Google Fitbit Edge adds a screen and seven-day battery
Google has opened preorders for the Fitbit Edge, a screen-equipped fitness tracker priced at $179.99 in the US and set to reach stores October 27. The device…
Google has opened preorders for the google fitbit edge fitness tracker, a slim wearable with a display, built-in GPS and up to seven days of battery life. The device costs $179.99 on the Google Store, with retail availability starting October 27.
It fills a gap. Fitbit Edge offers a screen-equipped alternative between the screenless Fitbit Air and Google’s Pixel Watch, while focusing on fitness and health tracking rather than a full smartwatch experience.
A larger screen and replaceable battery
Google says the Edge has its largest and brightest tracker display yet, with 46% more viewing area than previous trackers. Its Hybrid OLED screen uses glanceable tiles for health metrics, and a physical side button lets users quickly reach controls such as the workout pause screen.
The device measures 11.5mm thick. Google says its case is 45% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12, and the body uses recycled aluminum. Wired reported the display measures 1.34 inches, larger than the 1.04-inch screen on the Charge 6.
There is a practical repair distinction, too. Wired reports the Edge has a user-replaceable battery, a first for Fitbit. The battery is rated for up to seven days of use; Wired says a full charge takes about 90 minutes.
That combination could matter during workouts and everyday wear: users can glance at metrics on a larger screen, while built-in GPS lets them track activity without relying on a phone for location data. Google says the tracker recognizes activity automatically and supports more than 50 workout modes.
Health tools come with trade-offs
The Edge tracks heart rate, sleep and recovery, and Google says personalized coaching comes through Google Health Premium. Wired reports the device uses Gemini Intelligence to identify up to 100 workout types. Google also plans to bring the automatic activity-tracking features to Pixel Watch 5 and Fitbit Air.
With a Google Health Premium subscription, Wired says the tracker can monitor blood pressure trends without manual calibration and insulin resistance trends without a blood draw. Those capabilities became available at the end of September, according to the publication.
The Edge also brings some smartwatch-like functions to a slimmer tracker. Wired reports it supports ECG readings through electrical sensors, music controls for a connected Bluetooth device and an altimeter that can record elevation changes and floors climbed. Google Maps turn-by-turn directions are expected later this year, Wired reported.
There is a notable omission: the Edge does not have an NFC sensor, according to Wired, so it cannot make contactless payments through Google Wallet. That leaves buyers weighing the larger screen, fitness tools and replaceable battery against a feature available on the Charge 6.
Google’s announcement positions the Edge for people who want a display and detailed activity tracking without choosing a Pixel Watch. Preorders are available now, and the tracker is due in retail stores on October 27.
Source: blog.google
