Questions about Sense 2

[SunsetRunner]

Hello!

I've made a reservation for new Sense 2. I even get nice discount here where I live. Not only that, but I'm really hyped about Sense 2 sensors and possibilities it gives, though I have some doubts.

Maybe you might help me with these concerns:

1/ I learned lastly that Fitbit devices doesn't have airplane mode. I was literally shocked. I thought that this function is a must when it comes to communication devices. What is more concerning, we can't manually turn on/off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections on Sense 1 and probably 2. The device that should help us to be healthier expose us to radiation even when we sleep. I can't find even one good reason to keep Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection when I keep my smartwatch on my wrist when I'm sleeping. Customers ask Fitbit for years to include airplane mode, but they just doesn't care.

2/ So I have a second question: what about customer care? Fitbit has this community, but I don't see any officials who listen to customers and help them.

3/ I don't like the subscription method of monetization, yet I might try the free 6 months of Fitbit Premium that comes with new devices. Do they expect to add any payment option, preassembly a credit card ? I don't want to share my financial data (in case of data leaks).

Thanks for advices.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[t.parker]

I can answer your 1) and 3) questions although 1) doesn't really look like a question to me but a statement.

1) There is (probably) no flight mode (haven't seen it in the settings), however, Wifi is disabled by default (see specs, the watch doesn't seem to need wifi for anything else but FW updates). BT (like in Sense) I believe cannot be turned off. I wouldn't worry about radiation. Radiation is everywhere in such a quantities that one little watch makes literally no difference. But you make a good point about being able to turn off connectivity overnight, that could be good for battery life. Fitbit is the only watch I know that doesn't have that mode.

3) Yes, you need to subscribe with a payment method. I'm not sure how it works for Apple users but for Android users, you simply subscribe via the Play Store. In fact, you need to pass your details to the app store (which there is a big chance you did a long time ago if you buy anything form the app store). You can cancel your subscription anytime (and I recommend setting a reminder so you won't be charged for being forgetful).

[LZeeW]

@SunsetRunner   2) This site is a moderated user to user help site.  There is separate Support, staffed by Fitbit technical support staff.

[SunsetRunner]

Why the heck, we can't save our batteries by turning of BT when we sleep? Having it turned on all the time is pointless, especially when the watch can storage data for days and then sync with the app. Why? Because Fitbit/Google knows better or need CONSTANT data transfer (yes, they make money out of it...).

They expect a payment method... **ahem**, another red flag for me. I have regrettable experience with Play Store and subscription, even though I made just a few payments (because I prefer other methods). Once I bought a Google Play code, but when I tried using it to recharge my account, I got a message that Google can't accept it, and they expect extra data about the purchase. Of course, there is nothing like customer support. If you have any troubles, you can only use their generic contact forms and just wait (sometimes days or weeks) without any guarantee that they will help you. If it's the same story with Fitbit, then I probably buy something else (maybe... Apple?).

[JohnnyRow]

@SunsetRunner  I saw on another thread you are switching from your Galaxy Watch to Fitbit Sense 2, but it seems you are intent on finding fault with Fitbit before even owning one.  I'm curious then why you have decided to switch from Galaxy Watch to Fitbit Sense 2.

[SunsetRunner]

@JohnnyRow

Because I don't have Samsung phone, so the experience is limited, plus original Galaxy Watch is 4 years old (but still works great, it's quite durable device), and it lacks many welness functions. I'm also not so sure about its accuracy. 

I'm a new guy here, and I had no idea that Fitbit is so limited (e.g. no airplane mode). 

[SunsetRunner]

Wonder if the inaccurate HR monitor issue will be fixed on Sense 2

[KB9WNS]

The only fitness/sports/smartwatch I know of that has an "airplane mode" is the Garmin Tactix 7 which has a "stealth mode" setting.  That watch is $1600 and is marketed to military, law enforcement and special ops.  Get the Sense 2.

[t.parker]

@KB9WNS lots of watches have either airplane/flight mode or allow shutting down connectivity. My Garmin Fenix 6 Pro and Fenix 7 both have this option. My wife's Samsung Galaxy 5 it too. I had it in my Suunto Spartan Baro HR watch and in Galaxy Active, too. There are much cheaper smartwatches which have airplane mode.

[Dopovo]

Polar Vantage series (and I assume Ignite and Pacer series) have airplane mode.

[KB9WNS]

I found a bluetooth enable/disable on my Venu2 last night.  Maybe not full stealth mode but good enough.