Today, Google-owned Fitbit unveiled the Fitbit Ace LTE, a first-of-its-kind smartwatch designed specifically for kids ages 7 and up. The wearable aims to transform exercise into play for its core target users, while hopefully also giving the “older users” peace of mind through reliable calling, messaging, and location-sharing features.
Key Specs and Product Intro
Google hypes the Fitbit Ace LTE as a device that can help motivate kids to stay active. So aside from being a typical smartwatch, it can supposedly provide “fully immersive, interactive 3D games” for kids, as its technical description states.
Indeed, some of the listed launch games, like Smokey Lake and Pollo 13, are shown to leverage the watch's haptics and even speakers to create these advertised “engaging experiences.” The idea, at least from our perspective, is to introduce many first-party apps with integrated rewards that would reinforce supporting the platform as a whole, creating a motivation loop for kids to continue playing with it.
As such, in addition to gaming features, the Ace LTE also introduces a virtual buddy called an “eejie”. This Tamagotchi-like creature's health and happiness are directly tied to the child's daily activity. Kids can earn arcade tickets by reaching movement goals and playing games, which can then be used to customize their eejie's appearance, outfit, and home in the virtual “Bit Valley” (thus completing the usage cycle).
Even the watch bands themselves are part of the digital experience. When attached, each different one unlocks exclusive items and perks, which again, theoretically, helps improve the overall user experience of the device.
In A Nutshell:
- Sturdy, kid-friendly design with stainless steel case, recycled polyester band, and Corning Gorilla Glass screen
- Water resistance up to 50 meters and optional protective bumper for durability
- Bright OLED display
- Built-in 4G LTE for calls, messaging, and location sharing (requires Fitbit Ace Pass subscription)
- Variety of sensors including accelerometer, optical heart rate sensor, altimeter, gyroscope
- Over 16 hours of battery life (claimed)
What About Connectivity and Safety?
While exercise is a major focus, the Ace LTE is also advertised for reliable connectivity. With built-in 4G LTE, kids can call, text, and share their location with parent-approved contacts, all without needing their own phone. Parents can manage everything through the Fitbit Ace app, where they can view their child's activity metrics, set trusted contacts, and establish “School Time” limits to prevent distractions during class.
The Ace LTE also adequately addresses privacy and safety. Google employs a policy of data minimization, deleting location history after 24 hours and health data after 30 days. Third-party apps and ads are not allowed on the platform (for now, at least), though the games themselves are developed by independent gaming studios (updated regularly via the Fitbit Arcade platform).
A Fresh Approach to Children’s Wearables?
The Fitbit Ace LTE launches at a time in the current tech industry where the effects of smart devices on children are under increasing scrutiny. However, Anil Sabharwal, Google's VP of product management for health and wearables (and writer of the product launch article), believes that by building a great product, schools and parents will see the value.
Some may have reservations about the concept, but the Ace LTE at least opens a new option for parents. Encouraging an active lifestyle and giving their children a different flavor of “tech independence,” all while still keeping tabs on their safety. As for whether the product will actually be a big hit to the children themselves, well… we shall see very soon.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is available for preorder starting today for $229.95, exclusively at the Google Store and Amazon, with general availability beginning June 5th. The required Fitbit Ace Pass subscription plan costs $9.99 monthly or $119.99 annually.
