Versa 2 apps aren't available on Versa 4

[dubecho]

Bought the new Versa 4 and very disappointed 😥
Not one of my Versa 2 apps will run/install on it, not even a watch face will work.
What has happened or have I just upgraded to a literal downgrade? Not at all happy and seriously considering a refund. If anyone was to ask for a recommendation, I certainly won't be recommending a Versa 4, sad to say. 😞

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @dubecho - the Versa 4 [Versa 3 Lite] is not an upgrade to the Versa 2 which is currently the best that Fitbit provides, unless you want a specific feature on another watch which may mean sacrificing reliability and functionality to get it.

[Diana0619]

I couldn't agree more.  If I wanted my Smart Watch to work like this, I could have switched to a Galaxy Watch.  I stayed with Fitbit specifically because my Versa 2 connected my Bluetooth earbuds and Pandora, making things easier so I didn't have to always carry my phone.   Very disappointed and may return as well.

[SunsetRunner]

It’s a matter of opinion on what the Versa 4 is and is not. It really depends on how you use the watch. To me it is a time keeper, step and sleep tracker, and GPS tracker for walks and bike rides. For those functions it works well with a good battery life so far.

To me design-wise it is a step-up from my previous Versa 2. Feature-wise it is a step back from the V2. I’m hoping they add the missing functionality back, mainly third-party apps and more clock faces as the few I used on my V2 are not currently available.

[Podenco]

I do agree with Guy.

The versa 4 is a versa 3 lite. If you compare the features you can't conclude otherwise. That's no opinion, that's a fact.

[asiayeah]

Short answer is Yes. 

[SunsetRunner]

It is all a matter of perspective and semantics. To me the physical device upgrades and user interface changes are considered an upgrade, but I am disappointed in the missing features. To others without those features it is a downgrade from previous products. 

I hope they bring back apps, clock faces, and more. For me overall the Versa 4 has performed well, but I do miss the apps.

[Justcruzinthru]

Loved my Versa 2 - only replaced it because the battery would no longer last the day. Had been considering a Versa 3 but waited for the Versa 4 to get the Graphite Aluminum edging that was similar to the Carbon Aluminum edging on the Versa 2, Versa 3 didn't offer these edging options. Never in my wildest dreams did I think to confirm I would be able to continue to: 
1. Download third-party apps that I used daily on my Versa 2 such as (a) Starbucks, (2) Flashlight, (3) Agenda, (4) Number, (5) Find Phone -- which Fitbit says is on the Versa 4 but nowhere I can find. No third party apps on Versa 4. 

2. Select which phone apps I wanted to receive notifications from on my watch, such as (1) Medisafe, (2) Messages, (3) Zoom, along with the Versa 2 standards: (a) calls, (b) text messages (which I selected WhatsApp, because the option was available to choose), and (c) emails, along with the ability to customize quick replies directly from my watch. These features no longer exist on Versa 4.

3. Connect my watch to my earbuds and play music. There is NO MUSIC in any capacity on the Versa 4. No iTunes download, no Spotify, on Dreezer. 

I agree with the poster above who mentioned they believe this is an intentional move on the part of Google. It seems they acquired Fitbit to gain ownership of the select Intellectual Property for their own new Pixel line and purchase customer lists/order histories, while constraining investment in the future of Fitbit. I also agree with several prior posters who said it's false advertising to refer to the Versa 4 as a smartwatch; it IS a FITNESS TRACKER. 

And wait, there's more! I'm also disappointed that the Versa 4 does not allow the owner to remove preloaded apps either. Huh? Nope, I don't want Alexa on my watch, nor Fitbit Pay, but surprise! Nope, it's going to clutter up your watch whether you like it or not. 

Overall, incredibly disappointed and will be returned. 

[HMHough]

Me too!  Just been exploring my new Versa 4 as it just arrived today. I had Agenda, Calculator, Medical ID, Bible verses etc. Also explored Fitbit Pay to see whether any of the main UK banks are supported but no..... useless! Tried Google Wallet but out kept insisting I'm in France and wouldn't let me change it to UK. 

[Guy_]

Hi @HMHough - if you aren't happy with the watch, Fitbit have a 45 day refund policy and some stores offer 14 to 30 day refunds.

[HMHough]

Thank you. Good to know.

Sent from Outlook for iOS<>

[dubecho · Accepted solution]

Just an update to this thread.
I returned the watch and good riddance. I think I was right in my original assumption. Google dumbed down Fitbit in favour of Pixel and loyal Fitbit customers lost out. The Versa 4 is 100% not an upgrade, it's a downgrade without a doubt.
 
Also, I do not appriciate the original subject line being "edited to clarify", the original subject line was very clear: Is the Versa 4 just a Versa 2/3 Lite? and I stand by it now, piece of junk 😁

[HMHough]

Thank you Guy. 
Mine’s going back!  Battery life isn’t as promised either.  

------

Mine’s going back too. The only reason I bought Versa 4 was because my Versa 2 battery started losing power quickly - everything else was fine with Versa 2 I’m not at all impressed with battery life on Versa 4.