The Fitbit Ace LTE is like a Nintendo smartwatch for kids
Is the Fitbit Ace LTE Worth $229 for Kids?
The Fitbit Ace LTE is a new kid-friendly smartwatch that combines gaming with physical activity. It features a durable design suitable for children, with a focus on making exercise fun through interactive video games and a virtual pet called Eejie. The watch encourages movement by requiring kids to earn playing time through steps.
Apart from entertainment, the Ace LTE offers practical features like LTE connectivity for calls, messaging, and GPS tracking, managed via a parent-controlled companion app. It emphasizes privacy, with strict controls on data usage and sharing. Priced at $229.95, it also requires a subscription for full functionality.
What are the main differences between the new Fitbit Ace LTE and the previous versions of the Ace trackers?
The main differences between the new Fitbit Ace LTE and the previous versions of the Ace trackers are as follows:
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Design: The Ace LTE has a squarish case, resembling the Fitbit Versa, and is made of kid-friendly materials like plastic and Corning Gorilla Glass. The previous Ace trackers had a more rectangular design.
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GPS Tracking: The Ace LTE comes with built-in LTE for GPS tracking, whereas the older versions lacked GPS capabilities6.
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Gaming: The Ace LTE introduces interval gaming as a form of exercise, with preloaded video games that kids can play on the watch. The previous Ace trackers did not have this feature.
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Eejie: The Ace LTE includes an Eejie, a Tamagotchi-like buddy that lives in the watch and can be customized with in-game items, clothes, and accessories. This feature was not present in the older Ace trackers.
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Subscription: The Ace LTE requires a $9.99 monthly or $120 annual subscription to the Ace Pass data plan to enable calling, messaging, and location sharing features2. The previous versions did not have a subscription model.
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Price: The Ace LTE is priced at $229.95, making it more expensive than the previous Ace trackers.
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Band Customization: The Ace LTE offers collectible bands that unlock exclusive merch or outfits for the Eejie and its home in Bit Valley. The older Ace trackers did not have this feature.
How does the Ace LTE incorporate gaming into its functionality, and how does this relate to physical activity?
The Ace LTE incorporates gaming into its functionality through preloaded video games that encourage physical activity. This is based on the concept of interval gaming, where kids play games in short bursts and are then prompted to add to their step count to earn more playing time. The games available on the Ace LTE, such as Smokey Lake and Pollo 13, require physical movements like casting an arm out to catch a fish or tilting the arm to navigate a race track. By linking gaming with physical activity, the Ace LTE aims to make exercise more enjoyable for kids and motivate them to meet their daily activity goals.