Google is following the Fitbit Air launched in May with a second tracker that features a screen called the Fitbit Edge.
The Fitbit Edge features a wide, pill-shaped AMOLED screen — protected by Gorilla Glass 3 — that offers 46% more display than the Charge 6 from 2023. The 11.5mm-thick body is made from precision-crafted aluminum with nano-molding technology to allow for a 40% more precise GPS (versus Charge 6), while there’s a dedicated altimeter for elevation tracking. On the right side, you’ll find a large button for tactile control, like when swimming. This device has IP68 / 5ATM dust and water protection.
On the underside, you’ll find the sensors. The Fitbit Edge has an accelerometer, altimeter, ambient light sensor, far-field skin temperature sensor, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, multipurpose electrical sensors (ECG), and red and infrared sensors (SpO2).
The Fitbit Edge uses the same magnetic USB-C charger as the Fitbit Air. A 5-minute charge gives you a day of battery, while a full top-up takes 90 minutes. Battery life is rated at a week with the always-on display disabled. When enabled, the Fitbit Edge comes in at around 2 days. Like the Pixel Watch 5, you can open the device to replace the battery.
The Fitbit Edge is available in the following colors:
- Matte Black Aluminum case / Obsidian Active Band
- Polished Silver Aluminum case / Fog Active Band
- Satin Pyrite Aluminum case / Olive Active Band
- Champagne Gold case / Canyon Active Band
The bands are replaceable with a new swap mechanism and four additional designs:
- $39.99 Active Sport: Made of “ultra soft silicone” with large pill-shaped cutouts
- $59.99 Magnet Band: Clasp-free design with magnets embedded into the strap
- $149.99 Metal Links
- $49.99 Performance Loop: Stretch and micro-adjustable
Supporting Android and iOS, the Edge is running a Fitbit operating system similar to the Air. A larger screen unlocks a richer interface that takes inspiration from the Pixel Watch 5.
Google showed a dozen or so watch faces for the Fitbit Edge with analog and digital options. You can customize what complications appear via the Google Health app.
Swiping left/right from the watch face lets you access various tiles, with the order customizable. This includes Quick start (for different exercises), Focus metrics, Sleep, Heart, Cycle health, Weather, Timers, Alarms, and Music controls.
Compared to the Charge 6, music controls work with any app on your paired device, while phone notifications are also available. Quick replies to messages are limited to Android due to iOS platform limitations. You also get Google Maps navigation, but there is no Google Wallet given the lack of NFC.
Top comment by Mckillio
Yes, an altimeter! I'm impressed that it's just .3mm thicker given the replaceable battery and altimeter. And at 1.7mm wider and longer, it's close enough to the Charge size that it shouldn't bother me. I'm surprised that it doesn't have NFC, but I never used it in three years, trying to use Google Pay with it was a pain when I tried it a couple of times, having to enter a code.
The Exercise app lets you track over 50 types of activity with real-time guidance and workout views. The Fitbit Edge can connect to equipment with heart rate broadcasting.
The Fitbit Edge (and the Air) feature upgraded automatic activity detection. This AI-powered contextual reasoning can learn your habits over time to add support for over 100 activities.
You can have the Fitbit Air, Edge, and Pixel Watch 5 operate on the same account with seamless switching.
The Fitbit Edge costs $179.99 with pre-orders open today and availability on October 27. A Stephen Curry Special Edition is available for $219.99 with a custom band.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments