Introduction

Fitbit has just taken family connectivity to the next level with its latest update to the Ace LTE smartwatch, specifically designed for children aged 7 and up. This innovative device aims to help families stay engaged and active together, combining technology with fun!

Exciting New Features

On Wednesday, Fitbit announced a host of exciting new features that will enhance the Ace LTE experience. Among them are group chats, family quests, an engaging mini-game, and two new customizable watch faces. Kids can now send direct messages and make calls to their siblings using the smartwatch, promoting family communication in a safe environment.

Safety and Control

Launched in May, the Ace LTE provides parents peace of mind with its robust safety features. Parents can text and call their kids, track their location, and monitor their activity levels. The smartwatch ensures a controlled communication environment by allowing parents to approve and add up to 20 trusted adults, limiting interactions exclusively to family-approved contacts.

Group Chat Functionality

The newly introduced group chat function is a game-changer. Any family member within the Google Family can join the chat, facilitating seamless communication. Previously, siblings couldn’t reach out to one another due to strict parental controls, but this change allows them to connect freely, strengthening sibling relationships.

Interactive Virtual Environment

However, it's important to note that children still cannot communicate with friends through the device. Instead, they can interact with each other in “Bit Valley,” a virtual environment where they take care of little virtual pets called Eejies—similar to the classic Tamagotchi.

Family Quests and Physical Activities

To encourage family bonding through shared physical activities, Fitbit has also introduced “Family Quests.” The latest challenge, titled “Turkey Berserky,” aims to rally families together during the Thanksgiving season by tracking their collective steps with a goal of reaching 400,000. As families achieve their goals, kids earn tickets to spend on digital items for their Eejies. Additionally, there are 50 new educational quests that cover topics like geography, nutrition, and sleep hygiene, making learning fun and interactive.

Fitbit Arcade and Games

And the fun doesn’t stop there! The Ace LTE includes access to the Fitbit Arcade, designed to keep kids entertained while being active. The newest game, “Solar Sword,” challenges players to defend their village from invaders, combining excitement with movement.

Customization and Personalization

In a move to further engage young users, Fitbit is rolling out two new watch faces that can be easily changed with a long press on the home screen, making personalized fitness tracking more enjoyable.

Pricing and Subscription

Priced at $230, the Ace LTE aligns with other Fitbit products like the Fitbit Sense 2 and Google Pixel Watch 2. To unlock all the features, users must subscribe to the Fitbit Ace Pass plan, costing $10 per month or $119 annually. As a special holiday promotion, siblings who sign up by January 31 will enjoy a 50% discount!

Conclusion

With these exciting updates, Fitbit’s Ace LTE is not just a smartwatch; it’s a tool for fostering family relationships, encouraging physical activity, and creating lasting memories together!