Google Fitbit Edge: Fitness tracker with Gemini coach

Google is launching the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker with a display. The slim wristband is supposed to last up to a week, features a replaceable battery for the first time in a Fitbit, and relies entirely on Gemini for its coaching capabilities. However, the most exciting part comes at an extra cost.

A tracker caught in the middle.

With Edge, Google fills a gap in its own portfolio. The tracker sits between the pixel watch 5 and the displayless Fitbit AirSmaller than the watch, but with a screen for notifications and features that go beyond the minimalist concept of the Air. Anyone who previously opted for a Charge will likely find themselves drawn to this.

The AMOLED display measures 1,34 inches and supports always-on functionality. The recycled aluminum casing measures 39,22 x 25,56 millimeters and is 11,58 millimeters thick, weighing 17,7 grams without the strap. It is operated via the touchscreen and a mechanical side button. With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM and IP68, the device is also suitable for swimming. Google offers four color options, and two strap sizes are included.

One week of battery life and a spare battery.

According to Google, the 65 mAh battery lasts up to seven days. If it's empty, five minutes of charging should be enough for a day, while a full charge takes around 90 minutes. However, according to the fine print, these figures only apply with a separately sold 30-watt power adapter. More interestingly, though, the battery is replaceable for the first time in a Fitbit. Google recommends self-repair only for technically savvy adults, and the available options vary by region.

Sensors for almost everything

In terms of features, Google has borrowed heavily from smartwatches. Besides an optical heart rate sensor, SpO2 measurement, skin temperature sensor, gyroscope, and altimeter, there's an ECG function for detecting atrial fibrillation. It also provides warnings for excessively high or low resting heart rate. For outdoor training, it includes a GPS module that also utilizes Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS. The tracker recognizes more than 40 training modes and automatically detects many of them.

New features include monthly trends for blood pressure and insulin resistance. Google explicitly emphasizes that these are wellness features. They do not provide clinical measurements and are not intended for the early detection of high blood pressure or diabetes. According to Google, sleep stage detection is 15 percent more accurate than in previous models.

The coach is behind a paywall.

The marketing focuses on Google Health Coach, a Gemini-based assistant. It creates workout plans, analyzes sleep data, and answers questions about the menstrual cycle. The catch: a Google Health Premium subscription is required. Three months are included with purchase, and Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers also receive Premium. Furthermore, some features, such as integration with glucose sensors or the analysis of lab results, remain exclusive to the US.

In everyday use, the Edge displays notifications, allows quick replies to messages, and controls music playback. Navigation via Google Maps is planned for a later date. There is no Wi-Fi or LTE; the tracker connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth 5.4. It works with Android from version 11 and with iPhones from iOS 16.4, unlike the Pixel Watch.

Price and availability

The Fitbit Edge is available for pre-order now. The recommended retail price is €179,99 in Germany and Austria, and CHF 169 in Switzerland. The tracker will be available in stores on October 27th. A three-month trial subscription to Google Health Premium is included. After the trial, a monthly fee applies for the Gemini Coach app. A special edition with a unique watch face and band, developed in collaboration with basketball, is also available.proIt was developed by Stephen Curry. It is only available in Europe while supplies last.