I wish Versa could hold audiobooks

[Nickessex]

I was really excited when I saw the email announcing this. I am on my fourth Fitbit and really was hoping for a fitbit watch that I could use for my audiobooks. Not really interested in music. Would have put an order in straight away till I saw that it is only compatible with some music service that I had never even heard of.  Oh well, perhaps next generation will give me something I can put a couple of audio books on. 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[AlessFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hey, everyone!

This is a great idea. I agree it would be nice to store audiobooks on Versa. Please check out this existing Feature Suggestion and get your vote on! This will help with increasing the chances of getting this implemented. 

[Julia_G]

Thanks, @AlessFitbit, I have added my vote!  If the app were available it would save any work arounds!

[tjc800]

An Audible.com app would be great.  

[MADUB06]

I just got off the chat with audible and asked them about making the app for fitbit:

"Actually, we have been having that idea for quite a bit. It is not quite yet on developing, but I can submit that feedback from your account to the guys in charge. The more people we have requesting something new, the more possibilities there are for it to happen."

So please get on audible and ask them to make the app.  Like the rep said, the more people that ask, the better chances we'll have it.

In the meantime, you can download the audiobooks from audible to itunes, then transfer them to your watch, but that has been the most frustrating experience in the world. The only way I can get this to work is to split each chapter into a different playlist or the sync will never happen.

Edit: once you actually get the audiobooks onto your Versa, there is no way to fast forward part of a chapter so it's either listen to an entire hour or more in one sitting or don't even bother

[SunsetRunner]

Good idea contacting Audible directly, @MADUB06! I’ll do that. 

I’ve tried the Audible —> iTunes —> Chapters method you described. It was too cumbersome for me. Plus I lost my place a couple times. For me, at least, it is just easier to listen on the Audible app on my iPhone where it keeps my place and allows features such as listening at a faster pace and slipping back 30 seconds if I feel I missed something. 

We’ll see what happens. 

[GRAVESlikedead]

I just tried that and it said "Archived due to lack of activity." I guess audiobooks are out. Very disappointing.

[Mellmee]

I was fully prepared to purchase the Fitbit watch today, minutes from paying, however, when the tech rep at the store couldn’t answer for me if I could sync audio books and even more specific Amazon Kindle app, I declined...and walked away...very disappointed for I need this app added and XM Sirius music app...please make these as add-ones!!! please know I’m going to be looking at an Apple Watch if Fitbit can’t make this happen. This is an investment and needs to be way more well rounded and diverse in its apps!,,

[Marrrmaduke]

@Nickessex @Mellmee I know it's not the same as storing audiobooks on the watch, but one can control audible app with Versa. I wrote more about it here.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi @Mellmee. Sorry to say, you’d better check out Audible and the Apple Watch in more detail before you buy. They don’t seem to be making it possible to listen to Audible books an on smart watch without your phone nearby either. Here is what I found from Audible:

“Currently Audible app is only available for iPhone and iPad, but not for Apple Watch yet.” (March 2018)

@Marrrmaduke posted a work around for the Versa. Apple has a work around for their product. It looks like an audible app is not in our immediate future. For me, it’s not a big deal. I’ve been an Audible customer since they were first founded. Their current app works flawlessly, keeping my place, allowing me to speed up or slow down, or even jump back 30 seconds if I missed something. I have no problem slipping my phone in a pocket or band. Love my audiobooks!! 

[Heather-S]

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@Aeneades wrote:

I prefer connected GPS with Firbit to be honest as I find the built in GPS to be very inaccurate compared to the phone GPS, this is why I avoided the Surge and Ionic.  I know some people have good experiences with the built in GPS the pretty bad discrepancies I see reported in the forum are enough to put me off which is why I am actually tempted by the Versa.

(Not certain there is much point in having music storage in a watch that doesn't have GPS though as you will most likely have your phone with you anyway).

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Personally, as a woman, I always run with my phone (I buy leggings from Gym Shark with slim pockets).  Women are abducted or stalked quite often these days and go missing while running.  So I keep my phone and a credit card on me during my runs.  Plus, if I get tired or overheated (easy to do in the summer), I might need to call an Uber or stop into a store for extra water and air conditioning.  

So, I don't have an issue with the Fitbit products not offering built-in GPS, because I'm always going to have my phone with me for safety reasons.  

[ltd4ever]

Exactly!  if you pause it and do not get back to it right away.you have to guess which chapter you were on then listen to the whole chapter again.  You cannot go to a specific time within the chapter.  

[SunsetRunner]

I would love to put an audiobook on my new Versa 2 as I too do not listen to music but listen to audiobooks all the time, in the car, walking , etc. this would be great then I would not have to worry about taking my phone with me.