Fitbit Ace LTE is a smartwatch made to get kids moving

As parents, ensuring our children are healthy, safe, and independent is a top priority. In today's rapidly advancing technological world, this can be quite challenging.

Enter the Fitbit Ace LTE, the newly announced smartwatch designed for kids aged 7 and up, designed to promote physical activity through play while offering a peace of mind to families with reliable calling, messaging, and location sharing features.

How does it work?

Fitbit Ace LTE combines exercise with interactive 3D games on the smartwatch. The more children move, the more game time they unlock — making physical activity both fun and rewarding.

Each game is crafted specifically for the device, utilizing haptics, sounds, and the accelerometer to create engaging gameplay. Kids can find themselves racing as a chicken in a bathtub through space or fishing for a Soy Sauce Snapper in "Smokey Lake." And with new games added every few months, the excitement never wanes.

The smartwatch tracks various physical activities such as playing hide and seek, jumping on the bed, or having a dance-off with siblings. All movements are displayed on Fitbit's activity ring, the "Noodle," which celebrates when daily move goals are achieved.

In addition, Fitbit Ace LTE features customizable creatures called "Eejies" that thrive on daily activity, further motivating kids to stay active.

Why does it matter?

Fitbit Ace LTE promotes a healthy lifestyle for children in a way that resonates with their interests. By turning exercise into an enjoyable and interactive experience, kids are encouraged to stay active, which is crucial for their physical and mental development. The device also ensures safety and privacy, as parents have control over who can communicate with their child and can track their location and activity.

The smartwatch is built with input from experts in child psychology, public health, privacy, and digital wellbeing, ensuring that it is safe and beneficial for children.

Privacy is a core feature, with strict controls on data sharing and retention. This thoughtful design means that parents can trust the device while their children enjoy its benefits.

The context

In a world where technology is ubiquitous and children are increasingly drawn to screens, finding ways to encourage physical activity is essential. Fitbit Ace LTE bridges the gap between kids' love for video games and the need for exercise by incorporating game elements into physical activity. This approach helps children stay active and makes the process enjoyable and engaging.

The smartwatch also provides features that bring families closer together. Parents can monitor their child's real-time location, communicate through calls and messages, and manage settings to prevent distractions during school hours. With the upcoming "Tap to Pay" feature, kids will have safe and easy access to pocket money.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is built to last, with water resistance up to 50 meters, a battery life of over 16 hours, and a durable, scratch-resistant display. It is available for pre-order at $229.95, with a data plan subscription required for LTE connectivity and access to the Fitbit Arcade. The annual subscription offers a significant discount and includes a collectible Ace Band.

Fitbit Ace LTE will launch on June 5th, available at the Google Store and Amazon, and we're guessing its global release will follow later this year.