Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker that marks the brand’s return to screen-equipped devices. The launch follows the recent introduction of the screenless Fitbit Air and addresses the growing obsolescence of the Charge 6, which has not received a major update in three years and lacks features such as automatic workout detection and an IP68 water-resistance rating.
Priced at $179, the Edge positions itself as a more affordable alternative to the Google Pixel Watch while delivering comparable smart features. Unlike the Pixel Watch, the Edge is compatible with both Android and iPhone users through the Google Health app. Preorders are currently available, with general release scheduled for October 27.
A standout feature of the new device is its user-replaceable battery, a first for Fitbit products. This design choice aligns with Google’s broader initiative to improve repairability across its wearable lineup, similar to changes made for the Pixel Watch, and may also respond to upcoming European Union battery regulations. However, specific repair options will depend on regional availability.
Hardware specifications include a 1.34-inch OLED display, an upgrade from the 1.04-inch screen found on the Charge 6. The tracker also incorporates an altimeter capable of measuring elevation changes via atmospheric pressure, allowing users to track floors climbed and elevation gain during outdoor activities. Additionally, it features a far-field skin temperature sensor, replacing the standard device temperature sensor used in previous models.
The Edge adopts a slim, pill-shaped chassis designed to accommodate smaller wrists better than the round face of the Pixel Watch. Three band options are available for the Obsidian model: the Active Band, Magnet Band, and Performance Loop Band. By integrating advanced hardware from its premium smartwatches into a fitness-focused tracker, Google aims to fill a gap in its product lineup with a device that balances cost and capability.
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