Apple + Jawbone = dolla dolla bills
The recent release of the Apple Watch makes it one of the few, if not the only, fitness tracker/smartwatch allowing users to also make mobile payments with the device. However, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Jawbone and AmEx are jumping on board as well. They are also rumored to be making an announcement for a new wearable.
Jawbone is competition for fitness trackers like Fitbit, Nike Fuel, and Garmin’s Vivosmart. Given the features of the Jawbone Up3, it is highly unlikely that this will be the device to support mobile-based payments. More than likely, the rumors are true and Jawbone will be coming up with something new to support the AmEx based payment platform.
Jawbone ups their game
With all of the competition surround fitness tracking wearables, Jawbone is upping their game by partnering with AmEx. The integration of mobile payments will give customers an additional reason to purchase Jawbone over say Fitbit. This is also an added bonus for those of us who forget to bring our wallets into the gym, or just don’t like keeping up with cash when you’re on-the-go.
With a payment enabled Jawbone, you can buy bottled water at the gym, without scurrying back to your locker for your wallet. Another way convenience is being brought into the forefront of our lives.
This could also be a great boost for AmEx
As of now, the deal is only for AmEx customers, so Jawbone enthusiasts looking to upgrade to the new model, may also want to apply for an AmEx card to enjoy all the benefits of the pairing.
While most of us carry a smartphone that has the same mobile payments options, there’s something extra convenient about being able to pay from a fitness tracker. I will be interested to see what type of encryption and security protection the Jawbone band has, because as technology evolves to a more convenience-centric model, hackers and identity thieves are sure to have an evolving plan as well.
Bottom line: while the technology is super cool and convenient, make sure to keep an eye on your account, just as you would if you were using your plastic card and enjoy that instantaneously gratifying bottle of water bought with your Jawbone device.
