Fitbit Ace LTE: Wearable Gaming to Turn Fitness into Playtime
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
In today's fast-paced world of technology and apps, keeping children active and engaged can be a challenge. Fitbit aims to address this with the introduction of the Ace LTE, a new connected smartwatch designed for kids aged 7 and up. The Ace LTE is designed to transform exercise into play while providing families with features for calling, messaging, and location sharing.
The Ace LTE combines physical activity with interactive 3D games. The device offers various games that use haptics, sounds, and the accelerometer to encourage movement. For instance, children can race as a chicken in a bathtub through space or fish for a Soy Sauce Snapper in "Smokey Lake." The Fitbit Arcade updates with new games every few months to maintain engagement. The smartwatch tracks various forms of physical activity and rewards children for reaching their daily movement goals, which are displayed on the 'Noodle' activity ring.
The design of the Ace LTE takes privacy and safety into account. Experts in child psychology, public health, privacy, and digital wellbeing were consulted. Parents are the only ones who can view their child's location and activity data, which is automatically deleted after a certain period. The device does not include ads or third-party apps, and only contacts approved by parents can communicate with it. Additionally, a new movement algorithm developed by the Google Research team aims to accurately measure kids’ physical activity.
The Ace LTE offers practical features for families, such as real-time location tracking, communication through calls and messages, and settings like School Time to minimize distractions. The smartwatch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has a scratch-resistant display. It requires a monthly data plan for connectivity, available through the Fitbit Ace Pass, which also provides access to the Fitbit Arcade and other features. The device is priced at $229.95, with the Fitbit Ace Pass costing $9.99 per month or $119.99 annually.
Elevate Your Expertise: Tune in to Our YouTube Channel for Exclusive Podcasts with fitness and wellness Industry Titans and Game-Changers
Credit: Fitbit