Overview
- Google told reporters that fewer than 1% of Fitbit Charge 6 owners used contactless payments, and that low use informed the decision to omit NFC from the new Fitbit Edge.
- Because the Edge has no NFC hardware, Google and reviewers say there is no software update that can add Google Wallet or other contactless payment support to the device.
- Fitbit Edge is positioned as a mid‑range fitness tracker with an AMOLED display, expanded sensors and onboard GPS, and it is available for pre‑order at $179 with shipments expected in late October.
- The company says leaving out NFC freed internal space and budget to add an altimeter, improve sensors, enlarge the display and make the device easier to repair—tradeoffs that reduce cost but also remove some smartwatch features like LTE, a speaker or mic.
- The move highlights Google’s product‑level segmentation between lower‑cost Fitbit trackers and higher‑end Pixel Watch models, and it could shape buying decisions for users who want contactless payments or advanced on‑device features.