Google Launches New Fitbit Edge Fitness Tracker
Google has unveiled the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker that the company calls its smartest yet. The device is priced at $180 and continues Google's push into health technology.
A fitness tracker is a small wearable device, usually worn on the wrist, that monitors things such as steps, heart rate and sleep. Unlike a full smartwatch, it is often smaller and simpler, with fewer features like apps or calls.
According to Google, the Fitbit Edge brings new and improved features compared to earlier Fitbit trackers, although the exact details have not been fully listed in the announcement. The company has described it as the smartest Fitbit tracker it has made so far.
Some reports suggest the Fitbit Edge could appeal to people who are undecided about buying a full smartwatch. These users, sometimes called 'smartwatch noncommittals', may want more than a basic tracker but do not need all the extra functions of a smartwatch, such as making calls or running many apps.
The Fitbit Edge may offer a middle ground between simple trackers and advanced smartwatches. It could suit people who mainly want fitness and health tracking without a bigger, more complex device.
This launch is part of Google's wider effort in the health technology sector. Google acquired Fitbit some years ago and has since been developing health-focused products under the Fitbit brand.
The $180 price places the Fitbit Edge in a mid-range position, not as cheap as basic trackers but less expensive than many premium smartwatches.
The announcement was made through Google's official blog, highlighting the company's continued investment in wearable health devices.
Vocabulary10 words
- fitness tracker
- a small wearable device that checks things like steps or heart rate
- smartwatch
- a more advanced device that can do many functions, like a small computer
- middle ground
- a position between two different options
- mid-range
- not the cheapest or the most expensive; in between
- wearable
- something you can wear on your body, like a watch
- monitor
- to check or watch something over time
- acquired
- bought or obtained, usually by a company
- brand
- the name a company uses for its products
- device
- a small machine made for a specific use
- feature
- a special function or part of a product
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Its smartest fitness tracker yet 2. People unsure about buying a full smartwatch 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Google has unveiled the Fitbit Edge, a new fitness tracker that the company calls its _____ yet. The device is priced at $_____ and continues Google's push into health _____.
A fitness tracker is a small _____ device, usually worn on the wrist, that monitors things such as steps, heart rate and sleep. Unlike a full smartwatch, it is often smaller and _____.
According to Google, the Fitbit Edge brings new and improved _____ compared to earlier Fitbit trackers.
Some reports suggest the Fitbit Edge could appeal to people who are _____ about buying a full smartwatch.
The Fitbit Edge may offer a middle _____ between simple trackers and advanced smartwatches.
This launch is part of Google's wider effort in the health technology _____. Google _____ Fitbit some years ago.
The $180 price places the Fitbit Edge in a _____ position, not as cheap as basic trackers but less expensive than many premium smartwatches.
Discussion questions
- Would you prefer a simple fitness tracker or a full smartwatch? Why?
- Do you think $180 is a reasonable price for a fitness tracker? Why or why not?
- Why might some people feel undecided about buying a smartwatch?
- How important is health tracking technology in your daily life?
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