Location

[cmoisei]

I need a technical reason, a really good technical reason on why does syncing the device needs location on Android. It just doesn't make sense! Syncing is done thru bluetooth. I can use other BT devices without the need to turn the location on!

Just doesn't add up!

[SteveH]

Fitbit have created a help file for this topic at Help article: Why is the Fitbit app prompting me to turn on location services?

The key point seems to be: 

"The Fitbit app needs the locations services option on your phone to be turned on in order to perform the Bluetooth low energy scans required to sync your tracker. ...Google added the locations permission requirement to alleviate concerns that Bluetooth beacons can be used to track your location without your permission during a Bluetooth low energy scan, such as the scan required to sync your tracker. By granting the Fitbit app permission to access your location, your tracker will be able to sync, but your location won't be recorded or tracked by Fitbit."

[cmoisei]

Steve, I did read that so Google was concerned that people will be tracked via BT and decided to turn their exact location on so all the apps could track the location, the precise location. Also to add to that madness let's turn the location on so we can increase the battery consumption because we can afford that while using low energy BT. It's just weird, fishy and doesn't make sense!

[Rich_Laue]

Turning on location services is not turning tracking of your location anymore then unlocking the door makes the person at the door to turn the handle and open the door.

Enabling location services simply unlocks the permission for app to request your location.

Neither fitbit or the android is requests your location during a sync.

BTW when I installed my wifi lights, they setup through bluetooth and I needed location services.

If enabling location services reduce battery life, check the apps that are requesting location. One of them, or malware is misbehaving.