Sense 2 notifications behaviour very annoying

[annieuk]

I just bought a Sense 2 and am finding it very disappointing.

1. I have the vibration set to strong but it's still really poor in comparison with my original Versa. Is there anything else I can do to increase the strength?

2. I am finding that if more than one notification comes through at a time the splash screen indicates the number but, if I don't see that first, then I have no idea that there's another notification waiting for me. The watch doesn't vibrate twice like my old Versa. I turned on the Always Vibrate feature but it made no difference. I don't think I'd want to use that anyway as I wouldn't want to be disturbed at night.

3. The notification takes an age to disappear if I don't swipe it away. I have set my screen timeout to 45 seconds but, even if I tip my wrist to turn off the display and look again, the notification is still hanging around far too long. Is there a way to set the notification timeout?

4. Finally, I use Chomp on my phone as my SMS app but it doesn't seem to allow me to send replies even though my husband uses Chomp with his Garmin and has the reply feature on that. Anyone else had this problem or know how to overcome it? I don't really want to change to a different app if I can help it.

I like most other aspects of the watch but the notifications issue is driving me mad. Does the original Sense 1st edition have notifications more like the Versa (1st edition) or does it also behave in the same way as this Sense 2?

[Guy_]

Hi @annieuk - the Versa is a good watch, good vibration, good metrics and few issues with charging and use.

The Sense has some newer things like larger screen, different (erratic) heart rate sensor, weaker vibration, but notifications work well, though can linger if arm isn't lowered. It is the only other watch with a Gyroscope. Has features like Google Assistant and many additional apps or clocks, still has built-in Music controls.

The Sense 2 has a new user interface, with the things you noticed and not all the features of the Sense 1 and Versa 1, or ease of use. The tiles don't expand to give you more detailed information, the vibration definitely isn't as good as the Versa original.

If you use an iPhone replies are not possible but on Android there is no restriction.

if you are unhappy with the watch Fitbit have a 45 day refund policy or possibly authorised dealers too, some stores provide 14 to 30 day refunds.

[annieuk]

Hi @Guy_ 

Thank you for your reply. I didn't know the original Sense suffered from poor heart rate readings. I have read this is an issue with the Sense 2. I am not currently able to check this out as I have just discovered I have an irregular heart rythm and so the readings are all off anyway. I want the ECG for this reason which I understand both the Sense and Sense 2 have. My original Versa alerted me to a problem a few weeks ago because my stats began to be all over the place after wearing it for several years so even having no ECG the watch came in pretty handy. Unfortunately the battery is failing on my Versa.

I am in two minds whether to send the Sense 2 back and get the Sense (1st edition) as it's on offer at Amazon but I am not too keen on the haptic button so will have to give it a bit more thought. If the vibration had been stronger then I think my choice would have been more easy to make.

[Guy_]

Thanks @annieuk - the haptic button actually isn't a negative, at least not for me, unless you are left handed.

The heart rate issues are more to do with exercises or repetitive movements, at rest they are more accurate. Though I don't know how good they are at heart anomalies.

Unless there is something specific you need the Sense 2 for, the Sense is the nicer of the two IMHO.

As for the Versa do look at remedies for the battery life, such as a button restart and the new V4 Fitbit App syncing issues which can cause battery problems are worth investigating.

[annieuk]

Many thanks for your reply @Guy_ 

I shall give it some thought.