Fitbit users around the world have complained that the wearable fitness trackers are suddenly changing time zones on their own.
Social media users reached out to one another to see if they were alone in experiencing the issue, and quickly found that the Fitbit problem was widespread.
“Mine is four hours off, it won't update no matter what I do,” wrote a Reddit user from Trinidad and Tobago.
“Same,” another user replied. “I came on here to ask for a solution. It seems everyone is facing the issue. I tried Google, unpaired Bluetooth and all, still didn't work.”
It remains to be seen exactly how many Fitbit users experienced the problem, or the reason behind what appears to be a technical glitch.
Following an inquiry from The National, a spokesperson for Google said that the company was aware of the issue, and was checking internally to help resolve it.
“There was an issue with time zones earlier that has been quickly resolved, and we apologize for any inconvenience," a spokesperson later said in a follow-up email.
Some of the generic responses from Fitbit's social media accounts appear to be automated, and encourage users to sync their devices, then change to a different time zone, and then sync again before changing the devices back to the original time zones.
Other users, however, reported that several Linux-based devices also had time zone discrepancies, attributing the problem to something often called the TZ database, a database created during the earlier days of the internet and computer networking.
"My Linux system is displaying the time wrong as well," wrote X user Talhah Peerbhai.
Fitbit, one of the most popular wearable technology products in the world, was acquired by Alphabet-owned search giant Google back in 2021.
Though incredibly popular, Fitbits have had occasional problems, prompting recalls and software updates.
In 2022, 1.7 million Fitbits were recalled due to the risk of batteries overheating and burning users.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
