Google Ditches Smartwatch Features for $180 Fitbit Edge

Google has launched the Fitbit Edge, a $179.99 fitness tracker that abandons smartwatch capabilities in favor of a streamlined, week-long battery design. The device, released last week, serves as a direct successor to the hardware sold between 2014 and 2020, stripping away features that defined the recent Charge series. It is a lightweight band with a fully rounded display and a physical side button, built for users who want data without the complexity of a full smartwatch.

The most notable change is the removal of contactless payments and call functionality. The Edge lacks microphones and speakers, meaning users cannot take calls on their wrist. Andy Abramson, head of product at Google Health, cited usage data to justify the cut. He stated that less than one percent of Charge 6 owners used the payment feature. Instead, the company prioritized a sleeker design, an altimeter, and battery life that lasts approximately one week on a standard charge. That duration drops to about a day and a half if the always-on display is enabled.

The hardware design returns to a simpler form factor. The display is fully rounded, contrasting with the boxier look of the Fitbit Charge 6. Straps are interchangeable via a button-release system, and the device works with both iOS and Android smartphones. While the base unit costs $179.99, additional accessories carry a premium. A metal link bracelet costs $150, and a magnetic silicone strap that mimics leather costs $60. The interface runs on proprietary Fitbit OS, not Wear OS, with widgets that borrow from the Pixel Watch’s Material 3 aesthetic.

Software integration has shifted to the Google Health app, which replaces the standalone Fitbit app. Users can subscribe to an AI coach for $10 per month, with a three-month free trial included with the purchase. Automatic activity tracking has improved, allowing the device to detect when a user begins running without manual input. In testing, the Edge accurately identified the transition from walking to running on a 2.4-mile route. It estimated the distance at 2.55 miles, though it logged a pace of 10 minutes and 49 seconds per mile, compared to the actual pace of 11 minutes and 38 seconds recorded by an Apple Watch Ultra 4.

The device includes built-in GPS for tracking walks and runs without a phone, along with alarms, notifications, and music controls. It does not support noninvasive insulin resistance or blood pressure trends, a feature set that remains under evaluation. Initial results for those Health Guardian features are expected in early November. The Edge competes with the $99 Fitbit Air and the $249 Apple Watch SE 3, while also facing cheaper alternatives from Xiaomi and Amazfit.

Setup requires users to agree to three mandatory contracts, including the terms of service and privacy policy. Health data is stored separately from Google’s targeted advertising business, per the terms of the Fitbit acquisition. Users must opt in to allow their data to be used for AI training. The device marks a return to the basics for a market that has grown accustomed to feature-heavy wearables.

The Fitbit Edge is available now for purchase. It targets consumers seeking a simple tracking experience without the screenless limitations of basic bands or the data-heavy demands of modern smartwatches. The device ships with a standard strap and includes the three-month AI coach subscription.