Fitbit Edge brings back simple fitness bands with GPS and week-long battery life
The Fitbit Edge revives the lightweight fitness-band format with a more polished design and a rounded display, while keeping its purpose focused on fitness tracking. At $179.99, it offers a familiar, simpler alternative to smartwatches, with built-in GPS and basic wrist controls but no calls or contactless payments.
It lasts about a week per charge, falling to roughly a day and a half with the always-on display enabled. The Edge has interchangeable straps, including a $60 magnetic option and a $150 metal bracelet, and runs Fitbit OS rather than Wear OS. Google has replaced the familiar Fitbit app with Google Health; its AI coach requires a $10 monthly subscription after a three-month trial with purchase.
In short
- Fitbit Edge brings back the simple fitness-band format.
- Built-in GPS and weeklong battery life are key features.
- Google Health replaces the Fitbit app, with AI coaching by subscription.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Edge offers a lighter, more focused option for people who want reliable fitness tracking without the size, distractions or frequent charging of a smartwatch. Built-in GPS, week-long battery life and interchangeable straps may make it a practical choice for exercise and everyday wear, while its simpler feature set can keep the experience straightforward.
The case against
At $179.99, the Edge may feel limited beside smartwatches that offer calls, contactless payments and broader apps, especially when its always-on display cuts battery life to around a day and a half. The optional straps add substantial cost, and replacing the familiar Fitbit app with Google Health while charging extra for the AI coach may make the product less appealing to existing Fitbit users.
Explained simply
Fitness bands are wrist-worn devices that track activity and exercise, usually with fewer features than a smartwatch. Fitbit is a wearable technology brand now owned by Google, whose products have included both fitness bands and smartwatches.
Fitness trackers can use GPS to record where and how far someone travels during outdoor exercise. Fitbit devices sit within Google’s wider health and fitness offering, which also includes an app and paid coaching features; the choice between a band and a smartwatch often depends on which functions a person wants on their wrist.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Verge as “Everything old is new again with the Fitbit Edge”.