smartwatch

fitbit-users-struggle-with-“very-frustrating”-app-bugs-for-months

Fitbit users struggle with “very frustrating” app bugs for months

fitbit, Google, smartwatch, Software, Tech / /

iOS and Android —

People have been complaining about some of the issues since at least April.

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Fitbit's Charge 6.

Enlarge / Fitbit’s Charge 6.

Google

Users of Fitbit’s iOS and Android apps have been reporting problems with the apps’ ability to sync and collect and display accurate data. Some have been complaining of such problems since at least April, and Fitbit has been working on addressing syncing issues since at least September 3. However, Google’s Fitbit hasn’t said when it expects the bugs to be totally resolved.

On September 3, Fitbit’s Status Dashboard updated to show a service disruption, pointing to an incident affecting the web API.

“Some users may notice data discrepancies or syncing issues between [third-party] apps and Fitbit. Our team is currently investigating the root cause of the issue,” the dashboard reads.

On September 3, Fitbit also released version 4.24 of its mobile apps. It’s unclear if the update is related to the problems. At least some of the complaints in this story started coming to light before September.

Owners of older and newer Fitbit devices have taken to the company’s online support forum to discuss software problems they’re reportedly having. There are several threads with dozens of pages’ worth of responses pointing to issues, like the app’s dashboard “deleting steps and not syncing properly,” the app recording steps but not distance traveled, the app seemingly showing inaccurate data, and other bugs.

When reached for comment about the complaints, a Google spokesperson told Ars Technica: “We’re aware of the issue and are working hard to get it resolved.”

Monthslong problems

Some of the complaints about the apps have seemingly gone on for months. Fitbit representatives have said online that the issues are being worked on.

For example, in an 11-page thread on Fitbit’s community forum, users say the app inaccurately claims that they’ve taken about the same number of steps per day for several days in a row. The thread began on April 10. On September 8, a Fitbit moderator said that Fitbit “is aware of the situation and is working on a solution to it.”

“We haven’t received any time frame yet, how long our team still needs to solve this. Hopefully it will be fixed soon,” the Fitbit moderator going by JuanFitbit said.

The Fitbit app.

The Fitbit app.

Google

In another thread, started on July 3, a Charge 5 user claimed that their iOS is tracking steps but not kilometers traveled. On September 18, JuanFitbit posted in the thread: “We still haven’t received an update on how long this will take. But our team has this problem as one of their priorities to solve.”

“Insanely annoying”

As expected, the ongoing bugs and broken features have left users frustrated and hungry for a solution.

“This is insanely annoying,” a forum user going by MonkeyPants wrote on September 11. “The app has constant syncing issues especially with the One.”

Since acquiring Fitbit in 2021, Google has ushered sweeping changes to the platform, including removing the online dashboard, social features, and the ability to sync Fitbits with computers. Some long-time Fitbit owners have accused Google of reducing Fitbit support and quality in favor of Google Pixel Watches. For its part, Google has denied that it will stop making Fitbit products.

On Fitbit’s forum, a user called DustyStone claimed they are having problems with the app’s dashboard losing steps and not syncing properly. They said this happened with both an old Fitbit One and newly purchased Inspire 3:

It looks that Google just somehow screwed up the app. Worse yet, nothing has changed in weeks. Google is a tier 1 tech company. But their response to this issue and the deletion of the web based Fitbit platform shows that may no longer be the case.

Similarly, MBWaldo said they are “not sure how serious the fitbit team is about resolving” the app problems while lamenting the lack of an online dashboard, like countless other users we’ve seen.

“Very frustrating!!!!,” MBWaldo wrote. “I have been experiencing this for several days now. I have deleted app and reinstalled it, I have unpaired and re-paired the ONE and looked for app updates in the app store – NADA. And of course the dashboard is no longer available at fitbit.com.”

Some app problems fixed

Based on Fitbit’s forums, it seems that at least some recently reported software problems have been fixed.

For example, some customers recently pointed to a problem with the apps’ “Exercise days” tiles not loading properly being fixed. Some people have also said that they’re no longer experiencing a problem where the app was listing calorie counts for days in the future.

One only needs to go back to the recent Sonos app debacle for a reminder of the importance of ensuring that software changes won’t hurt the experience of already-purchased hardware. A company’s bad app and slow response to issues can ruin otherwise functioning hardware and discourage future purchases.

Although this is different from the Charge 5’s battery problems that were suspected to be caused by a firmware update—Google denied this was the case but didn’t provide an alternate answer—it’s an improvement to see Google at least acknowledge the app problems. But killing features combined with a broken app experience won’t help the wearables brand’s errant reputation. Fixes are reportedly in the works, but for some it may be too little too late.

Fitbit users struggle with “very frustrating” app bugs for months Read More »

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Google denies reports that it’s discontinuing Fitbit products

fitbit, Google, smartwatch, Tech / /

Fitbit lives on … for now —

Claims that there will be no new Versas or Senses is incorrect, rep says.

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The Fitbit Sense 2.

Enlarge / The Fitbit Sense 2.

Google

Google is denying a recent report that it is no longer making Fitbit smartwatches. A company spokesperson told Ars Technica today that Google has no current plans to discontinue the Fitbit Sense or Fitbit Versa product lines.

On Sunday, TechRadar published an article titled “RIP Fitbit smartwatches—an end we could see coming a mile away.” The article noted last week’s announcement of the new Google Pixel Watch 3. Notably, the watch from Google, which acquired Fitbit in 2019, gives users free access to the Daily Readiness Score, a feature that previously required a Fitbit Premium subscription (Pixel Watch 3 owners also get six free months of Fitbit Premium). The publication said that Fitbit has been “consigned to wearable history” and reported:

Google quietly confirmed that there would never be another Fitbit Sense or Versa model produced. From now on, Fitbit-branded devices will be relegated to Google’s best fitness trackers: the Fitbit Inspire, Luxe, and Charge ranges. The smartwatch form factor would be exclusively reserved for the Pixel Watch line.

The story followed a report from Engadget last week, when the puiblication said that “moving forward everything from Fitbit would focus on the more minimalistic, long-lasting trackers the brand has become synonymous with,” citing a conversation with the senior director of product management for Pixel Wearables, Sandeep Waraich. “Pixel Watches are our next iteration of smartwatch for Fitbit,” he reportedly said.

When reached for comment, however, a Google spokesperson told me that the TechRadar story is “not correct” and shared the following statement:

We are very committed to Fitbit, and even more importantly to the customers that use and depend on those products and technology. It’s also worth noting that many of the health and fitness features we launched in Pixel Watch 3 were because of Fitbit’s innovation and ground-breaking fitness advancements. In addition, we just launched Fitbit Ace LTE, [a smartwatch for kids released on June 5], and you’ll continue to see new products and innovation from Fitbit.

While the company rep told me that they could not confirm a specific upcoming Sense or Versa model or any other specifics about Google’s product road map, they claimed that Google hasn’t discontinued the lines.

Fitbit fears

TechRadar’s concerns about Fitbit smartwatches dying also stem from the Sense 2 and Versa 4 lacking some features of its predecessors, including ways to control music or access music apps. The Pixel Watch, meanwhile, has music app support, like YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora. “Once Google completed its acquisition in January 2021 and debuted its first Pixel Watch in 2022, the Versa and the Sense watches were holdovers of a bygone era,” TechRadar wrote.

Google also has more than its fair share of dead products, prompting Fitbit fans to be wary about the future of the smartwatch brand.

However, Google’s spokesperson noted that “part of everything that we just launched from Pixel Watch is based on Fitbit technology, so it is not going anywhere.”

While Fitbit tech and perhaps its name may live on, it’s reasonable to question the brand’s longevity. Concerns about Google discontinuing Fitbit smartwatches have been fueled by Google taking Fitbit features and incorporating them into Google-branded watches. Google has also discontinued various beloved Fitbit features, including the Fitbit.com online dashboard, social features, and the ability to sync with computers. Google also previously announced that it’s closing all Fitbit accounts (forcing users onto Google accounts) next year and also shut down the Fitbit SDK for app development. Google’s Fitbit reputation has been further damaged by widely reported battery problems that some Charge 5 users have experienced. Google denied that the quick-dying battery issue stemmed from a firmware update but never publicly confirmed what it believes the problem is. This Google-fication of Fitbit has led long-term customers to publicly complain about Google allegedly reducing customer support and care for Fitbit users.

At this time, Google isn’t announcing the end of any Fitbit product lines. But it remains possible that if future devices arrive, they may lack the features of previous Fitbits or Pixel Watches. The Fitbit brand isn’t dead, but Fitbit, as people knew it before Google’s acquisition, is no more.

This article was updated with information from Engadget. 

Google denies reports that it’s discontinuing Fitbit products Read More »

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“Time to move on”: Fitbit owners fed up with battery problems, Google response

fitbit, Google, smartwatch, Tech / /
Fitbit Charge 5

Enlarge / The Fitbit Charge 5 came out in September 2021.

Google

Fitbit owners are getting frustrated with Charge 5 fitness trackers quickly losing their charge and, in some cases, exhibiting additional problems. Google has denied that the problems are tied to firmware updates. But users remain skeptical, and some are fed up with Google’s limited response to a recurring problem.

Charge 5 battery complaints

On December 21, Fitbit announced Charge 5 firmware update 194.91 on its support forum. On paper, the update seemed typical, promising things like new clock faces, support for right-to-left text, and “bug fixes and improvements,” per the release notes.

But by early January, there were complaints on the forum from people who said they updated their Charge 5 and then saw their device’s battery suddenly drain much faster. Examples include one user claiming their battery life drains from 100 percent to 0 percent in 25 minutes and others saying their Charge 5 lasts about 12 hours. Most say their Charge 5 no longer lasts for a full day despite staying powered for days between charges before the update. The problems led a user going by Ge0ffh to call his device “completely unusable.”

A user named Disappointed01 said:

My Charge 5 (2yrs [sic] old) was working fine until I ran this update. Now I have to recharge it as least twice a day. Fully charged last night wore it for sleeping & flat when I awoke this morning. Have tried resetting … as per the advice on here. Has made no difference. Really disappointed as I love my Charge 5. I see a direct correlation between this battery issue and the update even though Fitbit reckon that’s not the case.

There are similar recollections and accusations against the firmware update on the support thread, which is 21 pages long as of this writing.

One user on the thread reported that they live in a household with three Charge 5s and that theirs is the only one with the latest firmware update and the only one experiencing problems.

Google denies firmware problem

The BBC was the first to report on concerns about the Charge 5’s latest firmware. Today, it reported that Google denied problems with the update.

“We’re still investigating this issue but can confirm it is not due to the recent firmware update,” a Google spokesperson told the BBC, which noted that Google’s rep “did not offer any alternative explanation.”

The Google spokesperson also advised users to keep updating their devices and to contact customer service if they have problems.

On the thread announcing the update, a Fitbit moderator has also advised users to contact Fitbit and conduct basic troubleshooting.

When I looked through the 21 pages of mostly complaints on the support thread, I saw a few people who reported that the firmware update did not result in Charge 5 problems.

But there are also numerous threads online (examples here, here, here, and here) demonstrating newfound frustration with the Charge 5.

“Time to move on”: Fitbit owners fed up with battery problems, Google response Read More »

apple-watch-redesigned-without-blood-oxygen-monitoring-to-avoid-import-ban

Apple Watch redesigned without blood oxygen monitoring to avoid import ban

Apple, apple watch, patent infringement, Policy, smartwatch, Tech / /

Masimo patent battle —

Apple preps update should patent-infringing Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 be banned again.

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Apple Watch Series 9

Enlarge / The Apple Watch Series 9.

Apple

Apple has developed a backup plan for if the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are import banned again. As it currently appeals the US International Trade Commission’s (ITC’s) ruling that its watches violate a patent owned by Masimo, Apple has come up with a software workaround that strips its current smartwatches of their controversial blood oxygen monitoring capabilities.

In January 2023, the ITC ruled that the Watch violated one of California-headquartered Masimo’s light-based pulse oximetry patents. The Apple Watch Series 6, which came out in 2020, was the first Apple smartwatch to use a pulse oximeter sensor.

Facing a US import ban of the current Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, both released in September 2023, Apple started pulling the smartwatches on December 21. But on December 27, Apple, which filed its appeal against the ITC’s ruling on December 26 (after US President Joe Biden declined to overrule the ITC ruling), received an emergency interim stay from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, allowing it to continue selling the Watch.

On Monday, Masimo sent a letter [PDF] to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, as spotted by 9to5Mac, stating that US Customs and Border Protection decided on January 12 that Apple has redesigned the Watches so that they do not contain pulse oximetry functionality.

Apple accomplished this through a “software workaround” for smartwatches recently shipped to its physical stores, according to a Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman on Monday. However, the stores will not sell the redesigned watches until Apple headquarters tells them to, Bloomberg reported.

The publication noted that Apple will probably only release the Watches that can’t monitor blood oxygen levels if the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denies Apple’s request that its stay be upheld for the duration of its appeal against the ITC ruling, which Apple expects to be at least a year, an Apple spokesperson told Ars Technica. Apple expects that ruling to come as early as today.

Currently, the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are still available with blood oxygen monitoring, an Apple spokesperson confirmed to Ars. But Apple hasn’t confirmed how long that will be the case, jeopardizing demand and the perceived value for Apple’s latest smartwatches.

Longer term, Bloomberg also reported that Apple is developing a software update that alters the watches’ blood oxygen monitoring app and algorithms so that users can still check out their blood oxygen but without Apple infringing on any patents.

For the ITC’s part, it responded to Apple’s requests for an extended stay on the import ban in a court filing on January 10 [PDF]. It stated that Apple has provided “a weak and unconvincing case” and that the tech giant’s arguments “amount to little more than an indisputably adjudicated infringer requesting permission to continue infringing the asserted patents.”

Prospective owners of the Apple Watch who value blood oxygen monitoring should keep an eye open for the appeals court’s ruling because it could swiftly result in Apple Watches that they’re considering buying missing a key feature.

Apple Watch redesigned without blood oxygen monitoring to avoid import ban Read More »

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Appeals court pauses ban on patent-infringing Apple Watch imports

Apple, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, patent appeals, smartwatch, Tech / /

still on hold —

Apple pulled the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from sale on December 21.

– Updated

Apple Watch Series 9

Enlarge / The Apple Watch Series 9 released in September 2023.

Apple

Just before Christmas, Apple pulled two of its latest smartwatches from stores. The cause was not an unwelcome visit from the ghost of mechanical timepieces past but the International Trade Commission, which found that the California-based computer maker had infringed on some patents, resulting in the ITC banning the import of said watches. Yesterday, Reuters reported that Apple filed an emergency request for the courts to lift the ban and will appeal the ITC ruling.

And today, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted Apple’s wish, pausing the ban while it considers the tech company’s argument.

Apple’s watch problems started back in January. That’s when a court found that the light-based pulse oximetry sensor (found on the back of the watches) infringed patents held by Masimo, a medical device manufacturer also based in California.

At the time, Apple said since Masimo was not a consumer-focused company, it chose not to collaborate or acquire the medical device maker. Masimo, for its part, said that Apple led it on in discussions then took its idea and hired away Masimo engineers.

In October, the ITC upheld the ruling of infringement and started the process to ban imports of the watches, giving US President Joe Biden’s administration 60 days to review the case and possibly veto the ruling.

But the Biden administration has chosen not to interfere, unlike in 2013 when the Obama administration vetoed a ban on iPhones and iPads during a patent dispute between Apple and Samsung. Although the ITC’s import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models was supposed to go into effect on December 26, Apple pulled the watches from sale a few days early. The older Apple Watch SE, which doesn’t use the infringing blood oxygen sensor, remains on sale.

“We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible,” Apple said in a statement.

Apple had asked the CAFC to pause the ban until US Customs and Border Protection decides whether redesigned Apple Watches no longer infringe on Masimo’s patents, a decision that should be reached by January 12. Now the court has given the ITC a deadline of January 10 to respond to Apple.

This article was updated shortly after publication to reflect the court pausing the import ban.

Appeals court pauses ban on patent-infringing Apple Watch imports Read More »

citizen-introduces-newest-smartwatch,-cz-smart-hybrid-watch

Citizen Introduces Newest Smartwatch, CZ Smart Hybrid Watch

ces2022, citizen, Highlights, smartwatch, watch, Wearable Tech / /

November 23, 2021• by

With the success of CZ Smart Wear OS, Citizen introduces its newest smartwatch – a hybrid with an analog display. With the aesthetic of a Citizen sport watch, it provides the exceptional design we have come to expect from Citizen while delivering technology, feature-rich convenience.

Citizen’s newest innovation is distinctive in that it marries the style of a traditional timepiece with the technical capabilities of a smartwatch. With these modern features, the smartwatch has the look and feel of a sport timepiece with analog hands that snap to the sides to reveal notifications. The 44mm stainless steel case features a standout bezel with bold numerical design. Offered in both silver-tone stainless steel and black ion-plated stainless steel, this smart timepiece is a true showstopper. The integrated silicone strap with hexagon inlay pattern, contours to fit your wrist and is available in a range of stylish colors: black, bright white, navy and hunter green. The watch features a large black and white display that eliminates glare, making it easier to read the screen in daylight. Compatible with both iPhone and Android phones.

The hybrid provides its wearer with health and wellness monitoring through a built-in heartrate sensor and accelerometer. Continuous heartrate monitoring, step tracking, workout tracking, calories burned, and advanced sleep monitoring keep wearers on track with their fitness goals – they can even monitor their daily, weekly, and monthly activity with the Citizen Connected app, which syncs with Google Fit and Apple Health. 

One of the most unique features of the Hybrid is its robust battery life. To eliminate the need for daily charging, the CZ Smart Hybrid has an impressive 15-day battery life and comes with a 40-minute quick charging cable. The Citizen Connected app seamlessly syncs with Bluetooth connection within 30 feet, and 5 customizable dials are created to fit any lifestyle and personality – with information including heart rate, steps, active minutes, day/date, a second time zone, weather and many more features. Receiving your smartphone notifications allows for convenience of at-a-glance with updates for calendar, email, text and other important alerts.

The watch will feature a golf app, with proprietary software that include US and Canada golf course locations along with information about course weather by the hour, wind speed and direction, yardage of hole and more. Citizen will continue to add special features to the software in coming months, with plans to launch further advancements to the Citizen Connected app in Spring 2022, giving each hybrid smartwatch owner an even more unique experience.

“The CZ Smart hybrid smartwatch is for those who want the accessibility of a smartwatch but prefer the elevated style of a traditional timepiece,” says Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen. “We are continuously creating new solutions for our customers’ needs. Many smartwatches on the market are only about functionality. This timepiece not only provides the functionality our consumers are asking for, but also makes a statement with superior Citizen design and style. It embodies Citizen’s commitment to excellence and the drive for continued innovation.”

CZ SMART HYBRID ATTRIBUTES

  • Sensors: Heart Rate and Accelerometer
  • Proprietary Operating System: Citizen
  • Advanced Sleep Monitor, Calorie Burn
  • Advanced Activity Tracking
  • Connection: Bluetooth®
  • Charging Time: 40-minutes to 80%
  • Battery Life: 15-days, depending on usage
  • Water Resistance / 3ATM / 30 Meters
  • Case Size: 44mm / Stainless Steel Case
  • Attachment: Silicone strap
  • Display Type: 1.3” MIP
  • Android and iOS compatible

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Last modified: November 4, 2021

About the Author:

Eric is the Editor-In-Chief at TheCESBible.com

Citizen Introduces Newest Smartwatch, CZ Smart Hybrid Watch Read More »