interesting) to 24hrs or less after the update. Having to charge it every morning since the update has been a pain & will be impractical when I start back at work soon. I really Hope you can help with this problem.

Many Thanks

[SamehBijo]

go to your bluetooth settings and remove Versa from the blutooth devices list , it should be able to reconnet , I had the same issue .

[Simonsimps]

Well mine has stopped counted my Stairs today and yesterday. It worked fine at the weekend and I have done nothing expect charge it.

Just been upstairs to my 2 year old daughter 5 times and my Versa says ZERO floors, grrrrrrr. And I have been up and down the stairs all day too.

Today I ran at full speed after my other daughter on her bike, my heart was thumping out my chest. I looked at the Versa and my heart rate was a casual 82 bpm, the same as it is now as I'm sat down on my chair typing.......

This £150 device is beginning to worry me, no 2 days are the same with it despite me doing the same stuff each day and something EVERY day breaks or does not work and requires some silly steps to get it working again. Unacceptable for a product costing this much. 

Fitbit, you have one more update before I look elsewhere.

I am having no battery issues and I love the look and feel of this on my wrist. Paying with my watch is also great so I will be sad to see it go if things don't improve.

Cheers.

[lenny4d]

@Simonsimps  Frustrating! The stair-counting is just a pain, especially if your flight of stairs is just around or below 3m or whatever the number exactly is. It is silly. I probably appeals to certain users, but in reality it is more hassle than help. It is difficult to say what is going on, but you should check the height difference of your stairs. Maybe yours is a border case that is counted on some days and not on others. Maybe with a fully charged battery the sensitivity of the altimeter is a bit lower. Dunno. Keep checking. In reality fitbit should change stairs to (or give the user the option) to accumulated height. Then it doesn't matter anymore. If you put the Versa in exercise mode (say walking) it already does that. Stairs is just plain silly.

HR is another subject yeah - maybe @Marrrmaduke can give you some hints! To me it sounds all too familiar, unfortunately. Make sure that you clean the back of Versa with some alcohol wipes is the best I can come up with.

@kitten0000  "I updated but i want the older fitbit version back is that possible?" -- No, it is not possible. It looks like not even fitbit customer service can do this specifically on request for a user. That's no good, but so it is 😞

[Marrrmaduke]

@lenny4d @Simonsimps when usual tricks like several reboots, toggling heart rate monitor ON/OFF on Versa with a reboot in-between, cleaning the sensor, when all that fails, there's an option of last resort - performing a factory reset. If that fails and HR readings are wrong, one has to reach out to Customer Support as this indeed might be a watch issue. @lenny4d if your recordings are consistently off, you should reach out to CS as well. I am assuming you have already tried all the tricks.