Google's New Smartwatch (Fitbit Sense 2)

So the Google Store is selling a brand new smartwatch and I have one right here, but I’m not talking about the Pixel Watch. You see, Google acquired Fitbit and here we have the Fitbit Sense 2, but that leads to some questions. For Google fans, what can this tell us about the Pixel watch? For fitbit fans, how does this compare to the previous Sense, and for general enthusiasts, how good is this new device as a general smartwatch? The spec sheets look fantastic, with a 6 day battery, the latest health tracking capabilites such as an ecg, heart rate, gps, and more. And a lot more we will discuss in this video, but that is not the full story. There is a negative twist that I want to talk about.

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ADDITIONAL REVIEW NOTES:
DESIGN
Button on the side!
3 amazing colors
50M water resistant, so you can swim, shower, wash hands, or whatever with this!
Quick release straps

HEALTH
Sleep tracking
ECG
HRV
Skin temperature
Blood oxygen
Respiration
Heart rate
Stress & mood logging
Active zone minutes
EDA scan
GPS


ACCURACY
HR Test
GPS Test
I wish I could test the sleep accuracy, but I…

INTERFACE
I love how the notifications pop up in a non disruptive way
Lots of nice watch faces

THE APP:
Daily readiness
Sleep profile


PROS:
Google Maps and Google Wallet are coming soon… but not here yet
The button!
I love the fitbit app - proven success record
Fantastic display with great visibility and deep colors

CONS:
This has become the step child.
No WearOS 3
Not really as much google support as there could have been
The paywall
No rotating part of this watch, but it somehow doesn’t really need it
No offline spotify
Laggy interface

Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
This channel is monetized via YouTube ads as well as some affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to the buyer. Thank you all for watching!

[MikeOBrienMedia]

What do you think of the Sense 2? Will Google kill or keep the Fitbit lineup as they iterate on the Pixel Watches?

[ervalkat]

Very good and fair review. I've had Fitbits for a couple of years, and i do like them. On the Sense, I really like the new physical button, the snappier interface (believe me, it IS faster than the old versions!), the stress feature (maybe; actually it might be more annoying than anything else), and the sleep tracking, which is quite in-depth, relative to Apple or other watches. I do worry that Fitbit is being left behind now that the Pixel watch is on the scene. I actively dislike the form factor of the Pixel watch, and I hate the 18h battery life. Note that Fitbit's battery will last 6 days for most users. I just hope you and other reviewers are incorrect that we can't expect any improvements to this watch. We will see!

[Twoot]

Everybody will always have negatives and positives with every watch. For me this watch is perfect for my needs

[kaveman_]

Fitbit makes the data FEEL important. Fitbit let’s you go from a chub lord to obsessing over the data while getting fit. Apple fails at getting me excited about the numbers I see.

[FCisThePunisher]

10 months later, Sense2 and Versa4 have been the best smartwatches FitBit ever made. The software has been brilliant, no more connectivity issues no more apps that don't work, fluid experience. Thanks, Google for bringing Fitbit back from the dead.

[FlyWithMe_]

That’s like Apple’s strategy: “We removed a button/jack/connection to make it slimmer and it’s not needed!” Reviewers: “Cool!”
A year later: “We now introduce a physical button/jack/connector!” Reviewers: “Cool!”

[cringeydad]

I wasn't going to get the Fitbit 2 until Google upgraded the software to get Google pay and Google assistant. But I checked Mike's link to Amazon and there was a flash Amazon sale for $79.99 so I immediately bought it. Now its back up to the original sale price of $199. So I saves $220 off of the regular price. So I don't mind waiting for the update with that kind of savings.

[happybreadduck]

I got the Versa 3 and I really feared that Google ruins FitBit. I am kind of relieved that this did not happen.
I love that FitBit is not that cramped with custom apps and has such an amazing battery life. You can use your phone to do all the fancy stuff, why should you use your watch for that. This is a watch after all

[GatorColin]

I think there is room in the market for fitness focused trackers with basic smart watch features. Fitbit really seems to fit that bill for me. But... If the Pixel watch ever has 4 to 6 day battery life, I'm buying.

[connorfuller]

I went with the Fitbit compared to Apple Watch because I was tired of all the other apps that come with Apple Watch. I don’t need to look at news and emails and all the other stuff that comes with apple. Just needed to simplify fitness tracking.

[classicalmusic]

This is the best Sense 2 review on Youtube.

[Willow]

My husband bought me the lasted Apple Watch for Xmas. I hated it and took it back and got a Fitbit versa 4 . I love it ❤

[zuraiashvili]

I cant decide which watch/tracker is the best, currently I have my eye on this one, seems like great option considering battery life, accuracy and tech features.

[garryhammond]

Great vid Mike! - I just got a Sense 2 (great Black Friday price!). I think you pretty much nailed it.
I'm sure Google acquired FitBit for the technology, and patents, and eventually FitBit as we know it will disappear.
Until then, I hope to get good support (and the Google Assistant) on my Sense 2 before it fades away into the sunset... - Cheers!

[Ytahy]

Very rightly said its become like a step child and now with Fitbit clarifying that there is going to be no 3rd party app support, it really isn't a smart watch anymore. There is no wifi, calendar, calculator, no music controls, Spotify, Starbucks and other bunch of apps it had. Feel cheated after buying sense 2 that there will be no 3rd party apps. The clock faces are very limited whatever Fitbit provides. Fitbit pay has very little banks association outside the US and here in India, there has been no Fitbit Pay till today. They say they are expanding that has never happened. Sense2 was supposed to be Fitbit's flagship and now it seems to be reduced to just a fitness tracker and there is not much difference between Versa 3 and Sense2. This could be the start of the end of Fitbit. Apart from the great battery life, display and how comfortable it is, there is clearly no justification for its price tag. I would see if I can return it and it will be an end to 12 year association with Fitbit devices.

[lbrigh]

I care about accurate health info. steps, detailed sleep, vital signs and battery life. I dont care about youtube, text and calls. I have a phone for that. tablets, laptops... too much electronics promising the world. promise less but deliver accurate info. quality over quantity. Haven't found one like that yet.

[jaycecharles]

Mike you nailed this review! Every questionable decision google made with the design I have already noticed. It is a great watch and build that I love which makes me kinda happy but I don't like wearing Googles stepchild. Google is famous for dropping products which makes me think the Sensa 2 will have a very short life span. I could have spent that 200.00 on a worthy watch. I do love the find my phone feature and want to love the take calls. It only worked one time very well. The other times it has always flacked out. Thanks for such a wonderful review!

[viraldope]

Always had a fitbit, accurate, battery life and a great app...

[chrisaustin]

Just bought the original Sense for all the reasons you outlined in this video. I'm not going to pay $350 for the Pixel Watch for what it seems like you're not getting, and the Sense 2 isn't a big upgrade for the additional money. I have a Pixel and I've seen that the Galaxy watches are limited too. Hoping that 6-12 months from now, we see the Pixel Watch/Fitbit situation clarify a bit on direction.

[ftschembari]

I currently have the Versa 2 and looking to upgrade my smartwatch. I watched your videos on the latest Watch SE and this one, and the Sense 2 has sold me on the Watch SE. I just feel like Apple is putting more focus into their smartwatches, and as you said, Google has been neglecting the Fitbit products for a while now. The Fitbit App itself also has not had a major update in years and is way behind on feel. Half the time my Versa 2 isn’t even connected to my phone