The Fitbit Versa 4 has several compatibility issues, particularly with unofficial packages and third-party apps. Here's a detailed overview:
1. Third-Party App Support: The Versa 4 does not officially support third-party apps, which is a significant departure from its predecessor, the Versa 3. This decision by Fitbit has been met with disappointment from users who relied on these apps for additional functionality[2][5][10]. While there are unofficial methods to sideload apps, these are not supported by Fitbit and can pose risks to the device's stability and security[1].
2. Unofficial Sideloaded Apps: There are unofficial approaches to building and sideloading third-party apps onto the Versa 4, but these methods are for educational purposes only and come with significant risks. They involve using unofficial drop-in packages and enabling specific environment flags like `FITBIT_QA_COMMANDS` to make the device discoverable via USB[1]. However, these methods are not recommended for general use due to potential compatibility and security issues.
3. Band Compatibility: There is confusion regarding band compatibility between the Versa 3 and Versa 4. While Fitbit's official website suggests that bands for the Sense, Sense 2, and Versa 3 are compatible with the Versa 4, many users have reported issues with third-party bands not fitting properly. Officially, Versa 4 bands can work on a Versa 3, but the reverse is not always true[4].
4. Software Limitations: The Versa 4 lacks features like playback controls (e.g., Spotify), Google Assistant, and WiFi connectivity, which were available or expected in previous models. This limitation affects the overall user experience and makes it less appealing compared to other smartwatches that support a wide range of third-party apps[7][8].
In summary, while there are unofficial ways to sideload apps onto the Versa 4, these methods are not supported by Fitbit and can lead to compatibility issues. The lack of official third-party app support is a significant drawback for users who value additional functionalities beyond what Fitbit provides.
Citations:[1] https://github.com/cmengler/fitbit-app-versa4
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/fitbit-versa-4-vs-versa-3
[3] https://store.google.com/magazine/google_pixel_watch_compare?hl=en-US
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/fitbit/comments/10ul8ce/am_i_correct_that_versa_3_bands_are_not/
[5] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/No-third-party-app-support-on-Versa-4-and-Sense-2/td-p/5332387
[6] https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/available_packages_by_name.html
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/fitbit/comments/xnoog9/psa_the_new_sense_2_versa_4_do_not_support/
[8] https://www.coachweb.com/gear/fitness-trackers/fitbit-versa-4-review
[9] https://xdaforums.com/t/fitbit-versa-compatibility.3783601/
[10] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/fitbit-versa-4
[11] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/Versa-4-different-issues/td-p/5435947
[12] https://support.google.com/fitbit/answer/14237121?hl=en