Google launches the $179 Fitbit Edge with a bigger screen and built-in GPS

[EventHorizon Crossing]

Google has officially launched the Fitbit Edge, its second new tracker after May's Fitbit Air. We covered the earlier leak, and 9to5Google now has the full details. The Edge has a wide, pill shaped AMOLED display under Gorilla Glass 3, with 46 percent more screen area than the Charge 6 from 2023. It sits in an 11.5mm aluminium body

Google says the built in GPS is 40 percent more precise than the Charge 6's. There is also an altimeter and a large side button that is easier to use while swimming. The tracker is rated IP68 and 5ATM for dust and water. Sensors include heart rate, ECG, red and infrared SpO2, and skin temperature

Battery life is about a week with the always on display turned off and around two days with it on. Five minutes of charging gives roughly a day of use, and a full charge takes 90 minutes. Nicely, the battery can be replaced, and the Edge uses the same magnetic USB-C charger as the Air

It works with both Android and iOS, shows phone notifications and supports Google Maps navigation. There is no NFC, though, so Google Wallet payments are not available. The exercise app covers more than 50 activity types, and automatic detection recognises over 100

The Fitbit Edge costs $179.99, with pre orders open now and availability from 27 October. A Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $219.99. It looks like a strong option for anyone who wants a slim tracker with GPS rather than a full smartwatch

Would you choose a tracker like this over a smartwatch? And how much does the lack of NFC matter to you?

Google announces $179 Fitbit Edge tracker with display, GPS9to5google.com