The Fitbit Sense, with its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities, has become a popular choice among iPhone users. But can it also answer calls? The short answer is no, the Fitbit Sense does not have the functionality to answer calls directly from the device. This may seem like a drawback, but there are other ways to keep in touch while wearing your Sense. Let’s explore the reasons why the Sense can’t answer calls and how you can still stay connected.
Why the Fitbit Sense Can’t Answer Calls
The Fitbit Sense, while feature-rich, is fundamentally a fitness tracker and not a fully-fledged smartphone. Several factors contribute to its inability to answer calls directly:
Lack of Cellular Connectivity
The Fitbit Sense does not have built-in cellular connectivity, meaning it cannot independently connect to a cellular network. This is in contrast to smartwatches like the Apple Watch, which offer cellular models that can make and receive calls without a paired iPhone.
Limited Processing Power
The Sense, designed for fitness tracking, prioritizes battery life and efficiency. It relies on Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone and doesn’t have the processing power to handle complex tasks like voice calls.
Focus on Fitness and Health
Fitbit’s primary focus is on fitness and health monitoring. Integrating call-answering functionality would likely require significant changes to the device’s design and functionality, potentially diverting resources from its core focus.
Staying Connected with Your Fitbit Sense and iPhone
While the Fitbit Sense cannot answer calls directly, several methods allow you to stay connected and manage calls while wearing it.
1. Notifications and Call Alerts
The Sense can notify you of incoming calls. When a call comes in, your Sense will vibrate and display the caller ID. You can choose to silence the notification or tap it to see more information about the call. However, you cannot answer the call directly from the Sense.
2. Voice Assistant Integration
The Sense supports voice assistants like Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to interact with your phone, including tasks like asking for directions, setting reminders, or even reading out messages. While you can’t answer calls using Google Assistant on the Sense, you can use it to dismiss calls with a voice command like “Decline call.”
3. Music Control
The Fitbit Sense allows you to control music playback on your iPhone. You can start, stop, pause, and even skip tracks through the Sense, which can be handy during your workouts or while on the move.
4. Smartphone Dependence
Despite the limitations, the Sense is best used in conjunction with your iPhone. You’ll need your iPhone nearby to receive notifications and benefit from the full range of the Sense’s features.
Alternative Options for Phone Calls
If you’re seeking a smartwatch with the capability to answer calls, you might consider exploring other options:
Apple Watch (Cellular models): The Apple Watch offers cellular models with independent connectivity. These models allow you to make and receive calls, send messages, and even use apps without your iPhone nearby.
Samsung Galaxy Watch (LTE models): Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup also includes models with LTE connectivity. These watches can be used to answer calls and access various apps independently of a paired smartphone.
Other Smartwatches with Cellular Connectivity: There are other smartwatch brands offering models with cellular capabilities, such as Garmin, TicWatch, and Fossil. You can research different options based on your needs and budget.
Conclusion: Balancing Functionality with Focus
The Fitbit Sense is an excellent choice for fitness tracking and health monitoring, but it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations. It doesn’t have the ability to answer calls directly, reflecting its primary focus on health and fitness. While this might seem like a drawback for some, the Sense’s integration with notifications, voice assistants, and music control allows for a seamless and efficient connected experience. If you’re searching for a smartwatch capable of answering calls independently, alternative options like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and needs.
FAQ
1. Can I answer calls on my iPhone using the Fitbit Sense?
No, you cannot directly answer calls on your iPhone using the Fitbit Sense. While the Fitbit Sense can receive notifications, including call notifications, it does not have the functionality to answer or reject calls. This is because the Fitbit Sense is primarily a fitness tracker and smartwatch, not a full-fledged smartphone.
However, you can use the Fitbit Sense to control your iPhone’s music, check your calendar, and view other notifications. This can be helpful for staying connected while working out or when you don’t want to pull out your phone.
2. Is there a workaround to answer calls on the Fitbit Sense?
While you cannot directly answer calls, you can use a workaround to control your iPhone’s audio with the Fitbit Sense. You can use the Fitbit Sense to mute or adjust the volume of calls on your iPhone. This can be helpful if you’re in a meeting or in a noisy environment.
However, this functionality is limited to controlling the audio of your iPhone. You still won’t be able to speak or hear the other person on the call through the Fitbit Sense.
3. Does the Fitbit Sense have a speaker or microphone?
Yes, the Fitbit Sense does have a speaker and microphone. These are primarily used for features such as voice assistant support and taking calls on the Fitbit Sense itself (only for calls from a compatible Android phone).
However, these features are not currently supported for iPhone users. This means that you cannot answer calls from your iPhone through the Fitbit Sense, even though the device has the necessary hardware.
4. Can I use the Fitbit Sense to make calls?
You can make calls directly from the Fitbit Sense if you have an Android phone. However, this feature is not available for iPhone users. This is because the Fitbit Sense requires a dedicated app on your phone to function as a standalone calling device, and this app is not available for iOS.
Therefore, while you can use the Fitbit Sense to control the audio of calls received on your iPhone, you cannot initiate calls or answer them directly on the Fitbit Sense if you’re using an iPhone.
5. Does the Fitbit Sense have a cellular connection?
No, the Fitbit Sense does not have a cellular connection. This means that it cannot connect to the internet or make calls without being connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
This limitation means that you cannot use the Fitbit Sense to answer calls independently of your iPhone. It relies on your iPhone’s connection for all its functions.
6. Will Fitbit Sense ever support answering calls on iPhone?
There is no official announcement from Fitbit about supporting call answering on iPhones in the future. However, Fitbit continues to update its features and software regularly.
It’s possible that future updates might include support for call answering on iPhones, but this remains speculation at this point.
7. Are there alternative fitness trackers that allow call answering on iPhone?
Yes, there are other fitness trackers and smartwatches that offer call answering functionality for iPhone users. Some examples include the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Garmin smartwatches.
These devices often have their own apps and operating systems that enable them to function independently from your iPhone for features like answering calls. However, it’s important to consider the compatibility and limitations of each device before choosing one.