Fitbit Edge brings on-device GPS and repairability to Google’s $180 slim tracker
The new wearable offers on-device GPS and a touch screen in a thin design, priced at $180, sitting between the Air and Pixel Watch 5.
Key points
- Priced at $180, the Fitbit Edge is Google’s first repairable Fitbit device.
- It features a 1.34-inch OLED touch display and on-device GPS, lacking NFC for payments.
- Battery life lasts seven days with the always-on display disabled, dropping to two days if enabled.
Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new wearable device priced at $180, according to ZDNET Security. The product sits between the slim Fitbit Air and the feature-rich Pixel Watch 5 in Google’s lineup. Ars Technica reports that it offers more health sensors than the Air but does not run full WearOS.
Root cause
The device appears to address concerns about bulkiness. ZDNET Security states that Google is seemingly addressing concerns with the Fitbit Edge. The Pixel Watch 5 is described as having a bubbled display that is 12.3 mm thick. The Fitbit Edge is 11.5 mm thick, making it thinner than the Pixel Watch 5 but slightly thicker than the Fitbit Charge 6, which measures 11.2 mm.
Attack path
The Edge adopts a design language similar to the Pixel Watch but with reduced functionality. Ars Technica states it has a pill-shaped 1.34-inch OLED touch display in an aluminum frame rated IP68. It includes a single tactile side button, whereas the Pixel Watch has two and the Air has none. The screen offers 46 percent more viewable area than the Charge 6.
Affected versions
The Fitbit Edge is distinct from the screenless Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 5, which is significantly thicker. It resembles the three-year-old Fitbit Charge 6 but is Google’s first repairable Fitbit. Ars Technica notes it is essentially a refined Charge 6 with a Pixel Watch aesthetic.
Mitigation
Users should note the limitations in connectivity and software. The device lacks a microphone and speaker, meaning replies are limited to pre-defined quick texts. There is no support for Gemini interactions or NFC for Google Wallet payments. Ars Technica confirms it ships with fixed fitness experiences and watch faces, with no ability to download additional apps.
What to do and how to stay safe: Google
- Verify battery expectations by disabling the always-on display for seven-day life, or accept two-day life if enabled.
- Check if on-device GPS accuracy meets your needs, as Google states it is less accurate than the Pixel Watch 5.
- Confirm compatibility with your smartphone, as the Edge works with both Android and iPhones via the Google Health app.
- Review the lack of NFC and voice features if contactless payments or voice replies are essential for your workflow.
General security guidance from the TechSec Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Fitbit Edge cost?
The Fitbit Edge is priced at $180.
Does the Fitbit Edge run WearOS?
No, it does not run full WearOS and cannot download additional apps.
What is the battery life of the Fitbit Edge?
Battery life is seven days with the always-on display off, or two days if it is enabled.
