AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from Ars Technica, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.

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Google is releasing the Fitbit Edge in 2026 as a mid-range option between the Pixel Watch 5 and the Fitbit Air. The device features a 1.34-inch OLED touch display inside an aluminum frame rated IP68 for water and dust protection. Google states the screen offers 46 percent more viewable area than the Charge 6, while the Edge uses the same magnetic charging puck as the Fitbit Air. It supports Android and iPhones via the Google Health app and provides seven days of battery life without an always-on display.

The Edge includes a single tactile side button for waking the device or starting workouts, along with on-device GPS, ECG, blood oxygen, altimeter, optical heart rate, and skin temperature sensors. While it can mirror phone notifications, it lacks a microphone, speaker, NFC for payments, and Gemini interactions. Users must subscribe to Google Health Premium at $10 per month to access the AI-powered Health Coach chatbot, though this subscription is included with Google AI Pro.

The Fitbit Edge ships on October 27 in matte black, polished silver, satin pyrite, and champagne gold. It starts at a price point higher than the $100 Fitbit Air but lower than the Pixel Watch 5’s $350 starting price. The device comes with an Active Band for $180 or a Stephen Curry Special Edition for $220, with additional bands available from $40 to $150. Google notes this is its first repairable fitness tracker with a replaceable battery, though it does not recommend users open the device themselves.