Sense properly counts steps only in my pocket

[DougWeller]

Which seems odd as it's supposed to be based on arm movement.

Even counts them on my treadmill when my arms don't move at all.

Doug

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[JohnnyRow]

We generally say it is based on arm movement, but truly it is based on movement of the fitbit wherever it might be.  We say arm (or wrist) movement because for instance on treadmill if holding arm rail, wrist is not moving even though legs are, but fitbit on wrist cannot tell that legs are moving.  But strictly for step count accuracy, in pocket might be even more accurate because, similar to clip on belt, it senses each hip/step movement.  But, as a practical matter, if all you care about is step count, you are way over-paying for a Sense. Most people want to see information on wrist. And in pocket, you get no heart rate info which is the basis of calorie burn and most other data.

[DougWeller]

When I got up from writing this I walked 13 steps with it in my pocket, 4 were counted.

[JohnnyRow]

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@DougWeller wrote:

When I got up from writing this I walked 13 steps with it in my pocket, 4 were counted.

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Thus destroying your own original premise.

Also, with very low step counts like that, you might be running into some Fitbit filtering.  Figuring it is on your wrist, and recognizing it can never be perfectly correct on step count, with low step counts, Fitbit might be wondering 'were all those really steps or were you just reaching for something or brushing your teeth'.  Never expect step count to be precise.  The longer the walk and the longer the time period, generally the smaller the step count error.  There are probably better devices for someone who is interested exclusively in step count, and willing to give up everything else that an activity tracker, any brand, brings.

[DougWeller]

That makes sense. So no accurate step count, no Fitbit device has ever been able to measure my sleep accurately, probably because I wake up so often to go to the toilet. But it does connect with my phone and that's useful.

[JohnnyRow]

"So no accurate step count"

Maybe semantics, but I would say ' no precisely exact step count'.  Perhaps "accurate" is on the eyes of the beholder.  If, by "accurate", you mean 100% precise, you are correct.  And perhaps you also mean it has to be able to discern the difference between a step and a shuffle or a foot drag.