Sense 2 - Missing firmware features

[CanadaGuy]

I understand since the Google acquisition they were intentionally nerfing some smartwatch firmware functionality (like music control and storage).

However as part of the run tracking, lap time length, why does it limit it to 20 minutes? I wanted to set a 40 minute repeated notification which I can’t do unless I counted multiple 20 minute or less intervals. 

Any chance this will change or be improved in the near future? Should I just move on to Garmin?

Moderator edit:  updated subject for clarity

[pedrogari]

Google Pixel Watch 2.

[CanadaGuy]

I’d like a fitness watch first so no. 

[t.parker]

@CanadaGuy there is nothing you can do. Simply, Fitbit isn't a runner's watch. If you have any needs going beyond simple activity tracking then Fitbit isn't going to deliver.

[CanadaGuy]

The ionic was perfect for the time. But you’re right that it lost out to other more focused brands. Just took me longer. Thankfully I got my sense 2 cheap used. 

[pedrogari]

I don't think we will have other firmware update, almost 8 months after last and only one we had in November last year.

I don't have problems with any of available futures including calls, wallet and other functionalities.

Is it hart sensor is accurete,really don't know and don't care much, as I can track my trends.

[CanadaGuy]

Lap time is easy. They could have just used the spin time indicator like used for alarms. Instead they did an integer minute display with an arbitrary time limitation. 

[t.parker]

@CanadaGuy I don't have Sense 2 anymore but on my original Sense limitation for laps is also 20min. For interval lengths (Interval Workout) is even weirder - 18:55. For structured running training, Fitbit is not the right tool.

[t.parker]

@CanadaGuy one more option is to fall back to the original Sense or Versa 3 (they are quite cheap now). They don't support automatic laps longer than 20min but after my run today with impromptu intervals 5x30s+5x1:00 I had this idea that you could do what I do for my improvised intervals - just hit the manual lap when the time comes.

Even with manual laps, I hit 30 seconds and 1-minute intervals. Mind, it will be harder to time it perfectly on the touchscreen but ±3 seconds won't really matter (that's why runner's watches need buttons).

Still, you need to look at the watch from time to time but it's doable. I've been even doing so for short all-out 10sec strides. However, you can't do it on Sense 2/Versa 4 because those watches have been stripped of all lap-based metrics (no lap time, lap pace and lap distance which are crucial for that). This also answers your question "Any chance this will change or be improved in the near future?". My bet is more features will rather be removed than added.

Or... you can just get a dedicated runner's watch.

[CanadaGuy]

As the other users confirmed, Google is gradually eliminating features to push users to the more expensive platforms with more "pay to use" functionality.

If this gets moderated again, then it is very clear the direction Google is taking this.

[asiayeah]

@CanadaGuyLet's be positive! By eliminating features, Fitbit wants us to focus more on their other fitness features. It's a zen of fitbit that we must truly appreciate. Simplicity is king. 

P.S. I was forced to disconnect from this forum for saying something similar to yours earlier.

[CanadaGuy]

@asiayeahI can't tell if you're joking...setting an arbitrary limit of 20 minutes to a lap timer is insane and must be more work than just using the clock/timer widget. Indeed, I guess Fitbit is becoming the budget brand with arbitrary feature limitations.

[asiayeah]

@CanadaGuy I’m half joking. But what else could we do? This forum has a guideline which requests everyone to be positive. 

[CanadaGuy]

🙈🙉🙊