Google introduced the Fitbit Edge band with GPS and a week-long battery life. But it's not officially coming to the Czech Republic

Google has just filled the gap between the expensive Pixel Watch 5 smartwatches and the display-less Fitbit Air band. The new Fitbit Edge is a thin band with a color display, built-in GPS, and up to a week of battery life. Its appearance was already revealed last week by a leak, which we wrote about, but now we know all the specifications and prices. For Czech interested parties, the new product has one significant flaw: Google will not officially sell it here.

Fitbit Edge features an aluminum body and AMOLED with always-on function

The band’s body is made of recycled aluminum, its thickness is around 11.5 millimeters, and without the strap, the Edge weighs 17.7 grams. Google is not shy about comparing it to the competition – the case is said to be 45% lighter than the Apple Watch Series 12. Durability meets 5 ATM and IP68 standards, so you can even take the band into the pool.

The display has a diagonal of 1.34 inches and, according to the technical sheet, it is an AMOLED panel with an always-on function. The manufacturer describes it as the largest and brightest they have ever put into their band, with the screen area being 46% larger than previous models. Control is complemented by a redesigned physical button on the side, which you can use to quickly pause a workout, for example. The interface is based on the Pixel Watch 5, so it should appeal greatly to fans of Pixel phones and Material Design in general, but inside, an energy-efficient Ambiq AP5 microcontroller is at work – so it is not a Wear OS device.

More accurate GPS, more health data, and a trainer with Gemini

For runners and cyclists, the built-in GPS with Galileo system support is key, functioning even without a phone. Thanks to the new chipset and aluminum body, Google claims it is up to 40% more accurate than older Fitbits. An altimeter records elevation changes, over 40 sports modes are available, and the band automatically recognizes when you start exercising, even if you forget to start a workout. It can also send heart rate data via Bluetooth to compatible fitness machines.

Health features include ECG with atrial fibrillation detection, blood oxygen saturation measurement, skin temperature, and heart rate variability. Edge will also integrate with Health Guardian functions, which monthly evaluate blood pressure and insulin resistance trends. However, Google reminds that these are not medical measurements and availability varies by country.

The main attraction is the Google Health Coach, built on Gemini models. It creates training plans, adjusts them based on how well you’ve slept, and advises when to push harder and when to ease off during exercise. However, the full suite of features is unlocked only by the Google Health Premium subscription, which costs 299 CZK per month here. Google Maps with wrist navigation is promised by the manufacturer for a later date.

A week on a single charge and a replaceable battery

Inside is a 65 mAh battery, which Google claims can last up to seven days. However, this is the result of tests with default settings – with the always-on display enabled, expect closer to two days. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes, and five minutes on the charger should be enough for a day of operation when the battery is depleted.

A welcome new feature is repairability. According to the manufacturer, Fitbit Edge is its first fitness band with a replaceable battery, so you don’t have to discard it after a few years just because of a worn-out battery. You can pair it with Android 11 and newer, as well as with an iPhone running iOS 16.4 and higher.

Price and availability: not officially coming to the Czech Republic

In Germany, the Fitbit Edge costs 179.99 euros, which is approximately 4,400 CZK. There are four color combinations to choose from – Obsidian (black), Fog (silver), Olive (olive), and Canyon (golden). A special edition created with basketball player Stephen Curry features a water-repellent strap made from recycled polyester in his typical beige and orange tones and will cost 219.99 euros, approximately 5,400 CZK. Pre-orders are open from today, and the band will arrive in stores on October 27.

Google will not officially bring the new product to the Czech Republic. Interested parties will therefore have to rely on purchasing it abroad or from smaller domestic retailers. It should also be noted that some health functions may not work here.

Would you order the Fitbit Edge from Germany, even though it won’t be officially sold in the Czech Republic?

Sources: Google (1, 2)