Google Fitbit Edge: Specs, Features, Price, Release Date
The new $179 tracker features Pixel Watch smarts, week-long battery life, and an OLED screen.
Google has unveiled the Fitbit Edge, a fitness tracker designed for those who prefer a screen, and it strikes a balance between cost and features. Priced at $180, it's more affordable than the Pixel Watch while offering a similar experience in a sleek, pill-shaped design. Unlike the Pixel Watch, the Edge is compatible with both Android and iOS devices through the Google Health app.
A notable feature of the Edge is its user-replaceable battery, marking a first for Fitbit and aligning with Google's commitment to repairability, possibly influenced by upcoming EU battery regulations. The Edge is available for preorders now and will go on sale on October 27.
The Edge boasts a 1.34-inch screen, a significant upgrade from the Charge 6's 1.04-inch display, and offers a more substantial display area for tracking metrics during workouts. It retains several features from the Pixel Watch, such as an altimeter that measures elevation changes, a skin temperature sensor, and built-in GPS along with ECG app compatibility. It can also control music playback on connected Bluetooth devices and provide turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps later this year.
Google has enhanced the Edge's automatic activity tracking capabilities, utilizing Gemini Intelligence to identify up to 100 different workouts, with support for over 50 exercise modes. Subscribers to Google Health Premium can monitor blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends without manual calibration or invasive procedures.
At $180, the Edge offers a compelling middle-ground position in Google's lineup, bridging the gap between the Pixel Watch and the screenless Fitbit Air. It shares the Air's seven-day battery life, which charges in just 90 minutes, compared to the Charge 6's longer battery life and charging time. However, the Edge lacks NFC support, which means it cannot perform contactless payments through Google Wallet – a feature that the Charge 6 retains.
While the Edge may not replace the screenless Fitbit Air for everyone, it presents a compelling and affordable alternative for users who prefer a display on their fitness tracker.
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