07-24-2023
07:30
- last edited on
07-26-2023
14:37
by
ManuFitbit
07-24-2023
07:30
- last edited on
07-26-2023
14:37
by
ManuFitbit
Hello everyone,
I am a loyal user of Fitbit products, first of the Versa 3 and now of the Sense 2 smartwatch, which accompanies me daily in my activities. However, I am here to share my disappointment that this device, which should represent the pinnacle of Fitbit's offering, priced at 300 euros, does not offer all the basic features that we should expect from a device of this level.
Let's start with the lack of manual measurement of SpO2 and temperature. These are fundamental features that should be available in any high-end smartwatch, given the important role they play in monitoring overall health. Among other things, these features are present in low-end smartwatches at significantly lower prices.
Moreover, it is incomprehensible how such a popular feature as snoring detection, already present in previous versions, has been omitted in this new version of the Sense 2. This feature is crucial for monitoring sleep quality and could help many of us identify potential sleep apnea issues.
For those who, like me, love swimming, the Sense 2 is a disappointment. Not being able to detect different swimming styles, it does not allow for comprehensive monitoring of physical activity in the pool. 30 euro smartwatches allow for swimming style detection.
I would also like to highlight the absence of a function to detect blood pressure. This is a feature now available in many competing smartwatches and represents an important tool for monitoring cardiovascular health.
I would also like to raise the issue of the lack of the ability to install third-party apps. In the past, previous Fitbit models, like its predecessor, offered this feature, which was much appreciated by users. It was nice to be able to customize your smartwatch by adding apps that met our individual needs. The lack of this feature in the Fitbit Sense 2 is a step back that I did not expect.
One of the strangest and most disappointing things is that Fitbit and Google have decided to include Alexa as the default voice assistant, instead of opting for the powerful and much more widely used Google Assistant. While some might appreciate the inclusion of Alexa, many of us are wondering: why did Fitbit choose this direction? Google Assistant has become one of the most reliable and effective voice assistants on the market. Its integration with other Google services, such as Maps, Calendar, and Gmail, offers a consistent and intuitive experience. The ability to ask questions, get immediate answers, and access personalized information is a feature that many of us look for in a wearable device like Fitbit Sense 2. Choosing Alexa as the default assistant seems like a step back from user expectations.
Finally, since the Fitbit Sense 2 is now owned by Google, I wonder why all the fantastic apps developed by Google itself were not included. I thought that the acquisition by Google would bring even greater synergy between Fitbit devices and Google apps. It would have been fantastic to have access to Gmail directly from my smartwatch, to be able to quickly translate phrases or have a simple interface for the calendar and Google Keep to take notes on the fly. It seems like a missed opportunity for both parties.
I have always believed in the quality and innovation of Fitbit products, but I find myself forced to express my disappointment in the face of these shortcomings. I ask Fitbit to consider these observations and hope that these features will be integrated in a future update or in the next version of the product.
I appeal to Fitbit and Google, hoping that you will consider these suggestions. I am sure that many users would be thrilled with these integrations and all the new possibilities that would open up. Listening to the wishes and needs of the community is crucial for the development of successful products, and I believe this is an opportunity to seize.
Thank you for your attention,
Moderator edit: clarified subject.
07-26-2023 07:45
07-26-2023 07:45
Fwiw, I'm a Sense 1 owner. I chose not to upgrade to Sense 2 because of all the reasons you listed and more. It was an expensive downgrade.
With that said, my S1 has had 2 warranty repairs in just over 1 year. First wan was the well known charger pin breaking and a new charging cable being sent out. 2nd was the device itself. A Reboot Cycle it would not break out of after and 3am synch and auto-update.
Fortunately, Google did offer to replace the watch for free. It should arrive within a week. Yay! I was expecting them to say "Sorry Charlie. Out of Warranty", but they didn't. They also offered me the option to "upgrade" to a Sense 2 for 50% off. Because of reviews like yours and no desire to drop another $150 on a product I expect 3-5 years of useful life out of, I opted to stick with the Sense 1. Its serving my needs and I'm not premium subscribing anymore anyways... I bought my Sense 1 on sale for $160 just over a year ago. If I get 2 more years of use out of it, then I'll feel like I got my moneys worth.
Overall the Sense 1 has performed well for me. Its not sensitive enough for some of what I like to do, nor is it water resistant enough to swim or shower with. However, I'm overall pleased with its performance and durability.
So, thank you for the review and others who've given concise feedback on their experiences.
I'll look at the product lines again with the next incarnations. Hopefully Google will get it right next time, if they don't kill the product line with the Pixel line.
Sense 2s are not for me, specially at the current price points, feature reduction and so many customer complaints.