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"The Sense 2 and Versa 4 lack third-party app support, and that’s not going to change. Fitbit told 9to5Google today that it does “not have plans to offer third party apps on these health and wellness focused devices.”
"In the grand scheme, it’s clear that Google wants people to buy the Wear OS-powered Pixel Watch to get a third-party app ecosystem."
Very dissappointed that 3rd party apps are not there. Its definitely a hugh step back after upgrading to the highest. That does not happen with reputed brands, it appears that my good opinion about Google was misplaced
Very disappointing. When they release a new model in a range, you naturally expect it to have all the features of the predecessor along with new features. This is not the case with Versa 4 and Sense 2. Those who have been with Fitbit for years have been misled by this branding. They should have released these products as a new range. OR kept google apps off this product and left it as Fitbit gallery only. That way they can up sell their Pixel Watch with the google brand with google apps.
Everyone please go to the Google store and give the Fitbit App the lowest rating. They pay attention to this and this is the only way we can show our dissatisfaction with their decision to kill off the FitBit by taking away 3rd party apps.
5 years from now everyone will be saying "Remember FitBits?"
"Oh yeah, weren't they those black rubber bands that people wore to exercise before smartwatches came along and wiped them out?"
Honestly, I bought my Sense 2 thinking it would be a step up and it was a huge disappointment. I can't control music or 3rd party apps. Also can't return because I bought from an outside retailer. Sense 2 is no better than the cheap ones.
It's honestly just an expensive pedometer and no one should buy until they fix this.
Killing the product or brand would have been acceptable. Misleading people into “upgrading” to the newest, highest model number just as a money grab is shameful. This is likely to push more people away from Google’s future offerings rather than convert Fitbit users into new customers. I, for one, will not even consider making the switch to a pixel, at any point in the future, after being treated this way.
Why don't we get any useful statement from Fitbit to this thread?
What I don't understand: the watch itself as well as the app even have "develper bridge" options prepared, while there is no possibility to develop apps for this device.
To me it seems as if business had stopped engineering from completing the product development after Fitbit was bought by Google.
Why don't we get a clear answer to our many questions?
Very good Fitbit/Google, whatever you want. I can't return the Versa 4 anymore, but I will never buy any fitbit device again. Not me, not anyone in my extended family. And I won't recommend it to anyone else around me, and I'm just the kind of person everyone around me asks about these things.
And I won't even buy a Google Pixel watch (and I use a Pixel phone) because I don't want a device that won't last a day on battery. In fact, I won't buy a "smart" watch that I have to charge more than once a week."
I have a few days left to return my Versa 4 and think I’m going to.
It’s sad that, after being with fitbit since 2017, I have to either go elsewhere or buy an older model to get the desired functionality.
I’m an iPhone user so don’t have the option to go for the Pixel Watch.
I think I’m going to save a bit of money and “upgrade” to the previous model, Versa 3, as I’m keen to do a bit of watch face/app development, which I can’t do with this latest model. I’m happy giving up 20 exercises (which I won’t use), Google Wallet (which doesn’t work) and Google Maps (which isn’t available for iPhone users currently) for an app gallery, music control, Google Assistant (ironically), Fitbit pay which (hopefully) will work with my Revolut card and the ability to create my own apps and watch faces.
Unless Fitbit/Google reevaluate their offering in the future, this will likely be the last Fitbit I will own as they seem to be shedding their support for an iPhone user base. Let’s face it, they are also losing some android customers too!
The next time I look for a smartwatch, I will probably no longer think of Fitbit as a first option.
Versa 4/Sense 2 - don’t get me wrong, great hardware and packed full of sensors, but lacks functionality compared to the predecessors.
Versa 4 is the first device I’ve had an issue with so this is me allowing Fitbit some time to readdress their new business plan. Hopefully these models are a blip. If they don’t hold their hands up and say “Sorry customers, we got it wrong” and add back this functionality then I’m afraid it will be farewell Fitbit.
After buying a Fitbit Versa 4, I found out that Fitbit(new Google) no longer supports third party apps. The smartwatch is now a common and overpriced fitness tracker. This is a big downgrade compared to older/previous devices (I also have Versa2). Fitbit does not declare this change anywhere, basically deceiving the customer. Google wants people to buy its Pixel Watch, which is nonsense, this watch doesn't even last a day on battery. So Fitbit devices never again and I am also starting to move away from Google.
If you want a good fitness tracker with calls, phone notifications, google assistant/Alexa, NFC, Music control, and extended functionality through many 3rd party apps get the Versa 3. If you want all the above with additional sensors for stress monitoring and ECG, get the Sense.
If you want to pay a premium to sacrifice all the 3rd party apps and music control for 2 buggy google apps, clock faces that won’t install, 20 additional exercise modes and a physical button feel free to get a Versa 4 or Sense 2.
If you have the spare cash and have an Android phone, you can risk paying the premium for a Pixel watch with reports of poor battery performance.
If you’re an iOS user, want the extended app functionality, and Versa3/Sense is not suitable, look elsewhere Fitbit can’t help you.
If you’re an Android user, want the extended app functionality, and Versa3/Sense/pixel is not suitable, look elsewhere Fitbit can’t help you.
If you’re not bothered about apps/smart functions, save some money and get a different range (charge/inspire/luxe) or look elsewhere.
My Versa 4 went back yesterday. I’m a believer in 2nd chances so once I get my refund, I’ll get Versa 3. If Fitbit carry on in the direction they are moving, the Versa 3 will be my last Fitbit product.
Just be careful getting the Versa 3 for the 3rd party apps as I think I saw somewhere that Fitbit are starting to take away this functionally on older devices from March as well. They have also announced the removal of other features such as challenges and adventures from March.
Basically we need to come to terms with the face the Google bought Fitbit to use it for parts and they don't care what happens to the shell that remains.
There has not been an announcement thus far as to what they will be doing with 3rd party apps. I have been going on different platforms every week and asking but there is nothing official, just rumors.
Are they able to remove functionality from devices when people have bought them when advertised as having these features? Surely they can’t do that.
I have taken a screenshot which states the smart functions on the Versa 3 - just in case they do try to remove features. Surely there are laws around removing features after customers have purchased.
And yes, Google (parent company of Fitbit) has recently told the press that they have no intention to add 3rd party apps to Versa 4 and newer Sense devices. https://9to5google.com/2023/02/17/fitbit-studio/
Ok thanks i have a Apple Watch right now but have the versa 4 and the other came due to a deal at the phone store being just about forced to get the watch and my husband didn’t want it so i have two warranty now
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