Bug-Ridden Fitbit Ionic Won’t Beat the Apple Watch

Experts tested the Fitbit Ionic and the results were disappointing. Even though the smartwatch is designed to function as a fitness device too, the many bugs in its software are killing the experience.

Experts recommend iPhone users to stick to the Apple Watch for the moment. What’s more, the difference in price is just $30, with Fitbit Ionic retailing for $299.

Fitbit has its own strengths like the smartphone software that is packed with features that you’ll certainly like. The hardware is sturdy too and the screen is bright enough to enable users to read it outdoors.

The Fitbit band is quite comfortable so you can wear it even in your sleep, which is critical for users who want to keep an eye on their health 24/7. The latest smartwatch is also packed with high-tech sensors like GPS and a heart monitor and even Wi-Fi to sync your data.

Too Many Bugs Have Disappointed Users

Technically, the Ionic is cutting-edge but the buggy software doesn’t make it a match to the Apple Watch.

Some reviewers reported receiving the smartwatch before the release, but it was so buggy that they had to send it back. For instance, the OS crashed whenever they tried to install a new watch face (a bug Fitbit said they fixed via a patch).

But even after the fix, browsing through the apps was slow and iffy which doesn’t happen with the Apple Watch. Another bug affected the watch’s ability to track sleep. In some users who slept the recommended 7 to 8 hours per night, it reported that they were sleep deprived.

One amusing bug in the Fitbit software was counting the user’s car moves in traffic as steps. The company vowed to release (another) patch to fix the bugs, but reviewers have already lost confidence in the device.