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I have had a One for 3 years now and love it but am a bit disappointed that some features are not available on it (e.g.. active mins per hour etc). Please can you make a new clip on fitbit with more features. I really don't want a wrist one at all.
@Sunrider, thanks for sharing that! It amused me, even if it's not a good thing that it's such an expected problem. I'm surprised it got a response from the moderator: "Check your stride settings and reset the tracker." Since it was a new thread with new users, I replied to break the bad news that it's been a continuing problem with their wrist-based trackers...
And that's exactly why I ended up going with a Fitbit branded tracker, @rusmo.
When I decided to wear a tracker/pedometer I went through at least two other brands/version before a friend swore by Fitbit. I immediately impressed with the accuracy of the Zip and sold on them at that point.
Thanks @AuntieS for the nice comprehensive overview. This sounds a very good basis for a "project charter" for FitBit to relaunch a non-wrist-based device.
I have been soo much disappointed by FitBit decision to focus on wrist-based devices.
And even more disappointed to see that the extensive posts on the topic have been closed in the "support" forums.
I am greatful to those who relaunched the debate on the "new features/ideas" in a constructive way. And grateful for FitBit to let that thread go, with aven a marked interest by the moderator. I am getting hope (while my fitbit One is still working and I have two second-hand ones in stock in case it would die or be lost).
The response from the moderator to incorrect step counts: "Check your stride settings and reset the tracker." doesn't seem to make sense. A step is a step no matter what your stride is. If the tracker doesn't use GPS to determine distance traveled, then stride setting could be used to calculate a rough estimate of distance. But when you hike up a steep, rugged incline, your stride is bound to be shorter than when walking on level ground and would be longer when running.
This may help explain some of Fitbit changes and lack of response to request by individuals. If they are successful in refocusing business base we may need to push insurance companies to campaign for a better clip-on.
"Fitbit lately has been trying to reduce its dependance on consumer device sales by enmeshing itself more in the broader health-care industry. These efforts involve subsidizing Fitbit devices in conjunction with health plans and analyzing the wealth of fitness data that the company has on hand.
“We think that the cost-benefit tradeoff for employers and health plans will be highly favorable, driving insurance premiums lower and encouraging employees to live healthier lifestyles, improving their health and productivity,” Pachter wrote.
This still doesn't explain why they wouldn't want to support a clip-on tracker. If anything it would seem to be MORE important to offer this option. Many people who are older want something simple that gives them what they want without a lot of ancillary information. The tracker also doesn't require as much fine motor coordination to use since it can remain clipped on for a full week at a time instead of constantly removed and reapplied. I get that they're interested in adding heart rate monitoring etc. but that's just not necessary for some people. If I want to check my pulse I just use one of those $10 blood oxygen things you put on your finger. My grandfather bought it 5 or 6 years ago, and I started using it after he passed. It gives me what I need to know without getting in the way on my wrist. I HATE things on my wrist - we're all here to advocate for non-wrist trackers. So, if so many people abhore wrist-based trackers, wouldn't it make sense to offer the One as an option to health insurance companies etc. as it's more likely to be worn than an annoying, oftentimes less accurate (if I'm cashiering wearing a wrist tracker it looks like I'm running a marathon instead of standing still) wrist tracker.
I agree and hope the insurance groups and employers insist on a better clip on than the Zip. If Fitbit smart enough to try to get its trackers approved thru Medicare surely that would help the argument for a decent clip on device
Thank you for all the comments and the feedback. @Mainer82 I moved your suggestion in here. Don't forget to leave kudos by clicking on the thumbs up button.
I have completed the letter with the compilation of why we want the One back which included the list that I previously shared with the group. It has now been emailed to the Vice President, Global Head of Customer Support, the Executive Vice Preside of Operations, and the CEO, President and Founder. I will also follow up with the same letter by mail to each one of them. If I hear anything back, I will share it immediately with this group. Fingers crossed.
Auntie S, thank you so much for your dedication to this group of One lovers! We can only hope your efforts will be respected, our opinions will be heard and the people at Fitbit will bring back a decent clip-on device. Thanks, again.
@AuntieS Thank you! I'm really looking forward to hearing their response! Can we start a petition? I think we'd get a lot of signatures based on this post!
I heard back from Fitbit with a typical canned response which is below. I will be responding, just not sure how I will say it. Short of everyone emailing, mailing or starting a petition, it does not look like we will get far. But I am still hopeful as there is power in numbers.
Hello,
My name is Daniel and I am a member of Fitbit's Executive Relations Team in San Francisco, CA. Your case was forwarded to my attention, and I wanted to reach out right away to assist.
Thank you for reaching out to us and showing your dedication to the One. Although the One is a popular product, we are always working to streamline our offerings as we introduce new products. I will gladly forward your feedback to the appropriate teams regarding your preference for clip-based devices.
I understand your resistance to try the Zip, but it is still available as a clip-based tracker. While the design is not as sleek as the One, the battery is designed to last up to 6 months with continued use. You can learn more about these devices and the rest of the Fitbit family of products at https://www.fitbit.com/compare.
Regarding the wrist-based devices, they track steps using the same algorithm that the One utilizes. Since it is wrist-based, it is possible to pick up errant steps from moving the arm around, however, if setup within the Fitbit app to sit on the dominant or non-dominant hand, the sensitivity will have a higher or lower sensitivity respectively to the motion detected so as to avoid unearned steps throughout the day.
I would be happy to assist you with your One if you are experiencing any issues, however. Like all Fitbit devices, even if they are no longer in production, our support team is always willing to provide assistance or troubleshooting to keep users on tracker with their fitness goals.
I will be your main point of contact moving forward. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know. The fastest way to get a hold of me is by replying to this email.
Auntie S, that's a better response than any of us has received from Fitbit before. I have to admit, it's hard to believe they're going to change their product line for us but I'm still hopeful. Thanks for sharing. Perhaps if more of us contact Daniel directly that may help.
@AuntieS, thanks for writing to FitBit and sharing the response. I’m glad for the reply, but still disappointed.
It seems a lengthier, and more well-written response than the responsss we’ve all received before, but basically hits all their same main points. I’m at least glad he didn’t use the “We offer something for everyone,” claim.
At the end of the day, I need a clip-based product and then Zip is a lesser version of the One, along with all other available trackers. SIGH.
so happy you did get a response. He said that he was the man to contact. Please post here his email address and instead of writing on this blog let’s all write to him. Load up his inbox and we should all send letters to San Francisco. They will notice if we do a writing campaign. Thanks AnntieS for leading the way!!
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