Google isn't ruling out this major Pixel Watch feature for the Fitbit Edge

The Fitbit Edge has plenty going for it as Google’s long-awaited successor to the Charge lineup. It packs an AMOLED display, built-in GPS, advanced health sensors, and even a user-replaceable battery, a first for Fitbit. But despite all that hardware, the $180 tracker is missing one of Google’s newest health insights. Fortunately, the company has now given us reason to believe that might change.

In a statement to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson confirmed that the company is considering bringing sleep breathing quality to the Fitbit Edge:

Sleep breathing quality is currently only on Pixel Watch 5 and we’re looking to bring it to Fitbit Edge.

The response follows our inquiry about the feature’s availability on the new tracker, which goes on sale October 27. However, an important distinction separates Google’s latest statement from its earlier confirmation that sleep breathing quality will arrive on the Fitbit Air soon. This time, Google says it’s “looking to” bring the feature to the Edge, which isn’t quite a promise.

It’s an interesting omission for a tracker that already has blood-oxygen-sensing hardware. According to Google, sleep breathing quality uses optical and motion sensors to analyze overnight blood oxygen variations and estimate how much of your sleep you spend breathing optimally. Those daily insights also feed into a monthly assessment of longer-term breathing patterns. Of course, having the right sensors doesn’t automatically guarantee support, but the Edge already includes some of the necessary hardware.

The tracker also supports Google’s other two Health Guardian features, blood pressure and insulin resistance trends, through a Google Health Premium subscription.

One small detail worth noting is that Google’s statement singles out the Pixel Watch 5 as the only model currently supporting sleep breathing quality. However, the company’s original Health Guardian announcement also lists the Pixel Watch 3 and 4 as supported devices, so there’s little reason to believe those models are being left out. The wording seems like a minor oversight rather than a change in availability.

For prospective Fitbit Edge buyers, the takeaway is simple: sleep breathing quality could arrive later, but don’t count on it at launch.