New features for the Versa 2

[WowingWalker]

I researched both Fitbit Versa and Apple Watch Series 3. I like all the fitness and health features of Versa, but the Apple Watch Series 3 has features that I need. If Fitbit was to make a Fitbit Versa 2, these are the feautures I would add.

*Cellular calling

*Maps by Built-in GPS

*Audio Speaker (Like Siri)

*Passcode (like Ionic)

If there are any features I have missed, please comment them.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

[Rich_Laue]

The ionic has the built in GPS, and why it is heavier, the versa was never meant to replace the ionic but to replace the blaze. 

A speaker might be nice but would be no good without a microphone .

Since Siri is an apple app, not fibit, it also is nitna speaker, but an app .I'm not sure what is being asked. 

As for cellular this may come with a future product, probably not a Versa. 

[JoeDagg]

To be honest, if you want features like that, you'd be better served saving up for the Apple watch, or one of the higher end fitness watches. Don't get me wrong, I love the design and style of the Versa, as well. It's a slick little watch that edges very close to almost being a perfect smartwatch. At least, my idea of a perfect smartwatch. I was a huge fan of the Pebble line, and this is Fitbit's first foray, using the tech from that acquisition. 

But back to my point. The Versa, while capable, is not on the same level as an Apple watch or Ionic. Bottom line: it's built to be affordable and appeal to the folks who want a smartwatch, but perhaps don't want all the sparkle and glitz of an Apple. Hence the lack of calling and speaker. I do agree, though, that GPS would be a great addition. However, sadly, all of these features not only add weight under the hood, but bulk up the product and add to the price. The whole appeal of the Versa, the thing that it does better than any of the big guys, is that it's svelte and doesn't look like a cumbersome beast on one's wrist.

Pershaps, if Fitbit decides to continue with the line, they'll see fit (heh) to create 2 tiers of Versa. One fully-kitted out beast, that could stand toe-to-toe with Apple's. And another with the basic features that make the first one a minimalists' choice.

Personally, I'd love to see integration with Google's Wear OS. As it stands, the Versa's communication with my phone is not only a drain on battery, but also sporadic and unreliable. I find it often disconnects itself. Even worse, the lag between my phone receiving messages and the watch notifying me can often top over 10 minutes. Phone calls are less delayed, but often lead to me missing a call by the time the vibration shows up on my wrist. Whereas the now extinct Pebble integrated 100% with Wear OS, often receiving message and call notifications before my phone. The lag was nearly imperceptible. Because of this, I actually wound up dusting off my old Pebble, and returning the Versa.

TLDR: While those top-tier features would be awesome, it would be a shame to lose the aspects of the Versa that make it unique. Annnnd it really needs WearOS. 

[datalore]

The amzfit bip sells a watch with GPS for $80. It's getting to the point where GPS is becoming a standard feature for smartwatches, we aren't there yet, but man are we close. I love my versa and other than GPS and some better swim stroke tracking I really don't have any complaints. I really don't care about cellular features, but I realize others do. I would like to see a speaker and microphone, but other than that I love this watch. 

[Sensei-D]

With all those extra features, you’d probably lose the 3-4 day battery life. Having to charge it daily is the reason I didn’t go with Apple.

[Sensei-D]

Edit: double posted.

[datalore]

Good points. I will say that the Garmin watches have gps and the vivoactive 3 last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in gps mode. I love fitbit and their ecosystem, but they're a bit behind in the specs department. 

[Rich_Laue]

@datalore I get 10+ gps hours with my ionic and 5+ days on a charge.

If I use the music I do need to charge daily. I'm not sure what is ment by behind in specs. It sounds like you may have chosen the wrong tracker or maybe not enough research.

 I notice that at a half an inch the Vivoactive 3 is relatively thich wigich explains why they have a larger battery. Fitbit users wanted a thinner tracker with the Versa and I think Fitbit hit the sweet spot. The reviewers seem to agree with many saying that they barely notice it being on their arm.

BTW most reviews on YouTube and some posts in the community say Garmins app is not very good. 

[datalore]

I love my fitbit and in particular the fitbit app. Fitbit has a more elegant and useful software implementation than Garmin. I do think they could and should include GPS at the $200 price point. Heck, Amazfit does it at less than $100, other than the GPS I really don't have any complaints with my Versa and I love the look and functionality. I do believe we are close to the point where GPS should be a standard feature at this price point. It's difficult to look at the Amazfit Bip and not think Fitbit is slightly behind in specs, even if inadvertently. In my opinion the real selling point of fitbit is the outstanding software platform.

https://flash.newegg.com/Product/9SIAHFF7PR7568?nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwordsNF-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdword...

[Rich_Laue]

Fitbit already has a watch with Built in GPS currently it is on sale for 229 USD.

The Versa was not designed to go after the b market the Ionic is geared to.

It is called marketing. 

Now since the Versa has already been designed and shipping I don't think they are going to redesign the hardware.

Have you added your vote to the This suggestion for Gps, it may be possible to have GPS added to Versa 2.

[datalore]

Yes, I added my voice to GPS for the Versa 2. I love the first iteration and think GPS would make it even better. 

[SunsetRunner]

I don't care about having GPS if I wanted GPS I had bought the Ionic.

I care about battery. The new versa should have 30 day battery life like Amazfit Bip.

After that, maybe a more high definition display.

[theminders]

I agree. This Versa would be perfect with these additions.

[ScottJS]

Only a couple days of battery should be needed. I charge my Ionic for 20 minutes a day while I shower and it’s goes a day (overnight for sleep tracking) from that charge but is capable of 5 days in case I forget. The headroom is also necessary if you are a heavy user of GPS. Any more than that is a waste as it’ll just add size/weight or take away from performance. 

Features can and will get added as they improve the OS which you’ll get on the existing Versa and Ionic like: fall detection, sleep apnea detection (use SPO2 sensor), expanded texting options, more apps, stress tracking, run analytical data (like Garmin), GPS with maps, and better integration with phones. You don’t need new hardware to get this stuff. 

The Versa product line will slowly take on the Ionic’s features as they shrink and the Ionic’s product line adds new ones to differentiate itself as the flagship product. Most notably fir the Versa would be GPS and Fitbit pay as standard (instead of an option). Other things to improve for the Versa or Ionic would be screen size (smaller bezels) and resolution. 

The Ionic, I think, will eventually get cellular but it’s going to be a ways in the future. They are not Apple or Samsung where stuff like that comes easy. Offering  phone service is a whole new ballgame for a company. Look for added health based sensors like EKG or a microphone/speaker to allow it to tap into a business partner’s assistant like Alexa. 

[ScottJS]

I think the latest rendering of a “Versa 2” with new colors are just a new offering of case and band colors that’ll appeal to teenagers. I doubt there is a significant hardware upgrade. The Versa has positioned itself to be a low cost smart watch option that appeals to a wide range of people. With the fact that it is agnostic to platform (works with Apple or Android and others) they’ll sell a lot of them and increase their community of users. Don’t wish for WearOS, that’ll kill its differentiator but is also a cause for their greatest headaches which is the need to integrate with so many different phones, no small task (it’s the symptom of many of the complaints in this forum). 

[Eriklb]

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@WowingWalker wrote:

I researched both Fitbit Versa and Apple Watch Series 3. I like all the fitness and health features of Versa, but the Apple Watch Series 3 has features that I need. If Fitbit was to make a Fitbit Versa 2, these are the feautures I would add.

*Cellular calling

*Maps by Built-in GPS

*Audio Speaker (Like Siri)

*Passcode (like Ionic)

If there are any features I have missed, please comment them.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

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If you want to kill all battery life in this watch then yes add those features.  I personally would rather have a semi-smartwatch with 4-5 day battery life than one I have to charge every day.  If you want those features with short battery life there is not shortages of other smart watches out there.  For the Versa 2, Fit bit needs to make improvements to software and bluetooth.

[Rich_Laue]

I must have missed something @ScottJS their are basically two versions of the Versa 

Versa and Versa Soecial with Fitbit Pay and a second fancy band. Fitbit does not offer a Versa 2 yet, but there are websites that claim a leak of what the Versa 2 will be.

[ScottJS]

If you search for “Versa 2” you’ll see some renderings of the versa in different colors that were probably leaked by the Fitbit marketing department. Was news about 2 weeks ago. They also leaked renderings of a Inspire based new kids tracker that’ll be a successor to the Ace. My own opinion, but I think the Alta and Ace will disappear in March/April to be replaced by publicly available versions of the Inspire: Inspire, Inspire HR, Inspire for kids. They’ll also introduce a new lineup of Versas (new colors, e.g). 

[Rich_Laue]

Yes that is my point leaked, stolen or made up. There is no official notice at blog.Fitbit.Com

And nothing in the Fitbit store. As I stated above there are websites eluding to a Versa 2 along with 2 other new models.

[alpenglo]

You're barking up the wrong tree asking for cell calling and such in a small/cheap device.  A microphone, on the other hand, is cheap/light/small and would bring wonderful benefits such as replying to your text messages in full sentences.  If Pebble could do it and still get  a week's worth of battery life them Fitbit should be able to to it as well.  You don't need a speaker if you're not making calls (you have a screen, after all).

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@WowingWalker wrote:

I researched both Fitbit Versa and Apple Watch Series 3. I like all the fitness and health features of Versa, but the Apple Watch Series 3 has features that I need. If Fitbit was to make a Fitbit Versa 2, these are the feautures I would add.

*Cellular calling

*Maps by Built-in GPS

*Audio Speaker (Like Siri)

*Passcode (like Ionic)

If there are any features I have missed, please comment them.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

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