Google Launches Fitbit Edge Tracker With Replaceable Battery

The new Fitbit Edge tracker gives Google a fresh option for people who want a dedicated fitness band without buying a full smartwatch. Google introduced the device on 12 October, priced at $179.99 in the United States, with preorders open the same day and retail availability planned for 27 October. The tracker has a 1.34-inch OLED display, built-in GPS, an altimeter, and support for the ECG app. Google says the battery can last up to seven days on a single charge when the always-on display is turned off. A Stephen Curry edition costs $219.99.

One of the most notable changes is the battery itself. The Fitbit Edge tracker is the first Fitbit device with a user-replaceable battery, a design choice that could extend the life of the hardware and reduce the need to replace the whole device when the battery ages. The tracker runs Fitbit OS rather than Wear OS, and it works with Android phones and iPhones through the Google Health app. Google is including three months of Google Health Premium with a purchase, giving buyers a short introduction to its coaching and wellness features.

Fitbit Edge tracker adds health trend tools

Google also announced wider health updates on the same day, including automatic workout detection for more than 100 activity types, up from 10 previously. The Fitbit Edge tracker will support new Health Guardian tools that follow blood pressure trends and insulin resistance trends using passive sensor data, with no cuff and no blood sample required. Google stresses that these features are for general wellness information only and are not meant to diagnose a condition or guide medication. Access to the trend tools requires a Google Health Premium subscription, and availability can vary by country. The tracker also brings maps, notifications, and media controls to the wrist, making it a compact companion for daily exercise, sleep tracking, and routine health checks.

Source: GadgetBond