Google’s Fitbit Edge fitness tracker is reaching retail on Oct. 27 at a listed price of $179.99, bringing a color display and built-in GPS to the company’s slim-band lineup. The date is the retail-availability milestone Google announced on Oct. 12—not the device’s unveiling. Reviews published the day before the launch describe a tested device and retailer listings. [1] [2] [3]
A tracker between a band and a smartwatch
Google positions the Edge between a screenless fitness band and a full smartwatch. Its announcement describes a Hybrid OLED display, a redesigned side button and an interface for checking activity, health metrics and notifications. Google says the screen offers 46% more viewing area than its previous trackers; that comparison is the company’s own. It also says the device is 11.5 millimeters thin and advertises up to seven days of battery life. [1]
Built-in GPS lets users record outdoor activity without relying on a phone’s GPS, while automatic activity recognition is intended to capture workouts users do not manually start. Google says the tracker supports more than 50 exercise modes. These are manufacturer claims, and battery duration will vary with settings and use. [1]
What reviewers found
The Verge’s Oct. 26 review called the Edge a comfortable, pared-back tracker and reported roughly a week of use per charge in its testing, with battery life falling to about a day and a half with the always-on display enabled. The reviewer also tested automatic run detection, finding the device recognized transitions between walking and running but overestimated pace in the example tested. [2]
Engadget, also reviewing the device on Oct. 26, praised its readable display and compact design while noting the premium price relative to competing trackers. Its reviewer found automatic activity detection capable in weeklong use but said longer testing would be needed to assess consistency. Detecting some unstarted activities does not establish universal accuracy. [3]
Price and availability
Google listed the standard Edge at $179.99 and identified Oct. 27 as its retail-availability date. Mashable’s preorder guide independently reported the same price and launch date; The Verge’s review included retailer listings. Mashable reported a Stephen Curry special edition at $219.99. [1] [2] [4]
The Edge adds a display and onboard location tracking to a straightforward activity band, but it is not a full smartwatch substitute. The Verge notes it lacks contactless payments, a microphone and speakers. Buyers weighing the $179.99 price can compare those omissions with their need for a lighter device focused on exercise and health tracking. [2]
Sources
[1] Google: Fitbit Edge announcement [2] The Verge: Everything old is new again with the Fitbit Edge [3] Engadget: Fitbit Edge review [4] Mashable: Fitbit Edge preorder and launch details