Sense Firmware Update OS 5.1.1 (44.128.4.17)

[FitbitCommunity]

Update 12/11/2020: An update OS 5.1.1 (44.128.4.17) is now available to all customers.

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Update 12/8/2020: An update OS 5.1.1 (44.128.4.17) is currently in progress. Full release notes can be found here.

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Update 11/25/2020: OS 5.1 (44.128.4.15) is now be available to all customers. If you have any difficulty updating, make sure you are following the directions in this article, and then provide as many specific details as possible in your post so that we can assist.

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Announcing the release of Fitbit OS Firmware Update 5.1 (44.128.4.15)!

We release firmware updates to all customers in phases. The update will be available to everyone soon, and a banner will appear in the app when you can install the update. If you don’t see the banner yet, check the app again later.

Important Note: You will need to be on the latest app: iOS 3.34 or Android 3.34.1 in order to view the latest features. Please update your app.

*Firmware releases are not distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. We do not recommend performing a factory reset to force the update to your device as your data will be lost and you may not get the update. Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

• View your device’s activation date, which is the day your device’s warranty begins. The activation date is the day you set up your device.

• Use Google Assistant on Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3. For more information, see How do I use a voice assistant on my Fitbit smartwatch?

• Use the built-in speaker and microphone in Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 to take calls from your wrist. For more information, see How do I take on-wrist phone calls with my Fitbit smartwatch?

• This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

Full release notes can be found here.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Sense can be found here.

I recommend updating your Sense over a home Wi-Fi network as this can greatly reduce the time it can take to get set up. For more information on connecting your Sense to Wi-Fi, check out this article. 

If you run into any trouble updating, review these troubleshooting tips. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts! 

[misot79]

I have updated the app as I was recommended to do so by the Fitbit app itself and it allowed my Sense to connect to WiFi on Android 11 and Pixel 2. It was impossible before. I haven't received the FW upgrade yet. Hope it will improve overall user experience which isn't really great. 

[Ripez]

After the update, is there a way to make outbound call with Google Assistant on the smartwatch speaker? Seems that you can only answer the call from the smartwatch... Thanks to all

[jwsaldo]

Anybody see an improvement in the accuracy of the heart rate monitor? I returned my Sense 2 weeks ago, went back to my Ionic, but am willing to buy Sense again if the HR has been fixed and is now accurate. 

[forthewatch]

I have Sense over a month now and I never faced an HR issue. What issue you were having? BTW I am still waiting for 5.1 update.

[sockatume]

Will the Fitbit app send me a notification when the update is available to me? Or do I need to open the app and wait to see if the banner appears?

[jwsaldo]

Look at the boards, there numerous post about inaccurate/ low readings on the HR monitor.  Readings are consistently low, 20-30 beat below accurate reading. There is even a YouTube on this , somewhere on the boards, where a guy tested it and described  technically why its not working. 

[MattJ71]

Got the update yesterday and installed it without issue in about 15 minutes.  I can confirm that voice calls are now working quite nicely!

Already took a few calls from my wrist.  Google Assistant is there, but it says "your region's language is not yep supported on Sense".  A little strange since it's English in Canada... but I'm sure that will fix itself soon.  Alexa now speaks to me too!

I do find the UI animations smoother.  Feels more polished.

The SPO2 sensor now works in the background, so it's not tied to any particular clock face.  Now I can use any one.

Overall, I am very happy!

[Ripez]

You can't make outbound calls... 

[BradXY]

2 days and still no update... Pretty disappointing... 

[katwoman5]

Will new purchases be able to get the new update, or would we have to wait to get it? I am thinking of upgrading.

[Trankster]

Anyone in Southern California receive the update?  Thanks.

[BradXY]

Still haven't got mine, I read it does not release based on location... So just a waiting game.... Which does not make sense to me.... They need to catch up to apple and google already!!!!!!

[MikeGn]

Hello, was Hebrew right-to-lefr problem finally solved?

[FloppyDrive]

Supporting Canada means they must support both French-Canadian and English. Country enforced mandate.

[Cyberpen]

Hello,

Your post clearly states that the 5.1 update roll out is available to everyone through several phases but no by region.

Can you explain to me why your press release says differently?

link here: https://investor.fitbit.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2020/Fitbit-OS-5.1-Update-Del...

I live in France and from what I read in small number 5 at the bottom of the page, for many countries the update will be available early 2021.

How can some users wait several months to get the update ? This is extremely frustrating.

Thank you for your feedback.

[SunsetRunner]

@Cyberpen that refers to the availability of Google Assistant NOT the firmware itself.

[Cyberpen]

Thanks for the answer. The article is a little misleading but fine. Then when is the update outside US? What are the “phases”?

[SunsetRunner]

@Cyberpen no-one knows, it is totally random.  For example, I got mine on the day of release (UK) yet others over here have still to receive it including my wife!!.  Fitbit releases have no logic behind them and just appears to be pot luck when you will receive it.

[BradXY]

Packing it up now... In canada u can return it until Jan1st if bought on or before Oct 21 2020 

[Cyberpen]

Thanks for the reply but I don’t believe I should return the watch. It works fine, I’m just waiting for the update that’s all