Fitbit Ace LTE is a kid-friendly watch with games, safety features & Wear OS

Fitbit has unveiled, today, the Ace LTE. The smartwatch is part of its range designed specifically for children, but it’s a notable departure from its previous offerings. Running on Wear OS, the Ace LTE offers a blend of fitness tracking, engaging games, parental controls, and communication features. However, its premium price and subscription model may raise some concerns.

Design and hardware

Visually, the Ace LTE resembles Fitbit’s adult smartwatches like the Sense 2 or Versa 4, featuring a square touchscreen display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters and comes with a free bumper for added protection.

Under the hood, the Ace LTE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip, boasts 2GB of RAM, and offers 32GB of storage. It is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, optical heart rate sensor, altimeter, magnetometer, ambient light sensor, and gyroscope. This tech enables accurate tracking of various activities and metrics. In fact, the specs are not too far off compared to what can be found in Google Pixel Watch 2.

The device’s battery life is estimated to last up to 16 hours, which may be a drawback. But that’s what you get with wear OS. You will need to charge it daily. It’s just the way it is.

Here’s how Ace LTE compares to its predecessor – Ace 3. As can be seen, the two devices may be similar in name – but they are very different as far as specs.

Software and features

The Ace LTE stands out with its interactive 3D games, accessible through the Fitbit Arcade. These games encourage physical activity by unlocking new levels and rewards as kids reach their movement goals. This gamified approach contrasts with the Ace 3’s simpler focus on step tracking.

In terms of communication, the Ace LTE enables calls, text messages, and voice messages between the child and parent-approved contacts (up to 20) through the Fitbit Ace app. It also offers real-time location tracking for parents’ peace of mind. Additionally, the device supports tap-to-pay functionality, providing a convenient and secure way for kids to make purchases.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

It’s interesting that Fitbit chose Wear OS for the Ace LTE, marking a departure from its proprietary operating system. This decision could signal a broader shift for Fitbit, potentially leading to a future where Wear OS becomes the primary platform for its devices. This turnout of events actually wouldn’t surprise us.

Pricing and subscription model

The Ace LTE is priced at $229.95, positioning it as a premium offering in the children’s smartwatch market. Additionally, a subscription to Fitbit Ace Pass is required for LTE connectivity and access to certain features, including the Fitbit Arcade and regular updates. This subscription costs $9.99 per month or $119.99 annually, with an annual subscription also including a collectible Ace Band. All of this makes the device very pricey.

While the Fitbit Ace LTE is primarily aimed at children, its gamified approach to health and fitness could offer valuable insights for Fitbit’s adult smartwatch strategy. By incorporating similar interactive elements and focusing on enjoyment rather than solely on data, Fitbit could potentially attract a wider audience who may find traditional fitness trackers like Garmin or Apple Watch uninspiring. It would make sense for Fitbit devices to prioritise engagement and fun as a means to promote a healthier lifestyle.

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