Google Assistant on Sense works only if phone is nearby

[SPGmd]

I am relatively new to smart assistants but I was eager to try Google assistant on my Sense (I am not a big Amazon user so I was not really interested in Alexa).

When my phone is near by my GA seems to work fine but if my phone is out of bluetooth range I can not do anything with the GA on my watch (even start up apps on the watch). So for instance if I am not near my phone I can not open the timer app or start up an exercise. Is this really how this is supposed to work?

thanks FB community

-spg

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and updated label

[ConnieL429]

I could be wrong although I'm fairly certain you need to be near your watch as Google assistant uses BT to communicate with Google on your phone. That said, I suspect that, unlike Apple watch, the Fitbits do not seem to use your home WIFI to perform these tasks.  I don't really understand that. When using Alexa, it requires you be near your phone so it can communicate with the Alexa app on your phone. I've accepted that but again, WHY it can't just communicate using WIFI is a mystery to me.  Seems to me Fitbit always takes the long way around to do things.

[SPGmd]

This makes me sad. I was really hoping to be able to us GA to control my watch even without my phone. 

[mangiacake1]

The key is that Google requires the Internet to interpret speech to text. Even directly on my google phone - if for some reason I do not have Internet access - the GA does not interpret what I am saying. A future release that uses wifi for this might be interesting although I understand that wifi is off while not on the charger to preserve battery life.

[LizzyFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi @SPGmd, @ConnieL429 and @mangiacake1. I'm glad to see you here.

Thanks for sharing your insights and feedback about your Sense's features. Before anything else let me clarify that your watch will need to connect to WiFi when you're going to download updates, install apps or download music from Deezer or Pandora, and it's required to have it plugged into the charging cable. Otherwise, the WiFi will be off to save your watch's battery.

That being said, to use Google Assistant or Alexa, your phone must have an internet connection and be within 30 feet of your watch.  I understand how much you'd like to use these features without needing to carry your phone, I'm sorry this isn't possible on the Sense. Our team will continue improving the features that we offer to deliver what our users want and need, be sure that your feedback won't be taken for granted.

Have a nice day.