Fitbit Edge: Google explains decision to omit NFC

With Fitbit Edge ($179 on Amazon), Google unveiled a new wearable in mid-October, positioned between Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5. Compared to the more expensive smartwatch, buyers of Fitbit Edge have to forgo not only a wider selection of apps and watch faces, but also an NFC chip for contactless payments via Google Pay. Google has now confirmed to Android Authority why the cheaper smartwatch alternative lacks NFC.

According to Google, the NFC chip was used by less than 1 percent of all Fitbit Charge 6 users. For this reason, Google prioritized other features, such as the new altimeter. Given the price of Fitbit Edge, Google had to make compromises, and a largely unused feature is the obvious choice. Nevertheless, it is disappointing that Fitbit Edge lacks a feature offered even by many far cheaper smart bands from China's biggest smartphone manufacturers.

Fitbit Edge is primarily marketed as a fitness tracker that offers two main advantages over the inexpensive Fitbit Air. First, a built-in GPS module to record the distance covered while running or cycling, even without a smartphone within Bluetooth range. And second, a 1.34-inch AMOLED touchscreen, allowing workouts to be selected and started manually right from the wrist. Despite its display, Fitbit Edge is said to deliver a full week of battery life.

Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 22679 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.