Fitbit’s web dashboard is dead, but don’t despair just yet. A plucky user has cobbled together an unofficial replacement. This grassroots solution, while not a perfect replica of the original, offers an alternative for users who relied heavily on the web interface.
Fitbit has long been a household name. However, recent decisions by the company have left many users scratching their heads. The removal of the web dashboard earlier this month is just the latest in a series of questionable moves that have frustrated long-time Fitbit enthusiasts.
And let’s not forget, since Google’s acquisition, the company’s hardware releases have been few and far between. The once-prolific device maker has slowed to a crawl, with only the Charge 6 released in 2023 and the ACE LTE in 2024 so far. This slowdown, coupled with unpopular changes to the smartphone app and the stripping of functionality from existing devices, has left many wondering about Fitbit’s future direction.
Enter an unexpected hero: a Reddit user who, frustrated by Fitbit’s decision to discontinue the web dashboard, took matters into their own hands. This innovative individual has created an unofficial alternative that aims to fill the void left by Fitbit’s retired feature.
Mind you, this is not a perfect replica of the original dashboard. But the user-created version offers most of the functionality that Fitbit users have come to rely on.
An unofficial Fitbit web dashboard
The site conjures up your daily steps, calories burned, and various activities, allowing you to manually log exercises as well. Heart rate data is front and centre, displaying your resting heart rate and heart rate zones in graphs. For the runners and cyclists, GPS-tracked activities are mapped out for a bird’s-eye view of your routes.
The Nutrition tab lets you log your food and water intake, helping you stay on top of your dietary goals. Sleep tracking hasn’t been neglected either, with detailed sleep logs available for review and manual entry. Weight tracking is also included.
There are, of course, some limitations. The Sleep Score, which is not part of Fitbit’s API, is notably absent. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) information is also currently missing, though the creator hopes to add this feature in the near future.
One of the most appealing aspects of this alternative dashboard is that it’s currently free to register. However, it’s worth noting that this could change in the future as the project evolves.
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While this user-created dashboard offers a promising solution, it’s important to approach it with caution. As an unofficial tool not supported or endorsed by Fitbit, there are inherent risks to consider, particularly regarding data privacy.
The login page does offer some reassurance, stating, “No health or personal information will be shared with the operators of this website or any third party. Data retrieved from the Fitbit Web API will be stored solely in your browser’s memory and offline storage/cache.” Nevertheless, users should carefully weigh the benefits against potential risks before deciding to use this alternative.
It is not clear whether Fitbit has any plans to reinstall the web dashboard in the near future. It doesn’t appear that it will, although you never know. In the meantime, this user-created alternative offers a lifeline to those who relied heavily on the feature.
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