Google's latest fitness tracker brings a screen, built-in location tracking and a wide range of health features in a compact design. Called the Fitbit Edge, the new wearable was announced on Monday and combines workout tracking with a handful of functions usually associated with smartwatches.
It also takes a different route from the Fitbit Air, which launched without a display. The Fitbit Edge has a 1.34-inch AMOLED panel that can remain switched on to show information at a glance. Google claims the tracker can run for up to seven days before needing a recharge.
Google Fitbit Edge Price and Availability
The standard Fitbit Edge is priced at $179.99 (approximately Rs. 17,200). It comes with two silicone Active Bands, in small and large sizes, and is available in four finishes.
The colour choices include Matte Black Aluminium with an Obsidian band, Satin Silver Aluminium with a Fog band, Satin Pyrite Aluminium with an Olive band, and Champagne Gold Aluminium with a Canyon band.
There is also a special version created in collaboration with Stephen Curry. The Fitbit Edge Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $219.99 (around Rs. 21,000) and pairs a Satin Pyrite Aluminium case with a water-resistant recycled polyester band featuring signature colour accents.
Customers can place pre-orders through the Google Store and authorised retail partners. The tracker is scheduled to reach stores on October 27.
Google Fitbit Edge Features and Specifications
The display is a major part of the Fitbit Edge experience. Its 1.34-inch AMOLED panel supports an always-on mode, and Google says it provides 46 per cent more viewing area than earlier-generation Fitbit trackers. A button on the side handles physical controls, including pausing and restarting workouts.
The hardware also includes an Ambiq AP5 microcontroller and 64MB of NOR flash storage. Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless connections, while GPS and Galileo support let the tracker record outdoor routes without relying on a paired phone.
For exercise, users get more than 40 sport modes, along with automatic recognition for supported activities. An altimeter measures changes in elevation, adding useful information for runs involving hills or stair climbing.
The Fitbit Edge also records Cardio Load, Daily Readiness, VO2 Max and Active Zone Minutes, alongside heart rate measurements. These figures give users more information about their activity levels, workout effort and readiness for exercise.
Health monitoring includes an optical heart rate sensor, ECG, blood oxygen measurements and skin temperature tracking. Google has also fitted an accelerometer, gyroscope and ambient light sensor.
The ECG app lets users record an electrocardiogram from their wrist to look for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Irregular heart rhythm alerts are supported as well, alongside sleep-stage analysis and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking. These features provide health-related insights but should not be treated as a replacement for professional medical advice.
There are a few features for daily use outside workouts, too. The tracker can show notifications from a connected smartphone and supports quick text replies on compatible platforms. Users can also manage media playback, set alarms and timers, and access basic Google Maps guidance.
Google Fitbit Edge Battery and Durability
Power comes from a replaceable 65mAh lithium-ion battery. Google rates the battery life at up to seven days, although actual results will depend on usage and which features are enabled.
A complete recharge takes up to 90 minutes. If the battery is running low, Google claims a five-minute charge can provide as much as 24 hours of use.
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The Fitbit Edge carries both 5 ATM and IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance. It is rated for swimming at depths of up to 50 metres, so users can wear it in the pool as well as during everyday activities.
With its AMOLED screen, standalone route tracking and extensive health features, the Fitbit Edge sits between a conventional fitness band and a more feature-packed smartwatch. Its starting price is $179.99, with the Stephen Curry edition offering a more distinctive design at a higher cost.