The Google Fitbit Ace LTE, a kids’ smartwatch that gamifies physical activity to encourage movement in exchange for playtime on the device. The coolest thing about it is that Google doesn’t skimp on the features; it’s a great smartwatch on its own, so you can presumably trust it to only get better in time, as evidenced by some recent updates.
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Using the Fitbit Ace LTE
This smartwatch is so feature-rich that I decided to break down the biggest ones based on my kid’s experience using each one:
‘Noodles’ or activity rings
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Like most features on the Fitbit Ace LTE, Noodles are customizable. Kids can choose their preferred Noodle and see an animation when it transforms to an upgraded version after they complete their daily move goal. For example, it can be a cartoon snake getting closer to a leaf bug as the day progresses. When the Move Goal is reached, the snake eats the bug and changes color as it ‘dies,’ seemingly poisoned.
Kaiju Golf has kids make golf swing movements.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Games on the Fitbit Ace LTE are unlocked as the kid wearing it reaches exercise goals, with new features available as the kid moves more. The watch features games played through physical activity, like fishing and golf, which require arm movements. My kid particularly loved the fishing game Smokey Lake, which has new locations where she can try catching different fish. However, these locations are an X number of steps away, unlockable only if she completes the set number of steps.
Playing Kaiju Golf on the Fitbit Ace LTE kids smartwatch.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
The Fitbit Ace LTE only works with the Fitbit Ace Pass, so you can’t bypass the subscription to use the smartwatch. The Fitbit Ace Pass, paid monthly or annually, gives the wearable access to calls, messaging, GPS location, and games. The games are part of Fitbit Arcade, accessible only with the data plan and updated almost daily. These games don’t have in-game purchases or need to be downloaded; they only become available when the child does physical activity.