As a long-time Fitbit user, I’ve seen a lot of changes. My journey started way back with the Fitbit One back then in 2014, then moved to the Alta in 2017 (I lost my One), Inspire HR in 2021 (Alta battery was dead), and now the Versa 4 since 2022. And let’s not forget the Fitbit Aria scales – my original from 2014 broke, so I upgraded to the Aria 2 in 2019, and it’s still going strong today with zero complaints.

But honestly, Google, what happened?

The Glory Days of Multi-Tracker Bliss

There was a time, not so long ago, when pure happiness was pairing multiple trackers to one account. It was brilliant! I could effortlessly swap devices based on my needs. Going to the office? The Versa 4 is great. But chilling at home? I prefer something sleeker, like my Inspire HR or even a Luxe.

But with the Versa 4? Nope. Can’t do it. Why? It’s incredibly frustrating. I want the flexibility to use a specialized GPS watch for running and my bike computer (like a Wahoo ELEMNT or Garmin Edge) for outdoor cycling, all while still counting my daily steps and activity with an Inspire HR on the Fitbit platform. Seriously, the Versa isn’t cutting it for serious workouts.

And while we’re on the topic of the Inspire HR, can we talk about HR broadcast (over bluetooth)? If the Inspire HR could simply broadcast my heart rate, I could pair it with my bike computer and get all that valuable data into my rides without strapping additional gadget to my body, while still capturing data for Fitbit platform (yea, I track daily calorie burn in Fitbit). It seems like such a no-brainer! Unless you want to enter the true sports devices like Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, etc. I’m not sure about you going this niche.

Where Did Wi-Fi Sync Go?

This one truly baffles me. My Versa 4 can’t do Wi-Fi sync, but previous models could. Wi-Fi sync meant I didn’t need my phone glued to my hip to get my data uploaded. I could finish my activity, go home, and my Fitbit would sync itself, just like my Aria scales. The whole point of me buying a Fitbit in the first place was the freedom of not having to carry my phone everywhere. At home, my iPhone is often untouched. Why take that convenience away?

Or perhaps, you want to push us to go with Pixel Watch LTE? LTE will drain the battery, it is not what we want. Long battery is the reason why we chose Fitbit "tracker" over the "smarter" ones.

Apple HealthKit and Google Assistant: A Confusing Betrayal

Remember when Apple launched its Health platform and Fitbit’s logo was right there? Then it vanished. Now that Fitbit is under Google, I get why it’s not there. But please, don’t abandon us iPhone users! We want Apple HealthKit integration!

And speaking of Google, why in the world is Amazon Alexa on my Google-issued Fitbit device? This is ridiculous! Where is Google Assistant (or even better, Gemini)? You owe us an explanation for that choice.

Google Wallet and Music: A Mixed Bag

I appreciate the Google Wallet integration on the Versa 4. It’s a great feature in theory. However, it’s useless here in Indonesia, but I know that’s not on you, and I can accept that. But perhaps, you have any workaround for us Indonesians to use Google Wallet with Fitbit when we go overseas?

Then there’s YouTube Music. Okay, Google, I get it. You want to push your own products within your own ecosystem. But I’m a long-time iPod/iTunes user, and now I’m firmly entrenched in Apple Music for its high-res lossless audio. I don’t need YouTube Music on my wrist. All I need is a simple Bluetooth music controller for my iPhone. Nothing more, nothing less.

But if you want to cram YouTube Music for offline play just like Deezer on the older device? I would very appreciate that. Versa 4 would be my running watch, replacing my discontinued TomTom Spark Cardio + Music which enable me to listen to offline music, without bringing my phone (or iPod).

We’re Not Looking for a Smartwatch (Mostly)

I do love my Versa, but I know you’d rather everyone buy a Pixel Watch. Here’s the thing, Google: Fitbit users aren’t necessarily looking for a full-blown smartwatch. We want a fitness tracker that just simply works, with a long-lasting battery so I can go on a business trip without needing to bring tons of dongles. Please don’t forget the core reasons why we became Fitbit loyalists in the first place.

With love, from 10+ years Fitbit users.