For a while now, I have been declining the fitbit upgrade on my Android devices. I kept tweeting fitbit to ask why on earth my digital pedometer needs access to my SMS, Camera and Location?
I can imagine, Location is passable but SMS and Camera? Really? I voted with my feet and kept the upgrade on hiatus till I heard a reason why.
Finally I got a message from Fitbit support…
@cubicgarden Hi Ian! The permissions will further enhance app and tracker features like Call or Text Notifications. Hope this helps!
— Fitbit Support (@FitbitSupport) January 21, 2015
So basically fitbit is trying to break its way into the wearable market with phone and messages notifications?
I think I’ll hold off on upgrading even longer now. I’m sure you can turn it off but I’m just not interested, especially since I have the pebble smartwatch which already does this and so much more.
What is @Fitbit trying to do? http://t.co/BB5jGKwV1H
Their biggest offering now (Surge) is essentially a smart watch. It can track your GPS location, heart rate & do things like SMS & call notifications. It is a shame you can’t disable those features though if you use a One or similar.