Fitbit Studio, a web-based tool for developing apps and clock faces for Fitbit OS smartwatches, is being shut down on April 20, 2023[1]. While it was possible to create clock faces using Fitbit Studio for older models, the tool's deprecation and the lack of official support for third-party apps on the Versa 4 and Sense 2 complicate the development process for these newer devices.
Developing Clock Faces for Versa 4:
1. Official Support: Fitbit does not officially support third-party app development for the Versa 4 and Sense 2, focusing instead on health and wellness features[1]. However, Fitbit continues to offer a range of Fitbit and developer-created clock faces for these devices[1].
2. Workarounds and Community Efforts: Some developers have reported limited success in installing custom clock faces on the Versa 4 using unofficial methods, such as modifying existing projects for older models like the Versa 3[6]. This involves using the command-line SDK and manually adjusting project files to accommodate the newer device's specifications[7].
3. Fitbit Gallery: Despite the lack of official support, there are third-party clock faces available in the Fitbit Gallery for the Versa 4 and Sense 2. However, these were likely ported by Fitbit itself rather than being developed by independent developers[9].
4. Future Development: With Fitbit Studio's closure and the shift towards command-line tools, developers interested in creating clock faces for newer models like the Versa 4 will need to adapt to using the command-line SDK and potentially unofficial methods to deploy their creations[1][3].
In summary, while it is technically possible to develop and install custom clock faces for the Versa 4, it requires using unofficial methods and adapting existing projects from older models. Official support for third-party development on these devices remains limited.
Citations:[1] https://9to5google.com/2023/02/17/fitbit-studio/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/fitbit/comments/10ul8ce/am_i_correct_that_versa_3_bands_are_not/
[3] https://blog.devgenius.io/bringing-your-data-to-my-wrist-with-the-mongodb-data-api-and-fitbit-e73ad3db7dec
[4] https://45six.com/dev/fitbit
[5] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/SDK-Development/Versa-4-unable-to-connect-to-fitbit-studio-developer-bridge/td-p/5283914
[6] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/SDK-Development/Custom-faces-on-Versa-4/td-p/5501874
[7] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/73916842/how-can-i-enable-versa-4-usb-debugging
[8] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fitbit-versa-4
[9] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/SDK-Development/Building-and-publishing-clocks-faces-apps-for-Versa-4-and-Sense-2/td-p/5446484