Jawbone, which is just now getting its long-delayed UP3 fitness tracker to market, is already talking about the next version, the UP4. The major differenceis apparently the addition of an NFC chip that will link the device to your American Express card and use it for contactless credit card payments.
Jawbone says the UP4 will be available this summer, but no pricing was mentioned.
The fine print on the announcement is interesting. Users will be able to link their cards with their UP4 in the tracker’s phone app. But only one card can be linked — no switching between a personal and corporate account — and you will not be able to change the linked card once you set it up. Presumably, and the announcement did not specify, you’ll be able to update the card as it expires, de-link a card if it’s lost or stolen, or de-link a card when you retire or dispose of the device.
Amex has its own payment network apart from those run by VISA and Mastercard; adding those would seem an obvious next step. We do wonder why this deal — and the UP4 — were announced so soon, particularly as the UP3 doesn’t go on sale until next week.
Jawbone also announced the UP2, a $100 replacement for the UP24 tracker. Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the UP2 is initially available in black but will have additional colors coming soon.