Fitbit Launches New Edge Tracker with Replaceable Battery
The $179.99 device aims to bridge the gap between basic trackers and smartwatches, offering advanced health features and a longer lifespan.
Fitbit, now under the Google umbrella, has introduced the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker positioned between the screenless Fitbit Air and the more feature-rich Pixel Watch 5. Priced at $179.99, the Edge is available for preorder and marks a significant development as Google's first fitness tracker with a replaceable battery.
Design and Display
The Fitbit Edge boasts a sleek and slim design featuring a 1.34-inch color AMOLED display. According to the company, this display offers 46% more viewing area than previous trackers and is vibrant enough for clear visibility even in direct sunlight. The tracker measures 39.22 x 25.56 x 11.58 mm and weighs 17.7 grams without the band. It is available in four color options: obsidian, fog, olive, and canyon. The device also includes built-in GPS for workout tracking without a connected smartphone.
Health and Fitness Features
The Fitbit Edge integrates with Google Health Coach, offering tracking for over 50 exercise types and automatic recognition for up to 100 workouts. The company claims improved GPS accuracy over previous generations, providing up to 40% more precision. Users can monitor metrics like pace, heart rate, and other workout statistics directly on the device. Through Google Health Guardian, the tracker can provide notifications for high or low heart rates and offer insights into trends for blood pressure and insulin resistance. An on-device temperature sensor also contributes to holistic overnight health insights.
Some advanced health features and insights require a Google Health Premium subscription, which is included for three months with the purchase of the Fitbit Edge. After this period, the subscription costs $9.99 per month.
Battery Life and Repairability
Fitbit estimates the Edge can achieve up to seven days of battery life on a single charge under specific usage conditions. However, enabling the always-on display feature can reduce this to approximately two days. A notable feature of the Fitbit Edge is its repairable design, specifically allowing for battery replacement without needing to replace the entire device. This design choice aims to extend the product's lifespan.
Positioning and Considerations
The Fitbit Edge is designed for users who want the advanced health-tracking capabilities of a Fitbit device but prefer a less intrusive experience than a full-fledged smartwatch like the Pixel Watch 5. It offers essential stats during activities without the constant connectivity and notifications of a smartwatch. While it features a bright AMOLED display and built-in GPS, it lacks NFC for contactless payments and does not include a microphone or speaker for calls. The always-on display, while useful, significantly impacts battery life, a trade-off users may consider given the device's aim to offer a focused fitness tracking experience.