I'm not even going to get into the conflict of interest and how it manifested itself in the uncritical love-fest on the podcast.
It costs 3x a comparable Omron pedometer (that's all the fitbit is, a pedometer). The Omron comes with local software that you sync to your PC via USB (no massive battery draining wireless). Yes, you can actually keep your data on your very own computer!
Because they wanted Fitbit to be "wireless" (ohhhhh), the battery only lasts DAYS(!). And what happens when it finally stops holding a charge? Give me a good old Omron with a watch battery I can forget about for months and never worry about sending it in. And when do you charge the Fitbit? Aren't you supposed to wear it to sleep? I'm sure that isn't a problem though, people will probably rather leave it in the charger than strap it on for bed. And the claims that it actually "tracks" sleep are bogus. Moving in your sleep is no indication of what kind of sleep your getting.
Have you seen the Amazon reviews for this thing? Almost all 1-star, due mostly to horrible customer service and inability to contact the company (no phone number available).
In order to use this device, you're a slave to the company's servers, and they don't even give out a contact number?
The philosophy of gimping this thing on purpose in order to marry you to their website is troubling. It would have been so easy for them to toss in some simple software to run locally. The fact that they don't shows that they are more concerned with whatever they have in mind for you and your data then being a consumer-friendly company.
So when they go out of business, you're stuck with a super-duper fancy wireless OLED gdgt that is worth about the same as a $7 cheapo pedometer.
Good thing I didn't have this in Iraq last year... I had my laptop but sparse to no internet. The Omron software shows some really interesting data about a couple hundred dismount patrols. The Fitbit would be worthless.
I doubt something that needs to be "held together with scotch tape" after a few months of simple use would have held up even a few days in Iraq anyway.
Nice "review" on your show guys. Now lets see you do a review of the Omron to test your integrity. Or doesn't it qualify as a gadget because it's not wireless?
Discussion about
What a mess, this thing is destined to fail
1. We received review units, pretty standard procedure.
2. We don't have a relationship with the company and are not "somehow involved" with Fitbit and it's a gross mischaracterization to describe it that way -- and the fact that you are deliberately mischaracterizing what's going on in this way is incredibly disrespectful. We share one investor with them, but that doesn't mean anything or have impact except that we wanted to be transparent about it. I've never had any interaction with anyone at the company. I only even got my review unit because our shared investor had an extra that he was able to send to me to check out.
I prefer the data being web-based, just like with my email. The backup issue is legitimate, but not a pressing one for me right now and one that I hope they'll address. If not it's not a big deal since I don't care much about this data historically. To me it's not like email where I want archival data to refer to. Basically once I look at the past week's data I don't really care all that much or ever look at it again. Would I prefer to be able to save it? Sure, but again, it's not as important to me as something like email.
I get that it offends you that Fitbit is getting a lot of buzz when you think there are other options out there that aren't getting the same attention. But I think you're missing the point, it's the web integration that is what is attractive to people. I WANT to be able to track this stuff online, and the ability to compare against other users is especially interesting to me. I get that you don't care about this, but for the rest of us it's not just about the device itself it's about the integration with the web service.
2. We don't have a relationship with the company and are not "somehow involved" with Fitbit and it's a gross mischaracterization to describe it that way -- and the fact that you are deliberately mischaracterizing what's going on in this way is incredibly disrespectful. We share one investor with them, but that doesn't mean anything or have impact except that we wanted to be transparent about it. I've never had any interaction with anyone at the company. I only even got my review unit because our shared investor had an extra that he was able to send to me to check out.
I prefer the data being web-based, just like with my email. The backup issue is legitimate, but not a pressing one for me right now and one that I hope they'll address. If not it's not a big deal since I don't care much about this data historically. To me it's not like email where I want archival data to refer to. Basically once I look at the past week's data I don't really care all that much or ever look at it again. Would I prefer to be able to save it? Sure, but again, it's not as important to me as something like email.
I get that it offends you that Fitbit is getting a lot of buzz when you think there are other options out there that aren't getting the same attention. But I think you're missing the point, it's the web integration that is what is attractive to people. I WANT to be able to track this stuff online, and the ability to compare against other users is especially interesting to me. I get that you don't care about this, but for the rest of us it's not just about the device itself it's about the integration with the web service.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply Peter. I jumped the gun questioning your integrity; I misunderstood your relationship with the company.
I am also finding web integration useful, I just hooked up my Omron to the Microsoft Healthvault.com site. It's nice to have the excercise data included with all my other health info there. But it's also nice to have it stored locally as well.
It's funny to see a big Omron Pedometer ad on this page now, haha.
Either way, anything that motivates people to park at the far end of the parking lot, or take the stairs is a net benefit.
Again, sorry for implying you were doing something below board.
I am also finding web integration useful, I just hooked up my Omron to the Microsoft Healthvault.com site. It's nice to have the excercise data included with all my other health info there. But it's also nice to have it stored locally as well.
It's funny to see a big Omron Pedometer ad on this page now, haha.
Either way, anything that motivates people to park at the far end of the parking lot, or take the stairs is a net benefit.
Again, sorry for implying you were doing something below board.
I checked out Amazon and this dude was incensed enough to drop a 'review' there as well. Not sure why he hates Fitbit as much as he does. Seems like it's not for him, so good thing he has his Omron. Maybe he's an Omron rep??
Kidding aside, I think it's BS when someone 'reviews' a product they've never used. And if someone really wants pedometer/sleep data for some nefarious purpose, I do believe that person must be Dr. Evil and he is hatching a new scheme for his 'laser'.
P.S.: FYI, most of the 1* reviews on Amazon dealt with the Microsoft Online store and them not shipping when they promised.
Kidding aside, I think it's BS when someone 'reviews' a product they've never used. And if someone really wants pedometer/sleep data for some nefarious purpose, I do believe that person must be Dr. Evil and he is hatching a new scheme for his 'laser'.
P.S.: FYI, most of the 1* reviews on Amazon dealt with the Microsoft Online store and them not shipping when they promised.
I gotta say, having just listened to this segment of the show it is definitely jarring hearing you praise the quality and polish of the device one second and then having Peter mention his is held together with scotch tape. It was also odd how quickly that was brushed aside with just "we gotta get you a new one". Seems like that would have been something to at least talk about. What happened to Peter's? Would a potential buyer of this device see the same problem? Was this discussed on an earlier episode that I somehow missed?
Wow, heated debate here.
I waited 15+ months to get mine, and I now feel naked without it. It's a great little device and has helped me lose 25+ pounds since Nov09. Their website is half the equation where you can track your food, weight, activities, etc. as well as add friends which is a great motivator. I'm currently ranked #3 amongst my 30 or so "friends" which is a great mood booster. I log in daily to check my rank as well as read their community forums. If you visit there, you'll see that there are many fitbit lovers out there.
Regarding their claims of poor customer service, I'd have to strongly disagree. I buy a lot of gadgets, and these guys stand behind their product 100%. My first fitbit somehow got tangled in my seatbelt (i think) and twisted in half. I emailed support and was promptly shipped a new unit. I wasn't expecting that at all, but was very satisfied on the outcome. When others on the forums have problems, @Jerrod (a fitbit employee) will reply on the thread to email support and they'll take care of you.
Overall, this is one of the best things I've purchased. I really love it and if I lose it (which has happened), I'd buy another one without even thinking twice.
@Ryan and @Veronica, are you guys open to joining my friendly leaderboard competition? Add me: www.fitbit.com/user/229SMR
I waited 15+ months to get mine, and I now feel naked without it. It's a great little device and has helped me lose 25+ pounds since Nov09. Their website is half the equation where you can track your food, weight, activities, etc. as well as add friends which is a great motivator. I'm currently ranked #3 amongst my 30 or so "friends" which is a great mood booster. I log in daily to check my rank as well as read their community forums. If you visit there, you'll see that there are many fitbit lovers out there.
Regarding their claims of poor customer service, I'd have to strongly disagree. I buy a lot of gadgets, and these guys stand behind their product 100%. My first fitbit somehow got tangled in my seatbelt (i think) and twisted in half. I emailed support and was promptly shipped a new unit. I wasn't expecting that at all, but was very satisfied on the outcome. When others on the forums have problems, @Jerrod (a fitbit employee) will reply on the thread to email support and they'll take care of you.
Overall, this is one of the best things I've purchased. I really love it and if I lose it (which has happened), I'd buy another one without even thinking twice.
@Ryan and @Veronica, are you guys open to joining my friendly leaderboard competition? Add me: www.fitbit.com/user/229SMR
I appreciate that you addressed the many technical issues I brought up. The fact that you're somehow involved with this company is already interfering with a simple review and discussion of the tech.
Instead of being so defensive, how about answering a single one of the legitimate issues? You don't even have to defend the product, just give it an objective review in the context of the whole field of pedometers.
Regarding Amazon reviews, it is perfectly fair to weigh in on a product and rate it based on qualities that are clearly described. It helps other purchasers make a buying decision. It's relevant to know that someone choose not to buy it for a certain reason. I did my research and brought up a fact that isn't even described on the Amazon product page.
It's not as if I pretended to own it, it's clear I decided not to buy it. I thought it sounded awesome after hearing about it on the podcast; I'm glad I did more research.
So what did they fix to make it more sturdy? What was the initial design flaw?
Did you guys pay for them? Seriously, did you guys pay for them, are you just using evals or were they gifts you get to keep? It'd be nice to know. This wouldn't seem so advesarial if you were transparent in the first place and when questioned, answered instead of getting defensive and non-responsive.
Here's the breakdown of the Amazon reviews:
Five 1-Star reviews (including mine)
Two 5-Star reviews (It should be noted that one of the 5-Star reviews is from someone who has also never used the product)
As we see here on the GDGT discussion on this product, there are complaints on Amazon about the device itself, not just their inability to fulfill order and lack of customer service. The first two 1-Star rating deal with the device not working, then problems with customer service not addressing them.
I had no intention of being some anti-Fitbit poster (or Ryan & Peter hater), I'm looking for a fair review. Don't make this about you or I; address the technology. You guys really have no issue with the lack of local software?
Forget about evil plans with the data, what about when/if they go out of business?
Instead of being so defensive, how about answering a single one of the legitimate issues? You don't even have to defend the product, just give it an objective review in the context of the whole field of pedometers.
Regarding Amazon reviews, it is perfectly fair to weigh in on a product and rate it based on qualities that are clearly described. It helps other purchasers make a buying decision. It's relevant to know that someone choose not to buy it for a certain reason. I did my research and brought up a fact that isn't even described on the Amazon product page.
It's not as if I pretended to own it, it's clear I decided not to buy it. I thought it sounded awesome after hearing about it on the podcast; I'm glad I did more research.
So what did they fix to make it more sturdy? What was the initial design flaw?
Did you guys pay for them? Seriously, did you guys pay for them, are you just using evals or were they gifts you get to keep? It'd be nice to know. This wouldn't seem so advesarial if you were transparent in the first place and when questioned, answered instead of getting defensive and non-responsive.
Here's the breakdown of the Amazon reviews:
Five 1-Star reviews (including mine)
Two 5-Star reviews (It should be noted that one of the 5-Star reviews is from someone who has also never used the product)
As we see here on the GDGT discussion on this product, there are complaints on Amazon about the device itself, not just their inability to fulfill order and lack of customer service. The first two 1-Star rating deal with the device not working, then problems with customer service not addressing them.
I had no intention of being some anti-Fitbit poster (or Ryan & Peter hater), I'm looking for a fair review. Don't make this about you or I; address the technology. You guys really have no issue with the lack of local software?
Forget about evil plans with the data, what about when/if they go out of business?
I don't remember this from the podcast, nor do I know anything about the product or have anything technical to contribute.
However ... Did You really write more then one multiple paragraph post along the way questioning the integrety of Ryan and Peter ... regarding a .. pedometer?
I mean, really?
However ... Did You really write more then one multiple paragraph post along the way questioning the integrety of Ryan and Peter ... regarding a .. pedometer?
I mean, really?
I disagree with your philosophy that it is okay to review a product you don't own or have never used. You have taken hearsay and specs with no firsthand knowledge of how it all ties together and used it to attack the reviews of people who actively use the item in question. That is you providing a polarized opinion with nothing to back up your claims, not a review. I do not believe that type of 'review' assists other buyers in purchase decisions. I believe it turns people off to products before they've had a chance to truly research them based on nothing more than subjective opinion. And the folks that reviewed it solely on their experience with the Microsoft Online Store issues were also wrong to do so, including the five star reviewer. So really we're looking at 3 reviews from Amazon, not 7. And 3 reviews is hardly conclusive.
I have found that many people write 'reviews' without experiencing a product and that leads to the necessity of a lot of sifting when trying to determine whether or not something is right for you. I don't even think about writing a review for something till I've had it and used it extensively for a bare minimum of two weeks. I'd say your energy would be better spent providing a detailed review of the Omron rather than attacking the Fitbit. It appears you know that much better, having used it for some time.
Lastly, if local software is important for you, then obviously you want to shy away from the Fitbit. For many, it's a non-issue. Perhaps Fitbit's goal was to get their product out the door and start making money while they develop a stand alone suite. Perhaps their intention is to capitalize on the ubiquity of the internet and the portability of data such a setup allows. Personally, I like the idea of being able to access my data on-the-go.
I have found that many people write 'reviews' without experiencing a product and that leads to the necessity of a lot of sifting when trying to determine whether or not something is right for you. I don't even think about writing a review for something till I've had it and used it extensively for a bare minimum of two weeks. I'd say your energy would be better spent providing a detailed review of the Omron rather than attacking the Fitbit. It appears you know that much better, having used it for some time.
Lastly, if local software is important for you, then obviously you want to shy away from the Fitbit. For many, it's a non-issue. Perhaps Fitbit's goal was to get their product out the door and start making money while they develop a stand alone suite. Perhaps their intention is to capitalize on the ubiquity of the internet and the portability of data such a setup allows. Personally, I like the idea of being able to access my data on-the-go.
Thank you sir. I appreciate your reply. My apologies if I came off a bit harsh, but reviews are a hot button issue for me, likely 'cause much too much of my life is devoted to the pursuit of technology and gadgets. Thanks for the discussion; it got me through some of my Monday!
I would like to add my 2 cents on the durability of the fitbit. While on vacation, I inadvertently left my fitbit in my pants pocket and tossed it in the washer. By the time I realized, I checked the washer and all the clothes were already moved to the dryer. I checked the dryer and found my fitbit still in the pocket. It had went through the washer and dryer and still survived and continued to work perfectly. It looks like a flimsy little gadget but it's very durable.
Globalcop: you are absolutely right. Sad to say, I bought one of these pieces of crap, and less than a day later it locked up on me and wouldn't reset. I tried contacting the company via email, but no response. Imagine that. Let's hope these clowns do go out of business.
I know this review was written in 2010, but I have to say it wasn't destined to fail. :) My friends had a hard time finding one in stock at Best Buy, had to keep checking the stock and asking when more would come in.
I love my Fitbit, I've already lost 10lbs, and it does more than just a pedometer... it tracks stairs and sleep, and helps motivate, and also has an online food tracker included that easily competes with the Weight Watchers site (which is costly). Not to mention, it allows you to compete with your friends, we have a great contest going on for steps weekly.
Battery is not big deal, I put it on the base once a week and I'm good to go.
Just wanted to put in my two cents... I have 3 pedometers that I used less than a week and got bored with.... been using my Fitbit for months and don't expect the love affair to end anytime soon.
I love my Fitbit, I've already lost 10lbs, and it does more than just a pedometer... it tracks stairs and sleep, and helps motivate, and also has an online food tracker included that easily competes with the Weight Watchers site (which is costly). Not to mention, it allows you to compete with your friends, we have a great contest going on for steps weekly.
Battery is not big deal, I put it on the base once a week and I'm good to go.
Just wanted to put in my two cents... I have 3 pedometers that I used less than a week and got bored with.... been using my Fitbit for months and don't expect the love affair to end anytime soon.
