3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Oct 13, 2026 08:29 AM IST
Alphabet Inc.’s Google has introduced the Fitbit Edge, a $180 premium fitness tracker that combines the features of a screenless fitness tracker and a full-fledged smartwatch. The launch highlights Google’s growing presence in the wearable technology market, as the company renews its focus on health and fitness and intensifies competition with Apple Inc and Garmin Ltd.
The new device which is positioned between the Fitbit Air and Pixel Watch 5 has hardware improvements such as an OLED display, built-in maps, notifications, music controls and weather updates. It brings back memories of Fitbit’s fitness trackers introduced years ago.
The Edge can automatically track up to 100 activities, support more than 50 exercise modes, and offer real-time workout prompts to help users meet their fitness goals. The device’s GPS is 40 per cent more accurate, which should make it easier to track outdoor runs. Meanwhile, Google says sleep-stage detection is also 15 per cent more accurate than on earlier generations, helping the device provide better sleep summaries and coaching tips.
The Edge (center) is positioned between the screenless Fitbit Air and the high-end Pixel Watch 5 smartwatch. (Image credit: Google)
Google says the battery is rated for up to seven days on a charge, and the wearable is water-resistant to 50 meters.
With the Fitbit Edge, Google aims to expand its presence in the high-margin health services market through Google Health Premium. The subscription allows users to access Google Health Coach, powered by Gemini AI, which uses their fitness, health, and medical data to create weekly routines and workout plans and adjust them to fit their schedules. For the first three months, Google will give users a $10 per month subscription of Health Premium for free.
Google’s long-term play is use consumer health data to improve the Health AI coach as well as introduce new services to lock users into the Google ecosystem.
The wearables market is dominated by Apple Inc.’s Apple Watch and Whoop, a subscription-based, screenless premium fitness tracker. However, demand for discreet wearables, such as screen-free fitness trackers and smart rings, has been growing as more consumers move away from smartwatches in favour of minimalist devices that provide detailed health insights. These devices track metrics such as recovery, daily strain, sleep, heart rate variability, and physical activity.
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Google already sells an entry-level screen-free fitness tracker, the Fitbit Air, and is gradually rolling out the device in markets such as India.
The Fitbit Edge is available for preorder through the Google Store, with retail availability set to begin on October 27.
Investors will closely watch how effectively Google uses its wearable devices to drive subscriptions to its health services and grow its subscription business amid a stiff competition from Apple Inc.
