Source
r/fitbit•
derpepper

Fitbit's track record for adding new features?

I'm super close to biting on the Charge 3, but it's missing a few features that would make it perfect for me, namely an always on display option, rep tracking for lifting weights, music controls, and some things that are allegedly coming soon such as 3rd party app support and SpO2 tracking. Most importantly AOD to check time without an exaggerated movement.

I don't have any experience with Fitbit, but I know that they've been touting SpO2 tracking since last year. Is Fitbit usually this bad with releasing their own advertised features? Do they ever add completely new features that were not announced at release? Even just minor QOL changes?

Posted Nov 19, 2018, 4:54 PM UTC

37
dreisiebzig•

SPO2 will come for sure. The sensor is build in, so this is a given.

But otherwise new features are very unlikely. At the most there will be some quality of life improvements. Fitbit historically has not treated these devices with a lot of updates that bring new features. I wouldn't even count on new (or finally customizable) watchfaces.

So if you're interested in the Charge 3 as it is - go for it. It's nice.

But if you're waiting for possible new features - better check back in two years for Charge 4 ;)

2
derpepperOP•

Ahh got it thanks! I might try it out for a while with the 45 day return policy and decide how it works for me. Here's hoping SpO2 comes out within the next 45 days.

1
Den_in_USA•

When I tried signing up for field beta testing, only VO2 max testing was listed. Although there is an SpO2 sensor, nowhere have I seen mention of the watch actually displaying SpO2 percentage. Also, in signing up, the testers agree to not discuss the features with anyone, which means they cannot even confirm that their watches are in fact displaying SpO2 percentage. There are tens of thousands who need to carry a finger Pulse Oximeter everywhere they go to check their SpO2 percentage. I hope Fitbit doesn't let us down!

2
speakxj7•

only modestly.

​

buy it for the device it is (state of the software inclusive). even for sp02, i wouldn't count on it coming to the c3.

​

didn't the ionic also have the sensor? i bet it is replaced/discontinued before support lands.

​

counterpoint would be that auto sleep tracking did get notably backported to the OG flex.

2
derpepperOP•

This was the kind of historical information I was looking for. I'm still hopeful for the SpO2 sensor to be used eventually but won't hold my breath for anything else.

1
secoccular•

From what I've heard, Spo2 is more than a month out. The Ionic was advertised with it, and over a year later it still hasn't shown up. The issue with Fitbit is they promise a lot in their press releases, then it takes a lot of time for the tech. to come up to speed.

​

The always on display won't happen, as they're really careful about things that affect battery life. They advertise around 5 days per charge, and that would go way down with an always on screen. I believe there's a watch face for the Ioinc/Versa that does do always on.

Rep tracking will never happen, not a priority for them. Everything I've heard indicates that kind of feature is a pain to use anyway.

​

Not trying to be a downer, just wanting to be realistic.

1
derpepperOP•

Most companies advertise their battery life with the screen not always on. Like the Galaxy Watch I tried is advertised for 4 days, but with always on display, it barely made 24 hours. Sucks that Fitbit cares more about consistency. Maybe I'll look into the Versa.

But yeah no problem haha. I just noticed that a lot of the things I wanted were in their "suggestions" forum and wanted an idea of the conversion rate. Seems to be near zero unfortunately.

1