Fitbit alternatives

[1GR3]

Hello!
I've just learned that 3rd party clock faces are not available in the EU any more and it might not be the last nail in the coffin but it's definitely time for a plan B.

I'm looking for:

• a decent battery life (daily charging is not acceptable)
• SDK to customise the UI
• touchscreen interactions
• Front-endish development environment 
• preferably waterproof
• find my phone function

What are the alternatives? 
Thank you in advance!

[Guy_]

Hi @1GR3 - firstly have a look at Removal of Third-party Products from the Fitbit Gallery for EU Users in June 2024

It may help resolve the issue.

The customising features of the Fitbit SDK and long battery life is going to be hard to beat on the same watch.

It's possible that future SDKs from other brands (with long battery life) will get improvements to allow the same level of functionality.

[1GR3]

Thank you @Guy_ - I've red the post and no, it does not resolve the issue, it just explains it 🙂

Amazfit Bip 5 seemed like a solid replacement for fitbit Versa but it seems like their SDK is just for decoration, not for functionality 😕

[r.b]

Hi @1GR3, what about Garmin? I once considered moving to it, but postponed after knowing I could use Fitbit's beta SDK for Sense 2 (in non-EU country). 

[1GR3]

Hi @r.b , Garmin seems nice but the touch events are not allowed on a clockface, plus the whole SDK is much more complicated.

[fibby]

I have the same question, since they shutdown the SDK and no simulator for Versa 4, it makes development more difficult for a non-IT person. I made customized clockfaces for my wife, in-laws and friends but it does not make sense for me to spend so much effort without a SDK and simulator as I am just doing it for fun. I looked and Samsung and Garmin and their watch is too big and heavy. I also come across Amazfit which have similar size to Versa 4 and lighter. This looks like to be a good altrenative but have yet to look into more detail on connectivity with other apps. Specifically, I need connectivity to AIA Connect app. I would also like to know if there are any other alternatives.    

[Gondwana]

I moved to Pixel Watch (Wear OS). You can make simple watchfaces without writing a single line of code using this (although I prefer to do it the hard way).

I have no idea what AIA Connect is, so I don't know about connectivity thereto.

[fibby]

Interesting, let me take a look at Wear OS. I have connected with Amanfit and they do not support AIA Connect, which is a health tracking software where you share your health activities with the Insurance company and in return you might get discount on the policy if certain requirements are met. So I gess Amazfit is out. 

Thanks for your suggestions. Will look into more detail of Wear OS.  

[Gondwana]

Thanks for the info. That health tracking service sounds like a good fit for Health Connect. There's an API for that, although you'd need to write a hand-held (Android) component since it doesn't have a presence in Wear OS. If AIA Connect doesn't yet link with Health Connect, and if you're a bit of an entrepeneur, there's a great opportunity for you.