Fitbit Edge: Google returns to a simple display-equipped fitness band
The Verge reviews Google's new $179.99 Fitbit Edge fitness tracker, which resembles the fitness bands of 2014–2020. It offers a basic experience without smartwatch features, though the reviewer finds the price slightly high.
Tech outlet The Verge has published a review of Google's Fitbit Edge fitness tracker, priced at $179.99. The device is a modernized take on the fitness bands Fitbit made from 2014 to 2020, such as the Charge, Alta and Inspire lines. It works with both iPhone and Android phones, and the publication gives it 8 out of 10.
Design and features
The Edge is lightweight and has a small touch display showing basic health and fitness metrics. Battery life is about a week, but falls to roughly a day and a half with the always-on display enabled. Compared with the Fitbit Charge 6, the screen is fully rounded, and the straps are easy to swap. A metal link bracelet costs $150, while the magnetic silicone strap costs $60.
Built-in GPS lets users record walks and runs without a phone. The band supports alarms, notifications and music control. It cannot take calls because it has no microphone or speaker, and contactless payments are not available. Andy Abramson, head of product at Google Health, explained that fewer than one percent of Charge 6 owners used the payment feature, so Google prioritized design, an altimeter and a week-long battery.
App and AI coach
The Fitbit app has been replaced by Google Health, which includes an AI coach available through a yearly subscription: three months are free, after which it costs $10 a month. The reviewer finds the app can feel cluttered, but says that for beginners the coach is the best experience encountered so far.
Google has improved automatic activity detection. In a 2.4-mile test run, the Edge correctly identified the transitions between walking and running and estimated the distance at 2.55 miles. It reported a faster pace (10'49" per mile) than the Apple Watch and a phone app, which showed 11'38".
Price and verdict
The reviewer considers $179.99 slightly expensive, since the Fitbit Air costs $99 and the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249. Xiaomi and Amazfit also offer cheaper trackers with displays. The Health Guardian features, which track insulin resistance and blood pressure trends, were not yet available to the tester; first results are expected on November 1.
