Herbie Murray
Fitbit's recent update to its Sleep page has been met with criticism from users, who have expressed disappointment with the changes to the sleep tracking display information. The update includes an interactive timeline of a user's night of sleep and is intended to make it easier to track sleep patterns over time. However, users have complained about the loss of specific data points, such as the depth of sleep and sleep percentages, as well as the overall design and functionality of the new layout. Fitbit is encouraging users to provide feedback on the changes, and while there is currently no way to revert to the previous version, the company has indicated that it is open to considering potential adjustments based on community feedback.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for Change | To make it more useful to its users |
| Changes Made | New tools such as an interactive timeline of sleep, easier ways to track sleep patterns, and the ability to scrub through the sleep graph |
| User Reaction | Negative, with users complaining about the new layout, inability to get a zoomed-in view, lack of dark mode, and loss of previous features |
| User Action | Demanding ways to return to the old sleep page style, threatening to switch to alternative products |
| Company Reaction | Fitbit is asking users to comment on the changes and a moderator has said that if a post "gains popularity" it will be shared internally |
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What You'll Learn
User complaints about the new sleep tracking update
User complaints about the new sleep-tracking update
Many Fitbit users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent Sleep page update, with some even threatening to switch to alternative products or services. The new update has been labelled as a "downgrade" and a step back from the "clean and simple style" that Fitbit has been known for in the past. One of the main complaints is the lack of detailed sleep data that was previously available, such as the depth of sleep and the ability to identify awake/restless times. Users have also criticised the new design, with comments pointing out the muted colours and the inability to get a zoomed-in view by turning the phone horizontal, making it harder to track sleep data.
Some users have also reported technical issues with the update, stating that it is not accurately tracking their sleep patterns and displaying incorrect information about their sleep and wake times. In addition, the new update seems to have removed the ability to view sleep data over longer periods, which was a valuable feature for those wanting to monitor their sleep patterns over time.
The removal of the sleep percentage feature, which is now only available on the premium plan, has also been a point of contention for users. This change has been interpreted as a tactic to upsell the premium plan, leaving users feeling deceived and disappointed.
Furthermore, the update appears to have impacted the readability and usability of the sleep-tracking interface. Users have expressed frustration with the new layout, describing it as "difficult to read" and "extremely difficult to navigate." The lack of a dark mode option has also been mentioned as a drawback, leading to a negative user experience.
Overall, the new sleep-tracking update from Fitbit has been met with a negative response from users, who are demanding the return of the previous sleep-tracking interface and the inclusion of more detailed sleep data. While Fitbit has stated that the update was intended to make it ""even easier to track your sleep patterns," the changes have not been well-received, and users are hoping for a reversal of the update or at least some adjustments to address their concerns.
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Fitbit's response to the criticism
Fitbit has responded to the criticism of its sleep tracking changes by stating that they have redesigned the Sleep experience in the Fitbit app – now it's even easier to track your sleep patterns. The company claims that the new layout makes it easier to see sleeping patterns over longer periods, especially over a month. Each night's sleep is displayed as a vertical line, making it almost completely intuitive to recognize changes in patterns. The new design also allows users to scrub through the sleep graph by dragging their finger across it, a feature that is found in some other platforms like Garmin Connect.
Fitbit has also pointed out that some characteristics of the old design remain, such as the way different sleep zones are relayed using a multi-colour graph. More data is now crammed into a single sleep screen, collating the sleep score and sleep zones. The company has also highlighted that the changes were made to make the app more useful to its users, with new tools such as an interactive timeline of a user's night's sleep.
In response to the criticism that the sleep percentage feature has been moved to Premium, Fitbit has not provided a direct response. However, the company has encouraged users to comment on the changes on the Fitbit Community forums. A Fitbit Moderator has also responded to community posts, stating that if a post "gains popularity" it will be shared internally, suggesting that the company is open to feedback and making changes based on user preferences.
While Fitbit has not directly addressed all the criticisms, the company appears to be listening to user feedback and making efforts to improve the sleep tracking experience. The changes were likely made to keep up with the competition in the market, as other companies like Apple and Samsung have also been introducing more advanced sleep tracking features to their devices.
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The redesign of the Sleep page
Fitbit has redesigned the Sleep page in its app to make it more useful to its users. The new layout includes interactive sleep tools and longitudinal views, which allow users to track their sleep patterns over time. The update includes an interactive timeline of a user's night's sleep, which can be scrubbed through by dragging a finger or thumb across the screen. This feature shows the user what stage of sleep they were in at any given time.
The redesign has not been well-received by all users, with some complaining that the new layout is a “downgrade” and that it is now harder to track their sleep data. Some users have also expressed frustration that they can no longer access the same level of detailed information about their sleep as they could previously. For example, while the multi-colour graph showing different sleep zones remains, the sleep percentage feature has been moved to Premium. The new layout also does not allow users to identify the specific times when they were awake or restless during the night.
Some users have also reported issues with the accuracy of the new sleep tracking layout, with some people finding that it is not accurately recording when they fall asleep and when they wake up.
In response to the complaints, Fitbit has said that it is asking users to comment on the changes in the Fitbit Community forums. A Fitbit Moderator has also responded to one community post, saying that if the post "gains popularity" it will be shared internally.
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The impact on user experience
Many users have taken to online forums and social media to express their dislike of the new sleep tracking layout, with some labelling it a "downgrade" and complaining about the muted colours, the inability to zoom in, and the lack of a dark mode. Some users have also reported issues with the accuracy of the sleep tracking data, with the device failing to accurately record the times they fell asleep and woke up. These users feel that the changes have made it harder, not easier, to track their sleep data, and some have even threatened to switch to alternative products if the issues are not addressed.
On the other hand, Fitbit claims that the redesigned Sleep experience in the app makes it easier to track sleep patterns, with features like an interactive timeline of a night's sleep and the ability to scrub through the sleep graph to see the stage of sleep at any given time. The new layout also allows users to see their sleeping patterns over longer periods, with each night's sleep represented as a vertical line, making it easier to recognize changes in patterns.
Some users have also noted that while the changes took some getting used to, the information they were used to seeing is still available by scrolling down from the big graph. However, they miss the sleep percentage data and the ability to see the specific times of awake/restless periods.
Overall, while Fitbit claims that the changes were made to improve the user experience and make sleep tracking easier, the response from users has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration and disappointment with the new layout and features.
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Alternative sleep tracking devices
Fitbit has recently made changes to its sleep tracking display information, which has been met with criticism from its users. Some of the complaints include the lack of a zoomed-in view, the inability to view the data in dark mode, and the removal of comprehensive graphs. Fitbit has acknowledged the complaints and a moderator has suggested that if a community post "gains popularity", the team will consider reverting the changes.
If you are looking for alternative sleep tracking devices, there are several options available:
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers: Many smartwatches and fitness trackers offer sleep tracking features. For example, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Pixel Watch. Garmin's fitness trackers, such as the Epix Pro, offer advanced sleep monitoring capabilities.
- Rings: The Oura Ring Gen3 and the Ultrahuman Ring Air are both lightweight, comfortable options that provide accurate sleep tracking data. The Oura Ring can measure metrics such as HRV, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen level, and body temperature. The Ultrahuman Ring Air also includes a medical-grade temperature sensor and a PPG sensor.
- Mattress accessories: The Eight Sleep Pod 4 Cover and Hub is a mattress cover that regulates your temperature. Another option is the sensor-packed mat from Withings, which slips underneath your mattress and tracks your movements, breathing, and heart rate.
- Dedicated sleep tracking devices: The Whoop 4.0 Band is a dedicated sleep tracking device that provides in-depth sleep information and personalized recommendations. It has advanced AI-powered technology and comprehensive data analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Fitbit has updated its Sleep page to make it more useful to its users, including new tools such as an interactive timeline of a user's night's sleep and an easier way to track sleep patterns over time.
The new layout claims to make it easier to see sleeping patterns over longer periods, especially over a month. Each night's sleep is represented as a vertical line, making it visually intuitive to recognize changes in patterns.
The new sleep tracking features have received a lackluster response from users. Users have complained about the new muted colors, the inability to get a zoomed-in view, and the lack of a dark mode. Some users have also expressed their dislike for the new sleep tracking layout, calling it a "downgrade" and demanding ways to return to the old sleep page style.
Fitbit has moved the sleep percentage feature to Premium.
Fitbit estimates sleep stages by using movement and heart rate patterns. When a user doesn't move for about an hour, the tracker assumes they are asleep. Additional data, such as the length of time when movements indicate sleep behavior, help confirm the sleep status.
