Google has unveiled the Fitbit Ace LTE, a cellular-connected smartwatch for kids aged 7 and up. According to Google, it is “the first smartwatch of its kind that turns exercise into play and safely helps kids lead more active, independent lives.” The company promises that the new product will provide peace of mind for the whole family through reliable communication and location information sharing with parents.
The Fitbit Ace LTE features a square body reminiscent of the Fitbit Versa, crafted from plastic and Corning Gorilla Glass, with an additional bumper instead of sapphire glass and titanium. The Ace LTE sensor array is almost identical to the Pixel Watch 2, and it even shares charger compatibility with the Pixel Watch 2.
Engaging Kids with Fun and Safety
Fitbit Ace LTE combines kids’ mobility with their love of games: the more they move, the more time they can spend playing games on the watch. Each pre-installed game is designed specifically for the device, and new games will be released every few months. Ace LTE recognizes and rewards all types of physical activity, whether it’s playing hide and seek, jumping on the bed, or dancing. The Noodle application on the main screen tracks every movement and effectively informs children about achieving their next goal.
Google says it has “collaborated with leading independent experts in child psychology, public health, privacy, and digital well-being to make the device fun, safe, and useful.” For instance, a child’s location or activity data is only available to parents, with location data deleted after 24 hours and activity data stored for a maximum of 35 days. There are no ads or third-party apps on the watch, and only contacts added by parents can call or message the device.
An additional incentive for children will be Tamagotchi-like pets called Idgies, “living” in smartwatches. Idgies are customizable creatures that are fueled by daily activity—the more children achieve their movement goals, the healthier and happier their Idgies become. Children can purchase in-game items, rooms, clothes, and other accessories for Idgies using game tickets earned by achieving daily goals and completing games.
Fitbit Ace LTE offers six collectible bands, each unlocking different items, styles, Idgie rooms, and various Noodle designs when first connected. For example, a blue strap immerses Idgies in the world of basketball, while a green bracelet introduces cosplay enthusiast Wally the Phantom Pug. The straps retail for $35 and will be updated regularly.
Features and Specifications
Ace LTE allows children to make calls, send messages, and share their location. To enable these features, a $10 monthly subscription to the Ace Pass plan is required. The device is controlled and monitored through the Fitbit Ace app, available on both iOS and Android. In the app, parents can establish trusted contacts, send and receive messages, view the child’s location in real time, and track their activity goals. There is also a mode that disables games during school hours, adds NIX Solutions.
The Fitbit Ace LTE specifications are as follows:
- Dimensions: 41.04 × 44.89 × 13.35 mm
- Weight (without strap): 28.03 grams
- Built-in 4G LTE (Fitbit Ace Pass required)
- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC
- GPS/GNSS
- Color OLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (333 ppi with DCI-P3)
- Water-resistant up to 50 m
- 16+ hours of battery life
- Built-in lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 328 mAh
- USB Type-C fast charging cable
- Charging speed: 30 minutes to 60% (11 hours), 70 minutes to 100% (16+ hours)
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Accelerometer, altimeter, magnetometer, light sensor, and gyroscope
- Built-in microphone and speaker
Fitbit Ace LTE will be available from June 5 for $230. Customers who have paid for an annual Ace Pass subscription will receive an additional collector’s bracelet. If you purchase a watch before August 31, the cost of an annual subscription will be halved. We’ll keep you updated on any new developments.