3rd Party Apps on Sense 2 and Versa 4

Restore the ability to install 3rd party apps on the Versa 4 as was possible in previous versions of the watch.

 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and label.

752 Comments
Chrmoes
First Steps

I just bought a versa 4 and I’m very disappointed about the fact that you can’t install 3rd party apps, I had a versa 2 and I don’t even understand why the versa 4 instead of being better it feels like a cheaper smartwatch with basic functionality, I think the versa 3 is probably a better option. Dont know what to do because it wasn’t cheap

thefeff
Jogger
Don’t bother with V3.
Google is wiping out the 3rd party apps by and large that Fitbit used.
RIP Fitbit.
😩😩😩
Leenatheworld
First Steps

I am glad I found out about this now. My inspire HR finally died so I was looking into upgrading for a smart watch. Looks like the Versa 4 isn't really a smart watch. I think the Versa 2 is still available for purchase, otherwise I will look elsewhere. Completely unacceptable that a smartwatch isn't compatible with 3rd party apps.

M0min8or
Recovery Runner

I liked the Versa 2 and would repurchase it if I had known the Versa 4 is so limited. I REALLY miss the Starbucks app since I could walk the dog or walk for exercise and stop at Starbucks without having to carry a purse or phone or my rewards card. Bummer.

 

SunsetRunner
Not applicable
Per some of the conversations I have seen here, it sounds like some of the
3rd party app integration is being rolled back on existing watches though I
am not sure which ones.
TexPat94
First Steps

I am absolutely furious at the realization that so many features have been dropped from one model to the next (Sense to Sense 2). I apparently didn't do thorough enough research, because I had only read that the Sense and Versa smartwatches were Spotify capable. Low and behold older reviews citing this function are now incorrect in the future??? I live in Japan and iPhones have become entirely unafforable for me anymore, but I had an Apple Watch and heavily weighed the non-monetary cost of swapping over to Android entirely before making my decision. I ordered a Google Pixel 7 Pro as the best Pixel is still cheaper than the base level iPhone 14. However, I'm now regretting this decision and considering swapping back to Apple as apparently the Sense 2 that I decided on for my Apple Watch replacement is NOT actually a replacement at all. It has almost none of the features of the Apple or Pixel watch, despite costing nearly ¥30,000JPY (similar to $300USD) and being marketed as a smartwatch. It's a slightly fancified health tracker, and nothing more.

 

I'm over the moon with the battery life and health features, though I do wish the watch maintained some of the features only available through the phone app and would give sound analysis during sleep tracking. However, if I can't get confirmation that 3rd party apps and music are coming back, I may have to return my entire Google kit and go back to Apple as clearly the difference in price comes at the cost of actual features I used on a daily basis.

Jyo1980
Jogger

Can somebody please clarify if Fitbit will bring back Deezer for the sense 2, so I can download my playlists?

I received the email saying it was getting cut, ( which really is infuriating because it's the feature I went looking for when upgrading my fitness watch) but I've also read it maybe staying? 

Juliafgm
Jogger

Really disappointed! I bought my new watch and received yesterday.... It should be a step forward, but it's not... My old Versa 2 had more 3rd parts aps that were great. Why can't I have Spotify? Really sad, I will return to the old one and search a different brand for a new SmartWatch. 

gibbyhome
Tempo Runner

Has Google updated the Versa 4 and Sence 2 yet ? are there any apps yet ? is it coming or is this all a lie.

 

AlpineRyan
Jogger

So disappointed with google and their lack of 3rd party apps on the versa 4. Just got this for my birthday, wife upgraded me from a charge 5 thinking she was getting me the best fitbit, that could do all the things my sons versa 2 could do. So lame I cant! I would love music control and other apps. And its more expensive for less features. What the hell google?!

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

@YojanaFitbit, there has already been more than 1,000 votes and your saying if it’s enough we will send it to the Fitbit teams?

Edmuearl
Stepping Up

Finally took the plunge into the Sense 2. After being a loyal Fitbit user for more years then I care to think about. Had the Ionic for years, then two Sense models. They were good smartwatches and offered good apps without having to sell out to Samsung or Apple. Now you've taken a big step backward with Sense 2. Hardly what I would call a smartwatch since there are no apps available other then the limited ones offered by Fitbit. Sad after all these years it's time to shop for a new smartwatch.

thefeff
Jogger
after returning my V4 I got an Apple Watch. I had resisted that move but Google forced it.
Now I actually really like the Apple.
Many more working functions.
Bob

Sent from my ☎
Crankybeaver
Base Runner
Yeah, but no battery life

Sent from my iPhone
andreismoler
First Steps

I understand this might be a strategy for google pixel watch but even basic things like a media controller (doesn't even have to be a specific app). It doesn't have to be spotify, pandora, or anything else. Just an interface that can control the music that you are listening to in your phone app.

Gabedude
First Steps

My versa 4 just arrived and it doesn't even have spotify anymore. What a waste of money

PhoenixRising9
Stepping Up

This is only a glorified tracker, most certainly NOT a smartwatch. Absolutely ridiculous that there are not options as with other FitBit smartwatches. When more varied apps become available that extend the functionality of the Sense 2 shall it become a smartwatch. Wish I had not purchased this when I did as I didn't over-research it like I do for EVERYTHING else because I would have gone a different route, but alas it is too late. $300 for an overpriced glorified tracker + even more on bands that I wish I had back...

Alb3647
Jogger

Just got my Versa 4, I wish I'd seen all the complaints before I got it. I really don't want to return it, but the music feature was something I was really looking forward to. I hope people haven't given up on this forum because it doesn't seem like 1,500 votes has done the trick yet. 

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

Why the F*** does it take so lang to restore apps to sense-2 that are already there in other and previousl Fitbit devices. Apps like a simple agenda and third party app like Spotify. 
why does Fitbit not respond to basic questions like these??

is there any developments on these topics besides “thank you for responding and suggestions”???

Fatal23
Recovery Runner

I'm done. Waited for more than a half year, this is not going to happen, or they would have done so by now. 

I sold my Versa 4, time to move on to a company that actually cares about their customers. 

RayGauthier
First Steps

Ditto.  too late to return mine now.   Just a glorified sleep tracker without the ability to sync sith external apps. 

TodH
Recovery Runner

Ditto.  Very disappointed in there being no 3rd party apps.  I wouldn't have bought the Versa 4.  I moved up from my Versa 2 ... which had apps.  I called FitBit Support and complained because there was no Gallery of apps.  I was told that as the Versa 4 was new, there weren't any apps yet available for the Versa 4.  😞  Don't lie to me, that makes it worse.  FitBit has made a decision to not support 3rd party apps ... which is D U M B.  This is probably my 3rd, 4th or maybe 5th FitBit device.  It is the device of choice at my house ... NOT ANY MORE.

 

Don't lie to me.  Don't misrepresent.  Just don't.

 

FitBit ... make it right!

Kanga17
Jogger
Hi TodH/FitBit community,

I agree with your sentiment and have told FitBit support as much but to no
avail. I joined this thread a few months ago when I inquired about 3rd
party support and was pointed in this direction by FitBit's customer
service.

They made it seem like there was something in the works to have this
eventually added but the lack of updates or urgency on their part makes it
seem like they had no intention of adding this to the Sense 2 (my device)
or the Versa 4.

I am guessing that they are trying to phase these out with the "recent"
acquisition of Google and will focus on their lineup of Pixel watches which
is pretty disappointing especially since you are alienating your existing
base of customers (and keeping us in the dark).

-Rui
Patrick3733
First Steps
The versa 4 currently does not support any apps apart from the original ones that come pre installed. Apps such as music, calculator ect would be very useful.
Sdwards
First Steps

Really disappointed with the lack of music apps on the versa 4. I upgraded from the versa 2 thinking that with the added GPS capability I could finally go on runs without needing my phone. Surely there is a suitable integration with Google music that could be provided? I would even pay for Fitbit premium if this was a feature!

 

 

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