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Fitbit Is Replacing Some Sense Smartwatches Due to a Hardware Fault

The ECG app can return an inconclusive result and the only fix is a replacement device.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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If you own one of Fitbit's Sense smartwatches, there's a chance the company is going to email and ask that you send it back to them due to a hardware problem.

As The Verge reports, Fitbit discovered there's a hardware issue on a "limited number" of Sense devices related to the functionality of the eletcrocardiogram (ECG) feature. It means that the ECG app can display an "inconclusive" result to the user, which clearly shouldn't happen, and needs to be fixed.

If you are one of the unlucky few to own a faulty Sense, as explained on the Fitbit forums, the company will provide you with a prepaid return label to send the smartwatch back to them. A free of charge replacement will be sent out to you, but keep hold of the original accessories as they aren't being replaced.

The Sense is Fitbit's premium smartwatch offering. When PCMag reviewed it, we found a watch with an attractive design, excellent battery life, and a range of useful fitness features including that ECG function. However, it's expensive at $330 and the touchscreen could be better, but its focus is in the right place on "your well-being with the ability to measure and monitor your stress, heart rhythm, skin temperature variation, and blood oxygen saturation."

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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