Fitbit Versa 3FitbitFitbit users are complaining their wearables do not last anywhere near as long off a charge as they used to, following a recent software update.The update was intended to address possible battery overheating in the Sense and Versa 3 wearables, which came to light last month. But the effect has brought a much more dramatic downgrade to some than was expected.Multiple users have complained about the longevity of their Fitbit over at the Fitbit Community forums.User Laurarhi claims their Versa 3 would last 3+ days before the update, and now lasts barely more than 12 hours.Similarly, user Dorlor says their Versa would last 4 or 5 days before the update, and now needs to be charged daily. They also say the wearables step counting feature has become unreliable, an issue also noted by other forum users.Most battery issues are being reported by Versa 3 owners, but should in theory also affect Fitbit Sense wearables too, as both are subject to Fitbits mandatory software update.Why Are Fitbits Batteries Draining?Fitbit did warn back in January that the update would reduce battery capacity, but there was no suggestion the scale of the effect would be so quite so deleterious to the usability of the watch.It could be behind Fitbits establishment of a compensation program at the same point it announced the mandatory software update, on January 21.Affected users will be offered $50 compensation. To apply you need to supply Fitbit with basic personal details, through a form on the Fitbit website.While Fitbit does not advise immediately disposing of Versa 3 and Sense watches if they are among the affected batches, theres no option to swerve the update. Not unless you completely avoid connecting the wearable to a phone or Wi-Fi, therefore blocking ways for the update to be sent over-the-air.Fitbit taking swift and serious action against possible cases of overheating was a must, from the companys position, as it is not the first time a similar issue has cropped up.The Fitbit Ionic, Fitbits first smartwatch, also overheated. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 115 U.S. reports of overheating, and 78 cases of burn injuries. That Fitbit saga, which resulted in a recall of 1.7 million watches in 2022, also saw Fitbit fined $12.25 million in a case settlement last month.