Google Unveils Fitbit Edge at $179.99, Expands Health Features

The Edge has a hybrid OLED display that Google calls its largest and brightest tracker screen yet. The Verge reported it is 46 percent larger than the Fitbit Charge 6 screen, and TechRadar said it uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for sunlight visibility. The tracker is 11.5 millimeters thick, has a physical side button, and uses a replaceable 65mAh battery. Google estimates about one week of battery life with the always-on display off, dropping to two days with it on. A five-minute charge is said to provide a full day of use, while a full charge takes 90 minutes. It is rated IP68 and 5ATM for swimming.

Health sensors include an EKG sensor for atrial fibrillation detection, a skin temperature sensor, SpO2 and optical heart rate sensors, and motion tracking, according to The Verge. Engadget reported the Edge also has continuous heart rate monitoring, an ECG app for rhythm assessments, and sleep stage detection that Google says is 15 percent more accurate than previous generations. The Edge adds onboard GPS, which The Verge said is 40 percent more accurate, and supports turn-by-turn directions. Unlike the Air, it also has a screen for notifications, Google Maps directions, timers, alarms, media controls, and workout details. It does not have a microphone or speaker, so calls cannot be taken from the wrist, and it lacks NFC for contactless payments.

The Edge runs a redesigned Fitbit OS rather than Wear OS, with a Tiles-based interface and widgets that borrow from the Pixel Watch design language, according to The Verge. Google is selling it in Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon, with a Stephen Curry Special Edition at $219.99 that includes a basketball-themed clock face and a water-repellent band. Band options include Active Sport, Performance Loop, Metal Links, and Magnet. The Verge reported the standard price includes three months of Google Health Premium.

Google also announced a broad update to automatic activity tracking for the Fitbit Air, Fitbit Edge, and Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. Engadget reported the update will nearly double accuracy and expand recognized workouts from 10 to more than 100. Android Authority reported Google is using LLM reasoning to combine movement data with location, routines, and manual edits, aiming to cut missed workouts by more than half. Engadget said the changes are intended to improve detection of fast-moving activities such as tennis and HIIT. Engadget reported the Edge can track more than 50 exercise modes, while TechRadar said automatic tracking can detect up to 100 workout types. The automatic tracking improvements will also come to the Fitbit Air, according to Android Authority.

Health Guardian, introduced for the Pixel Watch earlier this summer, is coming to the Fitbit Air and Fitbit Edge for Google Health Premium subscribers later this month, Engadget reported. It will provide monthly summaries of blood pressure and insulin resistance trends in the Health app, along with lifestyle recommendations from the Health Coach. Engadget quoted Google describing the feature as an early indication that something needs attention, like a check engine light for overall well-being. Google Health app replaced the Fitbit app and links with services including Peloton and MyFitnessPal, and Google has partnered with Abbott to connect its Lingo continuous glucose monitor, Engadget reported.

Google separately announced a partnership with Flo Health to bring menstrual health data into the Google Health app and to develop future wellness hardware. Engadget reported that Flo data will sync with Google Health starting early next year, on an opt-in basis. Google said no data will move between the apps without explicit permission for each data type and purpose, and that users can withdraw permission at any time. Flo data will not be used for advertising, sold, or shared with other apps or developers, according to the company. The data will also be available to the Google Health Coach for Premium subscribers. Google said the partnership is long term and includes research into underserved areas of menstrual health.

For the Fitbit Air, Google introduced stainless steel Metal Mesh bands in Champagne Gold and Polished Silver. Engadget and Android Authority reported they cost $69.99, or $70, and will arrive on Oct. 27, with preorders opening next week. A bundle pairing the Champagne Gold band with an Obsidian Fitbit Air will cost $150 at Target and the Google Store. The Fitbit Edge follows the Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5 in Google wearable lineup, and The Verge described it as an answer for people who have smartwatch fatigue but still want notifications. ZDNet noted the Edge closely resembles the older Fitbit Charge 6, costs $20 more, and questioned whether its software-driven sleep tracking improvements and repairability justify the increase; it also noted that the Edge battery falls to two days with always-on display enabled. TechRadar, by contrast, called the Edge a reinvention of the classic pebble-style Fitbit and praised its physical button, replaceable battery, and sub-$180 price.

Editor's Summary

Google has launched the Fitbit Edge, a $179.99 hybrid fitness tracker between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch, with a larger OLED screen, onboard GPS, a replaceable battery, and a week of expected battery life. The company also expanded Health Guardian, upgraded automatic activity tracking across several Fitbit and Pixel devices, and announced a Flo Health partnership for menstrual health data. The Edge goes on sale Oct. 27, alongside new Metal Mesh bands for the Fitbit Air.