Google announces Fitbit Edge, with shipping set for October 27

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a screen-equipped fitness tracker now available for preorder, with shipping scheduled to begin October 27. The device adds a display and built-in GPS to Google’s Fitbit tracker lineup, while expanding exercise and health-tracking features. The announced specifications and performance figures come from Google and have not been independently tested in the supplied reporting. The Edge has a 1.34-inch AMOLED touchscreen, a physical control button and an aluminum case. Its display is 46% larger than the one on the Fitbit Charge 6, according to product information. The tracker also includes an altimeter for elevation tracking and is rated IP68 and 5ATM for dust and water resistance. Google says the Edge’s GPS is up to 40% more accurate than the Charge 6’s. The device supports more than 50 exercise types, while automatic activity recognition is designed to cover more than 100 activities. Google says its recognition software uses pattern-based learning to identify users’ routines. These are manufacturer claims; the supplied accounts do not include independent tests of the Edge’s accuracy or tracking performance.