Google Assistant will no longer be available on Fitbit Sense and Versa 3

[StefanieFitbit]

We want to share an update regarding Google Assistant on Fitbit Smartwatches. 

Over the next few weeks we will be progressively phasing out Google Assistant on your Fitbit device. You can learn more about this process here. This change means that Google Assistant voice control for activities will soon no longer be available on your Fitbit device. 

We understand that changes can be disruptive, and we value your feedback. We remain committed to continuously improving your Fitbit app and developing exciting new features. 

You can still continue to use Amazon Alexa voice assistant in certain languages and countries on your Fitbit devices. For more information check, How do I set up a voice assistant on my Fitbit smartwatch?

To learn about the Assistant experience on mobile  see, The Assistant experience on mobile is upgrading to Gemini.

[Jvdzande]

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@StefanieFitbit wrote:

We understand that changes can be disruptive, and we value your feedback. We remain committed to continuously improving your Fitbit app and developing exciting new features. 

No, you do not at all. There is simply NO commitment at all to improvement, only tearing things down.  

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@StefanieFitbit wrote:

You can still continue to use Amazon Alexa voice assistant in certain languages and countries on your Fitbit devices. For more information check, How do I set up a voice assistant on my Fitbit smartwatch?

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So your remedy is to go to a competitor...  Again: Seriously GOOGLE?

[Jdsenter]

@StefanieFitbit , You have the source code for the  Sense/Versa 3, as they have modified the code for the battery issue, they could modify the code to allow Gemini functionality like Google Assistant. As you asked for feedback, seems several people are requesting something to be done. We understand Google might want to wash their hands of older Fitbit devices. But there are a lot of users who use apple devices and can't migrate to a Pixel Watch 1/2/3 (which uses assistant now, noted that it will transition to Gemini), why can't they modify the code to use Gemini? 

Just some feedback, as requested.

Just my opinion, They removed Music capabilities, Fitbit Pay, EU removed app store, now Google Assistant. The original Sense/Versa 3 is the last best Fitbit device. With a battery lasting days not hours. I am glad they at least switched to Google Pay Mobile, although some say it doesn't support all the previous cards/transit Fitbit Pay did. Switching to support Gemini would be great, would be the right thing to do. I have not seen this notice on the Google Sense 2/Versa 4, assuming they are transitioning to Gemini?

[clk1986]

After Google bought Fitbit, I believe they stopped adding Google Assistant support to devices in favor of Amazon Alexa. I noticed this when comparing features on Fitbits and was also a bit confused at first as to why Google would remove Google Assistant from their own device.  But after thinking about it, I just decided it's because of Pixel Watch.  Pixel remains "Google", Fitbit becomes "Alexa".  I don't think this has to do with Gemini, as Google Assistant has been phased phased out after Sense/Versa 3, back in Sept 2020, which I believe was even before Google acquisition of Fitbit was complete.

Maybe it was part of the acquisition deal or what regulators decided needed to be done for monopoly reasons (having 2 smart watch brands with Google Assistant, both owned by Google). That's just speculation though. That said, I don't think Google Assistant has worked for the last year (minimum) on my Sense, so not a bummer for me.  Heck, I've had this **ahem** thing and have worn it all day every day for the last 4.5 years, I'm just happy it still holds a charge for at least 3-4 days (with sleep O2) and still functions properly otherwise.  Still not sure if I go Fitbit, Pixel or something else when this one finally kicks the bucket.  I'm not opposed to going Sense "3", if that's the newest offering when mine dies, I do really like the features and would still have to compare to pixel.

[TechGuy77]

I've also now have had 2 Fitbit watches because I wanted a somewhat smart device that was a bit smaller than those gigantic Android watches who's battery only last 1 day. I have some other watches that have all the features of a Fitbit. --------

Moderator edit - word choice

[clk1986]

AFAIK, Sense/Versa 3 (Sept. 2020) were the last Fitbit devices to support Google Assistant. Subsequent devices switched to Amazon Alexa for voice assistant. 

That said, Google is pretty much abandoning Assistant in favor of Gemini. Fitbit doesn't have any say in the matter.  Even mobile devices will lose support by the end of the year, leaving Google Home/Mini/Display the only place to find Google Assistant (though, unknown for how long).

[Krystalann1972]

My watch will be getting an upgrade and it will not be a pixel watch. Maybe it is finally time to toss Android and move to Apple. The fact that Google took a great product and is ruining it is ridiculous. 

[Jephryb]

Garbage. Google is killing the line so people will buy the more expensive smart watches. If I wanted a smart watch I’d have an watch, and since they’re killing the line, just need the Sense to hold out until later 2025 with the new iwatch Ultra 3 comes out.

[Kalcan83]

The link to learn more about the process doesn't say anything about phasing out Google Assistant on Fibit Sense.  What is the actual timeline?

[Jetskii]

Feel extremely disappointed and dissatisfied with this change. As a person with a disability Google assistant on my watch helped me organize my day text people and even call them without having to use my hands much. Will no longer continue to endorse or advertise google and fotbit products. 

[gilman0622]

This is absoulte garbage.  It has long been known that Google bought Fitbit to destroy the best selling smartwatch and promote there own.  I paid $245 for this watch and it wasn't cause it kept track of my sleep patterns or heart beat.  Over the past year Google has played with Assistant on fitbit in order to move people away from it.  It took months to fix the issue with the app staying connected to bluetooth.  Recalling all of the trouble Google has came upon lately you wouln't think they'd want to disable a product that millions paid for.  I vote that it's best to not support or promote google products any longer.  The people who are paying Google's salaries are the ones being punished and hit the hardest.  Whose the real boss here?

[Donnaloha]

That is absolutely wrong. It's a feature that's included that I paid for that I love. It's wrong to take away something that I've already paid for. I can understand not adding another feature but taking something away that I already have? That's just cheating. I don't feel good right now about Fitbit or Google.

[clk1986]

Keep in mind, this is wearable tech that was released about 56 months ago. Close to 5 years.  Fitbit doesn't have a say into whether Google can continue to support Google Assistant.  Google is dropping Assistant in favor of Gemini. Fitbit hasn't released a product with Google Assistant since Sense 1 and Versa 3.  Most companies would have already considered the device End of Life by now, just be thankful your Sense/Versa 3 is still functional, minus Assistant.  Google Assistant functionality is also slated to be removed by the end of the year on mobile devices. 

Yes Google owns Fitbit.  Fitbit had great tech, Google capitalized off that.  I think its fair to blame Fitbit for being naive, thinking they would survive Googles long history of abandoning projects (such as Google Assistant), because that's just what Google does, unfortunately. But at the end of the year, no matter what device you have, you are losing or will have lost Google Assistant.  The only devices that will survive a little longer are Google Home products and likely at a fraction of their abilities, since routines are setup through mobile.  Just make the move to Alexa or Apple in the future and move on.

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Seems silly to buy an expensive watch, just to have assistant when there were cheaper options out there, or even just the ability to just use an already (presumably) available android phone, since the phone was needed for assistant to work anyway.

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Moderator edit - merged messages

[trawg]

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@clk1986 wrote:

Keep in mind, this is wearable tech that was released about 56 months ago. Close to 5 years. 

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Seems silly to buy an expensive watch, just to have assistant when there were cheaper options out there, or even just the ability to just use an already (presumably) available android phone, since the phone was needed for assistant to work anyway.

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Moderator edit - merged messages

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It doesn't matter how long ago the device came out - it matters how long ago you bought it. Companies support devices based on when it was last sold, not when it first came out, for obvious reasons.

"Why not just use your phone" is asinine. It's like saying "why have a phone? you can just walk over to someone and talk to them", or "why not just count your steps yourself". Just because you can't see a use case for something doesn't mean other people don't get value out of it. I specifically bought this device because of the Google Assistant feature and so did many other people.I look forward to returning it as soon as the Assistant feature stops working for a full refund and getting off this cursed brand forever. 

[clk1986]

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@trawg wrote:

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@clk1986 wrote:

Keep in mind, this is wearable tech that was released about 56 months ago. Close to 5 years. 

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Seems silly to buy an expensive watch, just to have assistant when there were cheaper options out there, or even just the ability to just use an already (presumably) available android phone, since the phone was needed for assistant to work anyway.

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Moderator edit - merged messages

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It doesn't matter how long ago the device came out - it matters how long ago you bought it. Companies support devices based on when it was last sold, not when it first came out, for obvious reasons.

"Why not just use your phone" is asinine. It's like saying "why have a phone? you can just walk over to someone and talk to them", or "why not just count your steps yourself". Just because you can't see a use case for something doesn't mean other people don't get value out of it. I specifically bought this device because of the Google Assistant feature and so did many other people.I look forward to returning it as soon as the Assistant feature stops working for a full refund and getting off this cursed brand forever. 

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Sense and Versa 3 are still supported, not sure what you're trying to say here. All but one feature still works. That one feature that is no longer supported was reliant upon the Google Assistant app on your Android or iPhone anyway, so it's not really asinine since your phone has to be either on your person or within reasonable distance for GA to work with (not on) your Fitbit device--Your Fitbit device just relays the action or command to the GA app on your phone.

Your strawman arguments are great in proving that you just choose to be upset.  Of course you will just talk to someone in person if they are right next to you or even in the same room, do you use your phone for that?  How does counting your own steps even fit into this argument?  

What might be more helpful is the "many" people who bought these devices specifically for Google Assistant to maybe shed some light on HOW they are using it and WHY they can't use Alexa instead (which is still supported).  I am not one of those people who bought a Sense just to have Assistant, I could already RELIABLY use it from my phone or Google Home products in my house.  I did buy a Sense for the Dozen other features, Assistant was an afterthought for me, so help me understand so I can also be upset.

[Krystalann1972]

Alexa is dependent on Amazon. I personally do not have Amazon Prime don't use it and do not plan on adding another subscription. As for why I use my watch. My phone is not on my person at all time. I can use Google Assistant to send text messages , make calls without having to chase my phone. I included in my consideration, the Google Assistant, when I purchased my fitbit. There were other factors but I was not aware this was going away when I made my purchase. Had I know this I would have considered other options more seriously. 

[Donnaloha]

Wow. Just wow. Attitude much?

Aloha, Donna Wilson

[Krystalann1972]

Alexa is dependent on Amazon. I personally do not have Amazon Prime don't use it and do not plan on adding another subscription. As for why I use my watch. My phone is not on my person at all time. I can use Google Assistant to send text messages , make calls without having to chase my phone. I included in my consideration, the Google Assistant, when I purchased my fitbit. There were other factors but I was not aware this was going away when I made my purchase. Had I know this I would have considered other options more seriously. 

[TechGuy77]

This is super disruptive to my daily life. I use the Google Assistant so many times a day or at least I did until last week. The Alex sucks so bad. Google is keeping Google Assistant online for older devices but then removes it from Fitbit devices that were advertised as having it that I paid for that very feature. I didn't have to get my phone out. Then it was broken for like 6 months and they finally fixed it to pull the plug. If an Apple watch was compatible with my Google Pixel 9 Pro they'd be getting my money. Google just plain sucks anymore. I hope Apple decides to make their Apple Watch work with Android and if they do Google knows they'd be in trouble.

[clk1986]

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@Krystalann1972 wrote:

Alexa is dependent on Amazon. I personally do not have Amazon Prime don't use it and do not plan on adding another subscription. As for why I use my watch. My phone is not on my person at all time. I can use Google Assistant to send text messages , make calls without having to chase my phone. I included in my consideration, the Google Assistant, when I purchased my fitbit. There were other factors but I was not aware this was going away when I made my purchase. Had I know this I would have considered other options more seriously. 

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You don't need Amazon Prime to use Alexa.  But the point I'm trying to make is to use Google Assistant on your Fitbit, your phone has to be within a somewhat reasonable range.  Assuming you have an Android phone you can still use Assistant on your your phone for a while longer. If you go into settings, under "Hey Google & Voice Match" you can enable voice assistant on your phone, there are more options that also allow you to trigger Assistant from the lock screen (you can do this on iPhone as well with a Siri shortcut).  I always had a sub-par experience using Assistant on my Sense, but through my phone or Google/Nest Home devices it worked better. Hope you can find something that works for you.

[Sense2User2]

I’ve had a Fitbit since 2018 before they were bought out by Google. I’ve had more problems with notifications of text msgs since Google took over. In fact it stopped working for quite some time and finally fixed with a recent update. I’d buy an Apple Watch but I hate the battery life because I want to wear it to monitor sleep. 

If Apple would make a simpler watch with text and calling and health monitoring without everything else which

I would rather do on my iPhone anyway, and a comparable battery life, I’d pay the price for it.