Google unveils Fitbit Edge: A new slim fitness tracker with built-in GPS

Google has officially unveiled the Fitbit Edge, a new, slim fitness tracker designed to fill the product category between the company's advanced smartwatches, like the Pixel Watch, and its simpler, screenless bands. The announcement, made by product leads Ryan Krems and Noah Presler, highlights the device's focus on a balance of performance and wearability for users who seek more functionality than a basic tracker but desire a lighter, longer-lasting alternative to a full smartwatch.The Fitbit Edge is built with a recycled aluminium casing that is 11.5mm thin, which the company claims is 45 percent lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12. Its standout feature is a new hybrid OLED display, which Google notes is its largest and brightest tracker screen to date. Designed for outdoor use, the display offers a viewing area 46 percent larger than previous models and is engineered to remain legible even in direct sunlight. A redesigned side button has been included to provide tactile feedback, allowing users to pause workouts or navigate menus with ease.Functionality remains central to the design, with the device offering support for over 50 distinct exercise modes that can be initiated directly from the wrist. Whether users are engaging in HIIT, Pilates, or outdoor running, the tracker automatically detects up to 100 different workout types if the user forgets to trigger them manually. Built-in GPS, which Google says is 40 percent more accurate than its predecessors, allows for precise distance and pace tracking without requiring a smartphone connection. Additionally, an integrated altimeter tracks elevation changes for stair climbing and hill training.Health monitoring is extensive, featuring sensors that provide alerts for high and low heart rates, blood pressure trends, and insulin resistance. The device includes an ECG application for heart rhythm checks, alongside skin temperature sensors for overnight monitoring. These metrics, combined with sleep stage tracking, are used to generate a daily recovery score. The device is water-resistant up to 50 metres and incorporates a modular design with a replaceable battery, aiming to extend the overall lifespan of the hardware.For fans of athletic collaborations, Google has introduced a Stephen Curry special edition, developed with the four-time NBA champion. This version features unique design aesthetics, including "rye tones" and "game day orange," and utilizes moisture-wicking, water-repellent materials. It is priced at $219.99, a premium over the standard model's $179.99 price tag. Every standard Fitbit Edge purchase includes a three-month subscription to Google Health Premium, which provides users with personalized lifestyle tips, fitness plan adjustments, and data context for medical consultations.While the product is set to arrive in shops on October 27, with pre-orders currently open through the Google Store and retail partners, an official Indian price and launch timeline have not yet been confirmed by the company. Industry reports and early market listings have speculated on an Indian price point ranging between ₹15,000 and ₹15,999, but these figures remain unofficial. Given the historical delay of approximately five months between US and Indian launches for previous Fitbit products, local consumers may have to wait before the device becomes available in the country.The Fitbit Edge is offered in four finishes: Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon. Buyers can customize the device further with a variety of band types, including performance loops and metal links. As it prepares for its late October retail rollout, the device positions itself as a long-battery alternative to the feature-dense Pixel Watch, promising a "weekend-to-weekend" user experience that can be rapidly topped up with a five-minute charge providing a full day of usage.