Fitbit has updated a kid-friendly smartwatch version of its Ace tracker, including movement motivation, secure calling and device location services. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fibit Ace LTE.
The Fitbit Ace LTE, aimed at children aged 7 and up, will be available on the Google Store and Amazon starting June 5, initially in the United States only.
Fitbit has been selling a dedicated fitness tracker for kids since 2018 (read our Fitbit Ace 3 review), but the new Fitbit Ace LTE is a smartwatch rather than just a tracker, and most notably, it brings calling and messaging into play , a bit like other Fitbit watches: read our Fitbit Versa 4 review, our Fitbit Sense 2 review and Google Pixel Watch 2.
Like those Fitbit smartwatches, the new Ace LTE has an array of sophisticated sensors, including an optical heart rate sensor.
Working with calls, texts and voice messages, Fitbit Ace LTE lets kids stay in touch without always having their phone within reach.
Ace LTE can be configured to call and message up to 20 trusted people. Parents download the Fitbit Ace iOS or Android app on their phone to set up Ace LTE for their kids. There is no need to purchase a SIM card, pay activation fees or visit a carrier, but parents will need to sign up and pay using Fitbit’s data plan, the Fitbit Ace Pass, which allows Built-in LTE connectivity for calls, messaging. and location sharing.
For security and privacy reasons, there are no third-party apps and only contacts added by a parent can call or message the device.
In the Fitbit Ace app, parents can manage settings like school time to reduce distractions during class. Fitbit promises a new Tap to Pay feature that will give kids secure access to pocket money in “a few months”. With this feature, parents can add money to a child’s debit card supported by Greenlight or GoHenry. Kids can then use their Fitbit Ace LTE to pay.
While there are no fees with other carriers, the Fitbit Ace data plan, which allows built-in LTE connectivity for calling, messaging, and location sharing, comes at a relatively high price.
The Fitbit Ace Pass costs $9.99 per month, or $119.99 for an annual subscription, with annual subscribers incentivized with a collectible Ace Band (valued at $34.99). Fitbit is also promoting the Ace Pass with a 50% discount if you purchase the annual plan by August 31.
This is on top of the original price of $229.95 for the Ace LTE itself.
Locator
The Fitbit Ace LTE also allows parents to track their children through a real-time location tool built using advanced location technology powered by Google. Fitbit promises that only parents will see a child’s location or activity data in their app, and that location data will be deleted after 24 hours and activity data will be deleted after a maximum of 35 days.
Fitbit Arcade
Fitbit Ace LTE combines physical movement and video games with immersive and interactive 3D games on your wrist. The more they move, the more play time they can unlock.
Each game is designed specifically for the Fitbit Ace LTE, using haptic responses, sounds and the watch’s accelerometer.
Games include Smokey Lake where kids fish for soy sauce snapper, Jelly Jam, an alien Kaiju golf game, and something involving a chicken in a bathtub running through space.
Fitbit promises to bring “new games every few months” to Fitbit Arcade.
Fitbit calls the Noodle its “weirdest fitness ring yet.” This appears on the watch’s home screen and celebrates when kids reach their daily movement goals. It records steps, jumps and bounces.
Examples of Eejie
Another new name for Fitbit, Eejies are customizable virtual creatures that feed off kids’ daily activity, so the more kids achieve their movement goals, the healthier and happier their eejie becomes.
Ace LTE carriers earn arcade tickets to customize their eejie’s look with new outfits or furnish their home in Bit Valley by completing their daily activities and playing through each game.
Regroup
There are six Ace LTS bracelets to collect (and sold separately) with built-in technology that unlocks different items, styles, parts, and noodles when attached for the first time. You can plug in the blue Courtside band to immerse the eejie in a world of basketball, or plug in the green band to meet Wally, Bit Valley’s resident Spooky Pug who is obsessed with cosplay.
Fitbit claims the Ace LTE is shock, scratch and dust resistant and can be submerged up to 50 meters. The color OLED display is made of durable Corning Gorilla Glass and comes in a protective bumper case.
Fitbit Ace LTE battery life
The Fitbit Ace LTE has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (328 mAh) and offers over 16 hours of battery life, so it will need to be recharged at the end of each day.
Battery life of 16 hours was estimated using default settings for a combination of talk, data, sleep, and other feature use.
Fitbit claims it can be charged to 60% (11 hours) in 30 minutes and to 100% in 70 minutes; These speeds were calculated using at least a 30W USB-C charger.
Fitbit Ace LTE Phone Compatibility
It works with phones running Android 11.0 or later or iOS 15 or later.
Where to buy the Fitbit Ace LTE
Fitbit Ace LTE can be pre-ordered exclusively on the Google Store or Amazon for $229.99.
It is currently available in the United States only through LTE Ace Pass.
Fitbit Ace LTE technical specifications
Sensors
- Sensors and components
- Accelerometer
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Altimeter
- Magnetometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Gyroscope
Dimensions
- 41.04 x 44.89 x 13.35mm
- Weight (without bracelet): 28.03g
Fitbit Ace LTE Features
- Integrated 4G LTE
- Call and messaging services
- Rental Services
- GPS
- Built-in microphone
- Built-in speaker
- Alarms, timers and stopwatch
- Emergency Contacts
- Fitbit Ace app
- Fitbit Ace Pass
- Interval-based game
- Noodle
- Daily Quests
- Move the goal
- The Eejie
- Bit Valley
- Tickets
- Fitbit Ace LTE Bands
- Fitbit Arcade
- School time
- Tap to pay
What’s included with Fitbit Ace LTE
- Fitbit Ace LTE
- Protective bumper
- Fitbit Ace LTE Band
- USB-C fast charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Fitbit Ace Sticker Pack
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