Charge 4 screen brightness boost

[eschroedermark]

For direct sunlight situations, add an ability to boost screen brightness temporarily, i.e. one-time event, through an easy to access while exercising method e.g. through a screen tap/scroll sequence. Enable the user to determine the preferred method in the Settings on the Charge 4 device.

[HeatherUFEATHER]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

[Neilvip]

I sure wish I’d seen this forum before I purchased a charge 4. All the nice features are useless as I can’t read the screen during the day and the screen is too bright at night. I only use it to track steps so no point subscribing to premium. Please update the firmware. 

[SharonBerrill]

My charge 4 has been redundant for months as even when on the brightest setting you can't see the screen indoors let alone out. I thought it was because I hadn't worn it for a while but nope, I charged it up and still can't see diddly.  I now have a sense and was doing to pass my 4 to a friend, but can't even do someone a good turn as it's worse than useless. Such a waste of money. 

[Dave.Baird]

I have the same issue as everyone else here:  The Charge 3 and Charge 4 screens are almost impossible to see outside on a normal day.  If I'm out on a bike ride and I want to pause the exercise, I have to hope I restarted the ride as I can't see what's on the screen if there is any sunlight!

Is there a feature request page where users can vote and we can see the number of users requesting the feature, rather than scrolling through (separate) pages of comments re: this issue on the Charge 3 and Charge 4?

[Dennis85]

Dear Sir

I wish that there was something like that to post our grievances, perhaps
y9ou can help to write to the Administrator and let us know and we can all
join you. Thank you.

[lezliedawn]

I agree. I have tried "auto" and "normal" neither are usable outside. I hope this can be fixed with software update but I am not optimistic. 

[jtopor]

Frankly, I am stunned that this went to market as is.

My Charge 4 is absolutely unusable outdoors.  I can't even tell you what time it is when I'm outside, even when I'm standing in the shade. One of the prime reasons that I transitioned to the Charge 4 was for the larger display that I mistakenly assumed would be more readable...  What a disappointment.!   FITBIT has really dropped the ball on this one.

[Tinhead]

It is many months since this thread started and not a peep from Fitbit. Are they bothered. Are they hell!! Sent from my Galaxy

[BigDaveRanger]

Total waste of money, I would not encourage anyone to pay decent money for this. I’ve had mine about 9 months, it’s probably been back it’s in box for 4 months of that, & now I’ve bought a replacement.

[Tinhead]

Big Dave What did you buy? Sent from my Galaxy

[BigDaveRanger]

I bought the Fitbit sense, it’s over twice the price of the charge 4, but it so much better than the charge 4. 

[busymomri]

With all of the recent comments I am hoping the moderator looks at this.  I have bi focal contacts and this makes it even more difficult to see outside. I almost have to put the Fitbit in my shirt sleeve to see it. Starting and stopping exercise is becoming more difficult especially when bike riding.

Please Fitbit think of us so that those of us who are loyal don't leave to another device that meets our needs.

[NickyUtrecht]

My sentiments exactly. I was wondering what it takes for them to react...

Sent from my iPhone

[lezliedawn]

Hi Big Dave,
I bought the Charge 4. I am very disappointed. It is unusable outside. I tried changing clockfaces and brightness. Nothing works.
Best Regards,
Lezliedawn

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

[Noodle61]

Hi have you made sure that your sleep mode is off? I was going bonkers with the dimes issue on my charge 4 but after disabling the sleep mode I can now see watch face outside.

[Dandeepet]

Yes, the sleep mode was off. If you can see the screen during the day on your Charge 4, you must either have Superman vision or live where the the sun never shines.

Dan Pettigrew
Cell: (239) 734-1498

[tmmoore800]

Hey, FitBit?! Can you provide an update on this. It is a known annoying issue that is stopping me from upgrading. I have a FitBit 2 that is great except for the brightness. I want to upgrade to a larger screen.  However, the FitBit 2 is unusable outside and I cannot do that again spending more money. I tried the Samsung Galaxy fit and it was plenty bright but could not compete with the FitBit accuracy.  

Brightness is a critical issue and I see no update in almost a year.  Even, "we are not going to do anything about it" would be a reasonable answer. 

[pjhurley01]

I would also respectfully request an update from the vendor regarding this
outstanding issue that has been "twisting in the wind" for about a year
now. Something has to be said for an organization that is willing to listen
to its customers call outs (complaints) regarding a deficiency in a
Flagship product that is supposed to be a ' first rate' product.

How about a suggestion if the engineering staff at Fitbit is unable to
connect the dots on this... Offer an increased brightness setting, via a
firmware update with the clear disclaimer that it will impact the batter
charging cycle so that a charge will last ' a few days', instead of a
week.

While I can't speak for everyone 'here' I believe this would be a step
towards a/the 'solution' we have been seeking and asking for.

Any additional thoughts?

Sincerely,
Patrick

[Meryllande]

My charge 3 died was thinking about getting a charge 4.  I couldn't see the the 3 outside and  now will definately not get the charge 4.  Ineed to be able  to read the heart rate in real time. Any suggestions for a tracker that can been seen in daylight? Thanks for all the comments!!

[Dandeepet]

I was able to return my Charge 4 to Best Buy and used that credit to buy an Apple 6 watch. Obviously much more money, but if it's in your budget it is well worth the investment.

The screen of this watch can be seen in even the brightest sunshine, and just as important for a runner or biker, the screen is always on. It also has a host of other features that a basic tracker does not have. It needs to be charged every night, but I don't find that to be a big deal. 

[Meryllande]

Thanks! That is helpful. I understand that the Apple HR monitor is one of the most accurate,  too.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[lezliedawn]

Thanks for the referral. I think an Apple watch is in my future.

Lezliedawn

[normvjr]

There has got to be a way to make a quick firmware adjustment or at least acknowledge this issue.  This is my only issue with this watch.  I'd like to be able to monitor my heart rate when I run outside.

[creecan]

The dimness of the screen is indeed a game-changer. I've had other models in the past; I've never had so much difficulty seeing the display outside, even on a cloudy day!  When checking my distance or pace, I've accidentally turned off the exercise tracking because I couldn't see the screen.  For the first time in over 5 years, I'm considering switching to another tracker brand that's easier to see in sunlight. Additionally, if the screen will be tapped or swiped, it needs to be more scratch-resistant.  Since it's worn constantly, it's susceptible to scratching very easily, and mine is only a few months old.

[BillCr]

My fitbit 3 was unreadable in the sun and I am unwilling to buy the fitbit 4 until the issue is resolved. Love fitbit but hate the screen.