1-Minute News
▶ Google unveiled its Fitbit Edge fitness tracker on Oct. 12 (local time) and began taking preorders.
▶ It costs $179.99 (about 240,000 won) and goes on sale Oct. 27. The Stephen Curry NBA Special Edition costs $219.99 (about 290,000 won). A launch date for South Korea has not been announced.
▶ The device sits between the screenless Fitbit Air, released in May for $99.99, and the Pixel Watch 5 smartwatch. It has an 11.5-mm recycled aluminum case and a hybrid OLED display with 46% more display area than previous Fitbit trackers.
Google unveiled the Fitbit Edge fitness tracker on Oct. 12 (local time). Preorders are available through the Google Store and retail partners, with sales starting Oct. 27.
The device costs $179.99 (about 240,000 won). A South Korean launch has not been confirmed. The Fitbit Air, released in May, has also not been launched in South Korea.
The Fitbit Edge is designed to fill the gap between a screenless band and a smartwatch. In May, Google introduced the Fitbit Air for $99.99, a band that uses a pill-shaped sensor module.
The Fitbit Air has no screen, so users view their data in an app. The Pixel Watch 5 smartwatch supports calls and apps, but is more expensive and has a shorter battery life. The Edge is positioned between the two, letting people see fitness data directly on their wrists as they exercise.
◆ Slim and lightweight, with a larger display
The case is made of recycled aluminum and measures 11.5 mm thick. Google said it is 45% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12 case. The hybrid OLED display has 46% more display area than previous Fitbit trackers, and its brightness has been increased to make it easier to see in direct sunlight.
The display layout is based on the Pixel Watch 5. It shows step counts, weather and workout information on one screen, and users can also check Google Health metrics such as sleep, menstrual cycles and heart rate on their wrists. The device supports Google Maps, music controls, and call and text notifications.
It offers more than 50 workout modes. Users can view running pace, heart-rate zones and lap times in real time. Google says the built-in GPS is up to 40% more accurate than that of the previous generation.
An altimeter measures changes in elevation during outdoor runs or stair workouts. The tracker can also automatically detect and record up to 100 activities, including running, cycling and walking, without users having to press the start button.
◆ Health features are tied to a subscription
Google’s headline health feature is called Health Guardian. It continuously tracks trends in blood pressure and insulin resistance, as well as changes in heart rate that are unusually high or low.
Google said the feature is available to Google Health Premium subscribers and is not intended for medical diagnosis. The device comes with a three-month Premium membership. It also measures electrocardiograms through a wrist-based ECG app and uses optical sensors to monitor heart rate around the clock.
At night, a skin-temperature sensor tracks changes in body temperature while users sleep. The device also analyzes sleep stages and heart-rate variability (HRV) to provide an assessment of recovery. Premium subscribers can get a Gemini-powered AI health coach to interpret these changes and offer personalized exercise and lifestyle guidance.
◆ Seven-day battery life and a repairable Fitbit
The battery lasts up to seven days on a single charge. A five-minute quick charge provides enough power for a day when the battery runs low. The device is water-resistant to 50 meters, but is not fully waterproof or dustproof.
It is the first Fitbit product designed to be repairable. Its internal components are modular, and the battery can be replaced.
Colors include matte black Obsidian, glossy silver Fog, Satin Olive and warm gold Canyon. Bands are sold separately. The Special Edition made with Curry features his signature colors and costs $219.99 (about 290,000 won).