Google announces $179.99 Fitbit Edge with GPS and replaceable battery
The tracker is due in stores on October 27. Google advertises up to seven days of battery life, with limits tied to settings and use.
Key points
- 1Google lists a $179.99 price and October 27 retail availability.
- 2Built-in GPS and more than 50 exercise modes are among the announced features.
- 3Google's seven-day maximum battery estimate depends on settings and use; Ars reports about two days with the always-on display.
- 4Ars says battery replacement will use service options rather than an owner-swappable design.
- 5Google Health Premium coaching requires a subscription; the tracker purchase includes three months.
Full story
Google announced the Fitbit Edge on October 12, opening preorders for the $179.99 fitness tracker through its store and retail partners. The company says it will reach stores on October 27. Google positions the device between its Pixel Watch smartwatch and the screenless Fitbit Air.
Google lists an 11.5mm profile, a Hybrid OLED screen and a physical side button. Built-in GPS supports activity tracking without a phone, and an altimeter records elevation changes. The company says users can start more than 50 exercise modes from the tracker.
Google advertises up to seven days of battery life, based on preproduction testing with a usage profile built around Battery Saver defaults. It warns that enabled features, usage and environment can reduce endurance. Ars Technica reports that switching on the always-on display cuts the estimate to about two days.
Google describes the Edge as its first repairable fitness tracker, using a modular design and replaceable battery. Ars Technica says replacement will be available through service options, not as a user-replaceable component. The outlet also reports no microphone or speaker and no NFC support for Google Wallet payments.
Google says the Edge supports most phones with Android 11 or later or iOS 16.4 or later, requiring a Google Account, the Google Health app and internet access. Coaching needs a separately sold Google Health Premium subscription; a purchase includes three months. Google cautions that feature availability varies and the device is not intended for medical use.
Why it matters
Analysis: service-based battery replacement could lengthen ownership, but it is not a do-it-yourself feature. Buyers who need an always-on display should weigh the shorter runtime reported by Ars, rather than assume Google's maximum applies.
Timeline
· Published
Topics#Google#Fitbit#Wearables#Fitness trackers#Battery life
Sources
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