More Tracker with built-in GPS

I was wondering, with the new trackers just released if there was a new tracker/smartwatch in production that has GPS. The Ionic is a little masculine in my opinion. 

 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

24 Comments
SunsetRunner
Not applicable

I would love fitbit to have a built in gps . That I did not have to use my phone. Yes I know the iconic had it. But I would love some a little more simple. So please gps.

Thank you

 

Moderator edit: Topic for clarification and label

 

 

Status changed to: Reviewed By Moderator
MarcelBK
Premium User
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Nice suggestion, thanks for sharing. We look forward to hearing what other community members think.

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

I've tried various smart watches. They all have the same issue - battery life. None can go 24+ hours. I just bought an aftermarket band to replace the one that was falling apart on my old Surge and have fallen back in love with its simplicity. I can actually wear it all day and night to track both activity and sleep without the battery running out. The battery stays charged if I charge it each day while I shower and get ready after my morning workout. Something like the Charge 3 but with built in GPS that you can choose to enable depending on activity like you could on the Surge would be ideal. Ability to make payments would be nice to have but I could do without any of the other "smart features."  I just want to leave the house with only the watch to workout.

Status changed to: Reviewed By Moderator
EdsonFitbit
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

@SunsetRunner Thanks for your suggestion.

 

Let's see what other Community members think about having a Tracker with built in GPS. Once any update be available it will be communicated as soon as possible.

Status changed to: Reviewed By Moderator
EdsonFitbit
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

@SozzaMc Thanks for your suggestion.

 

The new Fitbit Versa Lite and Fitbit Inspire HR have connected GPS. For more information you can check out this article.

 

Once any device with built-in GPS be released, it will be communicated as soon as possible.

BARunner
Jogger

First l love the fitbit experience. My complaint/suggestion lies in the connected gps feature on my versa, and it appears i'm not alone. Started running the last year or so. Inaccurate distance happened more often than not. Always connecting or trying to, even after a good connection was established. Tried all the tips and tricks i could find on the forum. Fumbling with settings and restarting bluetooth during a run is not a user friendly experience. I retired the versa and went with the ionic. The stand alone gps on it works every time, great fitness tracker. So to my suggestion. Either fix the connected gps issues on the devices or better yet offer a wider selection of trackers with built in gps. As of now the ionic is the only one in my opinion that is good for a serious aspiring runner. Look forward to purchasing another one of you products with built in gps at an affordable price as opposed to looking at the competition. Thanks for any consideration.

dviiijp
Jogger

So, these fitbits are getting bigger. I want SMALLER.

I don't need a display as I can see all the stats on my phone. 

I currently have the versa. I don't use all the features, but like what "basic" features it has.

Waterproof, sleep, activity tracking, gps connectivity, alarm. That's it. 

I don't need a watch for this stuff. And I miss wearing my regular watches. So put the above things into some other kind of tracker I don't have to strap on my wrist. I'll even go embedded!

JamesCooper
Recovery Runner

BARunner,

 

This is an issue with various trackers. In my case, the Charge 2 and also my wife's Charge 3. All the Fitbit literature, as well as instructions within the app itself, state that if GPS is connected the tracker will use it to provide real time data. However, connected GPS simply does not work and is documented throughout this community on multiple threads over the past couple of years. You'll be told to adjust stride length etc, but this should be irrelevant if GPS is being used to provide real time data.

 

I'm utterly disappointed with Fitbit on this matter. 

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @BARunner! Great suggestion, thanks for sharing your feedback about GPS. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @dviiijp! Thanks for sharing your suggestion, I've move it to a similar idea. The more votes and comments an idea has the more visibility and momentum it gains. You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs.

SozzaMc
Jogger

I have to agree the connected GPS is not always accurate. The fitbit doesn't track steps when pushing a pram or trolley. It's not always convenient or practical to connect the phone and wastes battery. It also doesn't pause when I stop like the MapMyRun app does. Love my fitbit and app for all the other features though. 

gtg947h
Strider

Here's an idea... just offer a Versa-G!  Take the Versa lite, add a GPS.  I'd buy it, because although the connected GPS mostly/usually works now, sometimes it still doesn't.  I don't need the giant Ionic; I like the Versa form factor just fine.

SozzaMc
Jogger

Gtg947h

 

SozzaMc
Jogger

Gtg947h what a great idea

TrackStar
First Steps

Fitbit should add a BUILT-IN gps feature to products like the Charge 3 or Inspire HR. You could keep selling ones without built-in GPS and call the ones with it Charge 3G or InspireG. I have been using my Fitbit Charge 2 since around December and I like it, but I would like to upgrade and to something that has GPS built in, not connected because then I have to take my phone with me when I run, and I am not a fan of it. The Ionic is too expensive and too big, but the Charge 3 and Inspire are a perfect size and price and I am sure sales would greatly increase due to adding this new feature. Many people would love this. Garmin has the VivoSport with has everything I need, but the Fitbit community and app is what I like. However, if nothing changes, I will most likely pick up a Garmin.

Status changed to: Under Consideration
LizFitbit
Premium User
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

Hi @SozzaMc thanks for sharing this suggestion. This is being discussed although I do not have a firm commitment or timeline at the moment. Do continue to vote for this feature suggestion whilst it’s under consideration. Please note that if something is under consideration and chosen for development, it can be a while until it's released or until I have any news to share. Please watch this space for any updates! Thanks for your patience.

bixjeff22
First Steps

I've had an Ionic for a few years now and am looking for "the next generation". For Fitbit, that seems to be the Versa and the Versa 2. Why did you take a step backward with these models and take away the built-in GPS? Why bother even putting GPS on the watch if you have to have your phone with you? Your phone can just track your run/walk/hike for you.

 

On my Ionic, I can load music onto my watch. I don't need my phone. Now you're adding Spotify to the Versa 2. But why? You have to have your phone with you to use it. I already have Spotify on my phone. Again, redundant.

 

Please make a next generation watch that has built-in GPS. I do not want to carry my phone while on a run. I can take a break from texting and talking on my phone while on my run.

 

There are other options out there that have built-in GPS and on-board music capabilities. I'd like to stay with Fitbit but you're regressing by tethering people to their phones.

bixjeff22
First Steps

I've had an Ionic for a few years now and am looking for "the next generation". For Fitbit, that seems to be the Versa and the Versa 2. Why did you take a step backward with these models and take away the built-in GPS? Why bother even putting GPS on the watch if you have to have your phone with you? Your phone can just track your run/walk/hike for you.

 

On my Ionic, I can load music onto my watch. I don't need my phone. Now you're adding Spotify to the Versa 2. But why? You have to have your phone with you to use it. I already have Spotify on my phone. Again, redundant.

 

Please make a next generation watch that has built-in GPS. I do not want to carry my phone while on a run. I can take a break from texting and talking on my phone while on my run.

 

There are other options out there that have built-in GPS and on-board music capabilities. I'd like to stay with Fitbit but you're regressing by tethering people to their phones.

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

I agree, it seem most people would love more fitbits with built in trackers. 

So why not do it. I do not like to carry phone when walking dog at wood place. A built in trackers would be helpful.

So come on fitbit , what are you waiting for.

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @bixjeff22, thanks for explaining why you would like to have this option in the future. I've moved it into a similar suggestion which has been updated as "Under Consideration". You can learn more about here. Keep adding your suggestions!

Roryfuntory
Jogger

I would really like this option to be available with the Charge 2 because I am not always connected to my phone when walking (Walking home from school when my phone is dead)

Hadakitty
First Steps

Hi. My name is Hadley Smith. I have a Fitbit charge 3 and had a Fitbit charge 2 before that. I ordered a Garmin watch before I got the Fitbit charge 3 but sent it back because I didn’t like it as good as the Fitbit. I would like to propose an idea for y’all regarding the Fitbit. Could y’all make the Fitbit have a GPS in the device without having to have your phone close? I could then track my mileage and it would be more accurate. I don’t want to hold my phone while I run if I’m not on the treadmill to track it for me.

(P.s. also a quick text reply can be useful on the Fitbit😊)

 

Thanks

 

Hadley Smith

LizFitbit
Premium User
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

Hi @Hadakitty thanks so much for this suggestion! I merged it here with this similar prior one. Glad you stayed in the Fitbit fam 🙂

Status changed to: Released
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi everyone, and thanks for sharing this suggestion. We’re very happy to let you know that this has been released on Charge 4. You can find more details here: Charge 4. You can also check more details about GPS function on the manual.

@SozzaMc, in recognition of your excellent suggestion, each of your votes will now count as 5 votes – you have the power! Thank you for sharing this idea, and thanks to everyone who voted and commented for your enthusiasm which has now materialized for everyone’s benefit. We hope you all enjoy this new addition to the Fitbit product or service!

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