Latest news with #Versa4
Tom's Guide
01-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
This is the one upgrade that will get me to switch my Pixel Watch 3 for a Pixel Watch 4
I've always had very mixed feelings about smartwatches, but finally caved and picked up the Google Pixel Watch 3 last year. While my feelings haven't completely turned around, I have managed to fill a few niches with the wearable — but there's one thing I'd like to change. If you remember the original Pixel Watch, which was released back in 2021, you'll be aware that it came with a wireless charging-like system similar to the Apple Watch 10 and Galaxy Watch 7. By the time the Pixel Watch 2 came around, though, that feature was gone. And having used the replacement charging system and logged the problems it seems to have, I wish the Pixel Watch 4 would bring back something similar to the old arrangement — even though I know it's not going to happen should the Pixel 4 show up as expected later this year alongside the Pixel 10 smartphone series. Rather than having a wireless charging system, both the Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 draw their power from a 4-pin connector. It's the same charging system as recent Fitbit watches, like the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 — to the point where the chargers are (just about) compatible with each other. But while Fitbit watches are now functionally dead, the charging connection is still very much alive. The problem is, it doesn't work nearly as well on my Pixel Watch 3 as it did on my Fitbit Versa 4. I never actually had an issue with getting power into that watch, but the Pixel Watch 3 doesn't seem to want to play by the same rules. I've lost count of the number of times I've put my watch down to charge, and it just sat there not taking in power. I've done everything from making sure the pins are perfectly aligned, that the connectors are all clean, and there will still be times when the watch essentially goes, "hmm, nah." I never had that issue with the Versa 4, and that wearable was considerably cheaper — not to mention less advanced. Aside from the fact the charging pins liked scratching the back of the watch, it always recharged when I needed it to. I don't know why that's the case, but it's incredibly frustrating — and I'd love to be able to slap my watch onto a charging puck haphazardly with the confidence that it won't just sit there doing nothing. Plus, it would be nice to use my the reverse wireless charging on my Pixel 9 Pro to juice up my watch. When you look at the reasons why Google scrapped wireless charging for Pixel Watch 2 and 3, the reasons make sense. The main benefits are that pin charging offers faster charging speeds, which is helpful when you need to recharge your watch every day. This charging system also produces significantly less heat. In fact the heat problem was so bad that Google had to put out an update to nerf the charging speed to keep the temperature down to the point where a 100% recharge took almost 2 hours to finish — which is not good. I had wondered whether thickness was another factor, since it always seems to be with smartphones, but that doesn't seem to be the case. The Pixel Watch and its successors are all 12.3mm thick; in fact, they all look pretty similar, though admittedly, the original Pixel Watch is a lot rounder at the bottom compared to its younger siblings. That said, removing the charging coils from the wearable could have made space for other things. The Pixel Watch 2 has sensors for EDA, skin temperature, irregular heart beat rhythm and an improved multi-point heart rate sensor. Not to mention, it offers a larger battery than its predecessor. It was never officially confirmed that these features required the charging coil space, but I'd bet money Google definitely put the extra real estate to good use once the charging pins were decided on. As problematic as the Pixel Watch's wireless charging was, I'd still like to see some kind of puck-charging system come back on Pixel Watch 4 — or on some future model if it's too late to do anything about this year's offering. Google will need to work out the kinks, and improve wireless charging speeds without turning the wearable into a miniature burn risk in the process. Or, you know, at least make the 4-pin charging more consistent than it currently is. It really should not be hit-and-miss the way it has been for me, because like any charger, it should just be able to work. Hopefully, that isn't just a pipe dream.
Gizmodo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Owned by Google, Fitbit Versa 4 is Now Available at an All-Time Low as Amazon Clears Out Stock
Fitbit is now owned by Google following its acquisition a few years ago, and it has significantly improved its software and products to be the top brand among everyday users looking for a reliable fitness smartwatch. The Fitbit Versa 4 is currently available on Amazon at an all-time low price of $149, down from its list price of $199, and offers a substantial 25% savings for a limited time. See at Amazon Premium Fitness Features The Fitbit Versa 4 integrates premium fitness features with smart features in a polished and slender body. It has a bright 1.58-inch AMOLED display covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for strength and clarity of vision. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters so people can wear it when they swim or in damp conditions without fear of damage. The aluminum case and elastic strap provide a secure fit for wearing all day long. It really offers a complete fitness-tracking functionality: It has an onboard GPS and GLONASS to track pace and distance correctly without having a phone on one's person. Its users can choose from more than 40 exercise modes including HIIT, yoga, strength training, and running along with auto-exercise detection so that no workout goes unrecorded. The watch also includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring with high or low heart rate alerts to keep users in their target heart rate training zones. The Active Zone Minutes motivates users to stay in their own target heart rate zones, enhancing the effectiveness of workouts. Fitbit Daily Readiness Score which is included with the additional six-month Premium membership makes personalized suggestions to train harder or take a rest day based on recovery. Combined with the Cardio Fitness Score (VO2 Max), the user can utilize these and optimize training for cumulative improvements. Versa 4 also monitors blood oxygen levels at night and during high-altitude training, and skin temperature changes to detect trends that affect health. What's more, it boasts a personalized Sleep Profile, sleep stage percentage breakdowns (light, deep, and REM), and a Sleep Score to allow users to understand and improve their sleep. Its smart wake-up alarm also wakes users at the optimal point in their sleep cycle for better mornings. Furthermore, the watch also includes stress management functionality such as a daily Stress Management Score, guided breathing, and mindfulness content to promote mental well-being. In addition to fitness, the Versa 4 also seeks to improve daily life by making functions like on-wrist Bluetooth calls, text messages, and app messages possible. There is voice response and quick reply for Android users, and Fitbit Pay and Google Wallet enable effortless contactless payments. The watch is also compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice guidance and Google Maps for directions, so it's an all-around companion to workouts as well as regular activity. Battery life is great, with over six days of daily wear time per charge, which removes the frustration of frequent recharging. Combined with its light weight (about 15% lighter and 10% thinner than its predecessor), the Versa 4 is comfortable and easy to wear for prolonged use. Don't miss out, this is a deal similar to last Black Friday's one. See at Amazon
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Forbes
Fitbits Owners Are Losing A Key Smart Feature
Fitbit Versa 3 In the latest story of Fitbit's decline, Google Assistant support is being wound down in the company's wearables. Users on Reddit report their Fitbit watches are displaying a message notifying them Assistant support is due to end. 'Google Assistant on Fitbit watches is being turned down, this feature will stop working in the coming weeks,' the message reads. If you own a Fitbit watch, you may be wondering where this feature is in the first place. It only ever launched on the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3, which were introduced in 2020. This feature discontinuation might be seen as part of Google's shift away from Assistant, towards using Gemini as an umbrella under which its smart features sit. But Versa 3 and Sense owners don't get access to a Gemini assistant, they only lose the original. As noted by 9to5Google, this change was actually signalled by Google last year, when it announced voice control for the Versa 3 and Sense were due to be discontinued. The newer Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 never had any smart assistant features, despite being sold in as an upgrade to the original Sense and Versa 3. 'In regards to the voice assistant, let me share currently there are no plans to deploy Google Assistant on Sense 2 or Versa 4. I understand how much you'd like to have this feature available and we look forward to bringing this feature to future devices,' a Fitbit moderator wrote on the Fitbit community forum shortly after the watches' launch in 2022. These watches were released after Google's acquisition of Fitbit was completed, and dimming down the Versa and Sense lines smarts may have been seen as a way to avoid in-house competition with the Pixel Watch family. In August 2024, Google denied having discontinued Fitbit watches, following news production of new Sense 2 and Versa 4 models had ceased. You'll no longer find either on the Google Store, just the Fitbit Charge 6 and Inspire 3. Google's Gemini assistant is expected to come to Wear OS watches, including the Pixel Watch 3, in the next major software update.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Unlike Fitbit, this smartwatch tracks blood pressure, and it's down to just $21
Have you put that 2025 exercise regimen into effect yet? Maybe you want to get a fitness tracker first — well, we've got you. While many people consider the Apple Watch to be the gold standard, the price is a bit steep. There's a smartwatch that's much more affordable and still has tons of features that rival the Apple bestseller. Meet the Popglory! It's easy to use, and at $21, can you really go wrong? (The answer is no, you cannot.) This is an immensely popular device that shares several features with the Apple Watch, but it's just $21 right now with the on-page discount code. Compare that with the most bare-bones Apple Watch model you can buy, the Apple Watch SE, which starts at around $199, down from $250. Meanwhile, Fitbit's most basic smartwatch, the Versa 4, is considered a deal at $188 instead of its usual $200. There are a lot of budget smartwatches on the market, but most lack the quality that would make them worth the trouble. That's not the case with the Popglory, fans say. Of course, it tracks things like calories burned, steps walked, heart rate and even how well you slept — you know, all the smartwatch metrics you'd expect. But it also reads blood pressure, a feature absent from both the Fitbit and Apple Watch. If you sit too long, it will remind you to stand up and move around. There are even buttons to control your music. Compared with many smartwatches we've seen at this price, the Popglory commands stellar reviews and has a wider range of functions. Plus, in keeping with its moniker, it's available in seven colors, including understated pink and vibrant purple. This affordable smartwatch has received over 4,700 five-star reviews from customers who praise its accuracy and overall functionality. "The Popglory watch does more than any current Fitbit watch," one stat-tracking shopper said. "I had a Fitbit that took blood pressure. Now the Fitbits, for some reason, do not take blood pressure. I have had the Popglory [at the] doctor, and I had the same blood pressure within two points as my doctor got. That is fantastic." "Very efficient," said another metric-minded buyer. "It tells my blood pressure, my heart rate and my oxygen level. ... There are so many wonderful features on this watch. It almost acts like an Apple Watch, and it connects to my Apple phone just perfectly. If something goes wrong with this watch, I am sure to get another. But I've had it for a little over a year now and it's still doing wonderful." Many users have commented on its hefty runtime: "I bought this last year, and I love it so much. It is pretty customizable and accurate. I love the battery life on it. You charge for one hour and it stays charged for about three days!" "I'm loving this smartwatch. It isn't huge," another five-star fan said. "Great selection of faces to choose from. App seems to work great so far. I can't sleep with a watch on, so unsure about the sleep feature. Seems to be holding battery life well. Has a feature to tell you to get up and get active — who doesn't need that?" Despite all its features, the Popglory is missing a big one — it's not waterproof. But for the price, reviewers say that's a fair trade-off. "I really like the sleep tracker on this watch, and the quality is very good," another wearer said. "The only downside is that it's not waterproof, but for the price, I can't complain. Fantastic watch for the money." "This is an amazing watch ... great quality but without the Apple Watch price," a final fan said. But they cautioned: "The downside is it may cause skin irritation to some." The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Unlike Fitbit, this smartwatch tracks blood pressure, and it's down to only $21
Have you put that 2025 exercise regimen into effect yet? It's March, what are you waiting for? Maybe you want to get a fitness tracker first. While many people consider the Apple Watch to be the gold standard, the price is a bit steep. Well, there's a smartwatch that's much more affordable and still has tons of features that rival the Apple bestseller. Meet the Popglory! It's easy to use, and at $21, can you really go wrong? (The answer is no, you cannot.) This is an immensely popular device that shares several features with the Apple Watch, but it's just $28 right now with the on-page discount code. Compare that with the most bare-bones Apple Watch model you can buy, the Apple Watch SE, which starts at around $199. Meanwhile, Fitbit's most basic smartwatch, the Versa 4, is considered a deal at $179 instead of its usual $200. There are a lot of budget smartwatches on the market, but most lack the quality that would make them worth the trouble. That's not the case with the Popglory, fans say. Of course, it tracks things like calories burned, steps walked, heart rate and even how well you slept — you know, all the smartwatch metrics you'd expect. But it also reads blood pressure, a feature absent from both the Fitbit and Apple Watch. If you sit too long, it will remind you to stand up and move around. There are even buttons to control your music. Compared with many smartwatches we've seen at this price, the Popglory commands stellar reviews and has a wider range of functions. Plus, in keeping with its moniker, it's available in seven colors, including understated pink and vibrant purple. This affordable smartwatch has received over 12,000 five-star reviews from customers who praise its accuracy and overall functionality. "The Popglory watch does more than any current Fitbit watch," one stat-tracking shopper said. "I had a Fitbit that took blood pressure. Now the Fitbits, for some reason, do not take blood pressure. I have had the Popglory [at the] doctor, and I had the same blood pressure within two points as my doctor got. That is fantastic." "Very efficient," said another metric-minded buyer. "It tells my blood pressure, my heart rate and my oxygen level. ... There are so many wonderful features on this watch. It almost acts like an Apple Watch, and it connects to my Apple phone just perfectly. If something goes wrong with this watch, I am sure to get another. But I've had it for a little over a year now and it's still doing wonderful." Many users have commented on its hefty runtime: "I bought this last year, and I love it so much. It is pretty customizable and accurate. I love the battery life on it. You charge for one hour and it stays charged for about three days!" "I'm loving this smartwatch. It isn't huge," another five-star fan said. "Great selection of faces to choose from. App seems to work great so far. I can't sleep with a watch on, so unsure about the sleep feature. Seems to be holding battery life well. Has a feature to tell you to get up and get active — who doesn't need that?" Despite all its great features, the Popglory is missing a big one — it's not waterproof. But for the price, reviewers say that's a fair trade-off. "I really like the sleep tracker on this watch, and the quality is very good," another wearer said. "The only downside is that it's not waterproof, but for the price, I can't complain. Fantastic watch for the money." "This is an amazing watch ... great quality but without the Apple Watch price," a final fan said. But they cautioned: "The downside is it may cause skin irritation to some." The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
