Google announces $230 Fitbit Ace LTE for kids with Wear OS
Is Google's $230 Kid's Smartwatch Worth It?
Google has introduced the Fitbit Ace LTE, a new Wear OS device aimed at kids aged 7 and up. This smartwatch encourages healthy activities through interactive games and also functions as a communication and real-time location tracker between parents and their children. It requires a Fitbit Ace Pass subscription for cellular features, access to the Fitbit Arcade, and other functionalities.
The device, priced at $229.95, features a rounded square OLED screen, robust build with Gorilla Glass 3, and various connectivity options including 4G LTE and Wi-Fi. It’s designed for extensive use with a battery life of over 16 hours, supporting activities like messaging, voice calls, and gameplay without always-on display. The Fitbit Ace LTE will be available for general purchase on June 5, with pre-orders starting earlier on the Google Store and Amazon.
Can you describe the design and materials used in the construction of the Fitbit Ace LTE?
The Fitbit Ace LTE is designed with a robust and durable construction, tailored specifically for kids aged 7 and above. The device features a stainless steel housing, providing both strength and a sleek appearance. Additionally, the watch band is made from a comfortable and secure silicone material, ensuring a snug fit for young wearers. The Fitbit Ace LTE also incorporates a vibrant touchscreen display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which offers excellent durability and scratch resistance.
The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing kids to wear it during swimming and other water-related activities without any concerns. The Fitbit Ace LTE is designed to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday play, making it a reliable companion for children on their fitness journey.
In terms of aesthetics, the Fitbit Ace LTE is available in a range of vibrant and interchangeable bands, enabling kids to express their unique style while staying active. The device's design and build are a perfect blend of durability, comfort, and vibrant aesthetics, making it an attractive and reliable fitness companion for kids.
How does the battery life of the Fitbit Ace LTE compare when using LTE connectivity and gaming versus having an always-on display?
The Fitbit Ace LTE's battery life is rated at over 16 hours with typical usage, which includes 4G LTE connectivity and gaming6. However, if you were to enable the always-on display (AOD) feature, the battery life would be reduced. It's important to note that the AOD can be enabled in the Settings app, which is identical to Wear OS. The device shares many of the same specs as the Pixel Watch 2 and has a 328 mAh typical battery capacity.
To maximize battery life, it's recommended to disable the AOD feature and rely on the raise-to-wake functionality. This will help ensure that the device can last through a full day of typical usage, which is based on a school day with 6 sessions of 5-minute gameplay, 10 messages, 3 one-minute voice calls, 5 location checks, 2 payments, and 4 hours with Wi-Fi connectivity.