Fitbit recalls 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches for burn hazard concerns

Source: Fitbit

I received an email earlier today from Fitbit informing me that the Ionic smartwatch is being recalled. Its lithium-ion batteries can overheat and potentially cause burn injuries on the wearers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are reports of overheating from at least 115 users in the United States and 59 users internationally. Seventy-eight reported burn injuries in the U.S., including two third-degree burns and four second-degree burns, and 40 internationally.

The devices being voluntarily recalled include Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches sold in slate blue/burnt orange, charcoal/smoke grey, blue-grey/silver-grey, and a special edition co-branded with adidas in ink blue/silver grey. Fitbit wants consumers to stop using the recalled device and get in touch with the company for information about a refund. You can also receive access to a special discount on select Fitbit devices, bands, and services. Fitbit stopped producing the Ionic in 2020. Fitbit sold around 1.7 million units globally.

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Get motivated by your Bitmoji with new Fitbit watch face

Fitbit and Snap have teamed up to create a fun new watch face for the Fitbit Versa and Ionic. There’s now a new Bitmoji clock face that updates throughout the day to reflect what you’re doing or motivate you to get moving. There are over 50 variations of your Bitmojis that respond to activities you’ve done or help motivate you to “create healthy habits.” Some of these include waving hello to start your day, dancing with your alarm clock, being on a treadmill after a great run, meditating when you are, and sleep walking when it’s time to go to sleep.

Source: Windows Central

Fitbit's smartwatches now add quick reply functionality

One of the limitations of Fitbit devices is that they can receive notifications but while you can see a message and the sender, these aren't actionable. That's changing today with a new update which will allow quick replies. These will now have five preset responses as well as the ability to create a response provided it is under 60 characters in length. 

Fitbit's Ionic and Versa smart watches also have compatibility with Dexcom's app for Blood Glucose monitors, further expanding the focus on deeper health tracking functionality.

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Large Fitbit OS update brings new apps and functionality to Fitbit Ionic

Whiile it is a reliable and stylish fitness tracker, the Fitbit Ionic may have seemed anemic as a smartwatch. That's changing today thanks to the new Fitbit OS update. we're now seeing apps for home automation, entertainment, news and much requested clock faces. I am currently installing the update with a Windows 10 PC connected directly to the Fitbit Ionic using the companion app. I'll post impressions as soon as I've spent some time with the new OS.

Available throught the Fitbit app on Android, iOS and Windows, the update adds more than 60 apps now available across a wide range of categories, 100+ clock faces, and enhanced performance.

Fitbit is also introducing Fitbit Labs, a Fitbit Research initiative that will bring innovative apps and intelligent clock face experiences to users to motivate and drive behavior change, and help accelerate the company’s pace of innovation.

Additionally, Fitbit is partnering with Deezer, the world’s most dynamic, diverse and personal music streaming service, to provide international users the ability to listen to music directly from their wrist with Fitbit Ionic in 2018.

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