Add a "Find my phone" app in the Fitbit App Gallery

[Dosbueno]

We all misplace our phones from time to time. Since there is Bluetooth connection, it should be simple to reverse the notification and ring your phone. So long as the phone is within Bluetooth range, this should be a feature on the new Versa/Ionic. 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and updated label

[bogdanims]

@JoshDinsdale The communication between the Fitbit smartwatch and the phone is entirely relying on the Fitbit technology... There would be 2 ways to improve it:
1. to develop an alternative Fitbit OS
2. to decompile, modify and compile again the Fitbit mobile app
Both solutions are illegal and I have a family 🙂

[JayinToronto]

And they could probably figure out where you live!

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[bogdanims]

@Marysbond

Normally, these are the steps to follow:
1. Install the Android app (https://goo.gl/LbPQXR)
2. Open it by accepting the permissions
3. Copy the Device ID (by clicking on the icon that is next to the Device ID string)
4. Install the firbit app "Find My Device"
5. Select the requested permission
6. Go in the companion Settings
7. Paste the Device ID

I prepared a screenshot associated with each of these steps: https://fitbit-find-my-device.herokuapp.com/tutorial

[bogdanims]

@JayinToronto haha :)) I could create an app based on your suggestion 🙂 

[JoshDinsdale]

Yes I totally understand it would be totally unfeasible, I was just
clarifying how it works so that people would understand. 🙂

[bogdanims]

Because I receive many messages from people asking me about the iOS version and because I used to tell them that the app will be available at the beginning of this week based on the fact that it is "in review" starting from last Friday, I'm pasting here what I received from Apple, about 10 hours ago:

"The review for your app is still in progress and requires additional time. We will provide further status updates as soon as we are able, or we will contact you if we require additional information.

We apologize for the delay.

Thank you for your continued patience."

I don't know why Apple delays this process, I'm thinking that maybe they started a Fitbit device purchase in order to fully test the iOS app, but I really hope that they will approve it very soon.

[bogdanims]

A new version of the Android app is available (1.0.4) - it uses the ring sound instead the notification sound

[JoshDinsdale]

Oh wow that's amazing thanks! 😁

Josh

[MDN676]

There could be an app for Ionic (or Versa) that can play a sound on your phone. There already is one for Android, but it would be awesome if it could work for iPhone too (I have one:) ). Your watch is on your wrist all the time, but is your phone? It could be in your pocket, school bag, briefcase, jacket pocket, or even at home! Wouldn't it be great if you could find your phone with your watch (like Apple's Find my iPhone). Thanks!

[Lee_London]

Fitbit obviously don’t read these ideas or if they do they are simply not listening. There’s a 3rd party app now for finding your phone but it cost $1.99, and doesn’t work with iOS, despite the main screen indicating it does,as soon as you try and set it up you need an app to get a device Id, it says ‘iOS coming soon’. That’s another thing the fitbit Apps seem to have no quality control at all. They’re buggy or don’t work on iOS! So god knows what security hacks could be going on. Had a fitbit for years now, just got the versa for Xmas I love it but using apps has been very disappointing. Tempted by the other brands now not sure fitbit are serious anymore. 

[bogdanims]

@Lee_London

Firstly, there are 8 days since the iOS version is in review at Apple, this after the app was previously rejected because there were words like Fitbit or Android in the iPhone app. Well, I'm sending each day a message to Apple asking about what exactly is happening with the review, it is just an one screen app. I do my best to solve this situation as soon as possible. 

Secondly, the fact that the iOS version is not yet available is mentioned in the description of the Fitbit app. 

[Lee_London]

Firstly don’t put IOS anywhere on the app if it isn’t actually compatible with iOS yet. Simple. Otherwise you are just misleading customers. Secondly fitbit why do you allow this.

Sent from my iPhone

[bogdanims]

@Lee_London

Anywhere means exactly 2 places:

1) in the app description - there it is mentioned that the app is not yet available on iPhone

2) in the app companion - at that moment the app was installed and the lack of the next configuration step (installation of the ios app) would conduct to the decision of not buying the app.

Anyway, I'm sorry about this situation, it is not about Fitbit, it is not about me wanting to mislead you, but it is Apple review team that practically violated all its own review rules, moreover telling me lies about what hard work they do to review an 1-screen app while it was installed on an iPad and it wasn't opened for days on their side... 😞

[Mirkula]

Would love this feature to be available on charge 3. Bought it two weeks ago and this is the one thing that's missing that's making me consider about returning and buying some other device.

[vuurtje]

Let’s stay sharp here. This i ls a third party app. Don’t blame him for ‘misleading’ you. He isn’t the one lacking support to give paying customers what they deserve. You should be thankful that at least someone is trying to find a solution to a problem that Fitbit clearly doesn’t give a f*** about.

I am in iphone, so have yo wait patiently for the ios version. But very thankful for at least someone stepping up to help us out.

😊🙏🏽



Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

[ejcortes]

Thanks @bogdanims for the software. Some people like @Lee_London apparently don't understand the process of app submittal and approval. There are thousands of apps being sent for approval, and the app says very clearly that an IOs version isn't available yet. Also, how are people complaining about a $2 app, when they spend more in some other menial things. Developers need to eat too 🙂

Although I understand the frustration, people should learn how to read. Hopefully, the app will be approved for Apple soon. Good luck there, bud.

[SunsetRunner]

This is a very useful, needed and not so complex feature.  that should definitely be implemented.

I thought sucha basic feature would've already been there. Sadly disappointed when i found out it wasnt. 

[bogdanims]

@vuurtje @ejcortes I appreciate your points of view, they are based on common sense and on the openness to understand how the reality looks. But I have to accept that there is a second type of people that use a rigid set of rules as metrics.

Unfortunately a such type of people seems to be the guys from Apple... After they "reviewed" the iOS app for 11 days and after they previously rejected the app because it had references about Fitbit and so I was forced to erase any such reference, well, I just received a new rejection because:

"Your app is too similar to Apple Watch, which creates a misleading association with Apple products.

Next Steps

To resolve this issue, please review your app design and revise it to differentiate it from existing iOS and watchOS apps."

So... I will continue the fight against theirs rigid rules, this is for sure, but because the approval is not imminent, I will fully understand any refunding request. I really hope that I'll find the proper solution in order to finally have this app in AppStore.

[vuurtje]

Fitbit sucks. You rock!
Your effort is very much appreciated.
Wish I could help but no techy unfortunately.
I have more faith in you than I have in Fitbit.


Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

[mrc1984]

Kudos...thank you so much...you are doing so much for this community😀


Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

[Lee_London]

Is there another way to get the device Id without the app?

[bogdanims]

@Lee_London Unfortunately not... FYI: in max 2 working days someone from Apple will call me in order to find together a solution that would pass all the Apple acceptance criterias (it is not about how the iOS app works, Apple has something with how the app is presented). Anyway, today I will prepare for review a new version... I could write a pretty interesting article about the experience I had with Apple regarding this app.

[Dp717]

@bogdanims, Thanks for your help in trying to get this app out to Apple
users and continuing to update us.
Looking forward to using your app on iSO.

[community_use1]

I had a Samsung GearFit and a GearFit2, and recently bought a Fitbit. I was happy with the Gear Fits but unhappy about their band design and didn't want to spend an extra $150 to have a band that didn't break. When people asked me about my watches, I said that the "find my phone" and "vibrate on disconnect" were the most useful features. It is bizarre that these are not default features on fitbit watches.
While I appreciate the efforts of the app developer above, I shouldn't have to install another app on my phone and pay money to have a basic feature of a cheap smart watch (and still don't have vibrate on disconnect without using a certain brand of clock face). These feature has been requested for years. 
I'm honestly thinking about going back to the gear fits because they saved me from losing my phone so many times. 

[Colorado_AL]

This is a must have feature and you will.loose sales without it.