The new Fitbit Edge slots in between the Pixel Watch 5 and the Fitbit Air. It costs $179 and has an OLED screen, smart features borrowed from the Pixel Watch and roughly a week of battery life. The battery can even be replaced. It is not a full smartwatch but targets people who want more than a basic tracker.

What it means: The Fitbit Edge shows Google trying to fill a gap many users recognise: a full smartwatch often needs charging every day and costs a fair amount, while a basic tracker lacks the screen and smart features that make a difference in daily life, such as notifications and apps. At 179 dollars, with an OLED display and roughly a week of battery life, the Edge targets people who want health tracking and a few core features without the bulk and price of a Pixel Watch. The most interesting detail is the replaceable battery, because in wearables the battery is usually the reason a device is retired after two or three years, and being able to swap it extends the product's life and cuts electronic waste. The move fits European pressure for repairable devices, and if it sells well it could push other makers to follow, which would help consumers more than yet another bump in specifications.

Read the original on Ars Technica

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