Photo credit: www.androidcentral.com
What you need to know
Users of the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 have expressed concerns about significant battery life problems that have arisen following a recent mandatory update from Google. Reports within a Fitbit forum indicate that many owners are experiencing a stark reduction in battery performance, with some devices now requiring a charge twice a day. Prior to the patch, these devices typically lasted five to six days on a single charge, a figure that has seen a dramatic decline.
In January, Google had previously alerted users to overheating concerns related to the Sense and Versa 3, implying that a forthcoming patch might lead to reduced battery longevity.
Independent observations from users highlight the impact of this update on battery life. A primary user on a Fitbit forum articulated that since installing the mandatory patch version 36.128.6.21, the battery now drains “in less than a day” even after all non-essential features, such as notifications and snore detection, were disabled to conserve power.
This sharp decline in battery duration has rendered the device almost non-functional, with users noting challenges in accurately monitoring sleep or engaging in physical activities due to the compromised battery performance.
Other users corroborated these issues, confirming that their Versa 3 watches also exhibit the same lack of endurance. One individual noted they must now recharge their watch multiple times within a single day, a stark contrast to their previous experience where the device would comfortably last several days.
Discussions surrounding the Fitbit Sense indicate similar frustrations. Social media platforms and forums reveal that many owners of both devices are facing comparable battery issues after the update, suggesting a widespread problem rather than isolated cases.
The alarming nature of these battery complaints isn’t without precedent. Google had previously warned of overheating troubles, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the potential hazards associated with the devices. It was stated that the update was aimed at minimizing the overheating risks, albeit at the cost of battery performance.
Google’s announcement had not specified the extent of the reduction in battery life, leading to confusion among users. Current accounts suggest owners are struggling to achieve even a full day’s use from their devices, a severe drop from the previously reliable six-day performance.
In light of these ongoing issues, Fitbit moderators have reiterated Google’s prior warnings, prompting users encountering significant battery life problems to seek assistance. Reports indicate that one moderator directed a user to a compensation page after acknowledging the difficulties experienced with battery longevity. Users are encouraged to provide necessary details about their situations for potential compensation, as Fitbit has previously faced legal action related to overheating in its devices.
It appears that these recurring issues with battery life contribute to broader concerns surrounding device safety and reliability, particularly given Fitbit’s ongoing history of addressing overheating complaints since the earlier release of its Ionic smartwatches.
Source
www.androidcentral.com