Why does Versa have Connected GPS?

[azjerry]

As I was entering my previous message about Connected GPS failing to work correctly, I started wondering: Why does Fitbit have Connected GPS at all? Why not have the Fitbit app just talk directly to the GPS? There are plenty of other apps out there that do this successfully. After all, we already have to carry the Versa AND the phone anyway.

Moderator edit: added label

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[swim4lifekac]

The Ionic has built-in GPS.  The Versa is smaller (I think because of the connected GPS) and I much prefer the smaller watch size. 

[kcronin]

@azjerry  My phone is strapped to my arm and not readily accessible.  I like to see my pace, heart rate, distance, as I go along.  I totally agree that, at this time, Connected GPS is close to useless.  However, just as with my Charge2, I think this can be resolved with either a mobile app update or firmware update.  I'm holding out hope.  This is the only part of my Versa that I'm having trouble with.

It's my opinion this has to do with the Bluetooth connection between the phone and the Versa.  I agree that this has nothing to do with the GPS signal that the phone is establishing.  I'm just hoping that it isn't a shortcoming of the Bluetooth hardware in the Versa.  If so, there's no hope and the only option is to track directly on our phones.

[azjerry]

@kcronin But, your Versa can display all those stats without Connected GPS. Granted, they may not be quite as accurate as if Connected GPS was operating properly but they should be close enough for use during your activity.

I absolutely agree that the problem is in the Fitbit hardware and / or their bluetooth software. I dearly hope that after releasing however many devices with bluetooth as well buying the Pebble line they have the hardware right. Fingers crossed.

[kcronin]

How can I see those stats on my Versa if I start the exercise in MobileTrack of the Fitbit app?  Or, if I start in Strava?

[azjerry]

Sorry, I guess I was thinking of the standard display / clock faces. I don't use Strava or other such apps. I didn't know about MobileTrack, though, so thanks for the pointer! 

[WavyDavey]

The full-featured activity tracking happens on the Versa itself. If you bypass it by using MobileTrack, you're missing out on a lot of features...

[kcronin]

@WavyDavey  Except that Connected GPS doesn't work. 

Since the BT connection is constantly lost, the distance is wrong, the pace is wrong, split times are wrong and calories burned is wrong.  The only thing that is measured correctly is the time and heart rate.  If I start with MobileTrack I can get all those pieces of information at the end of my run.  Not ideal, I would prefer real-time stats.  But at least I can get them.  I can get my information if I use Strava too and, since I've linked the accounts, my Strava data will come over and display on my Versa in the Strava app.