Fitbit Ace LTE: Games that keep kids from sitting still

Google's latest baby device, the Fitbit Ace LTE, is a novelty device that combines a gaming system and a pedometer to measure activity. The company calls it the world's first smartwatch that turns exercise into a game to help kids lead more active and independent lives safely. It's essentially a Nintendo Switch turned activity tracker with safety and connectivity features for kids over the age of 7.

The idea is that it allows kids to move their bodies with games built into the Ace LTE in exchange for progress. However, parents (and trusted individuals) can also use these tools to stay connected with users. With the new Fitbit Ace app (available on iOS or Android for adults), parents can set game times, track activity progress, make calls and send messages. Kids can also use the watch's on-screen keyboard and microphone to type messages, dictate, and select emojis.

Hardware

The Fitbit Ace LTE uses a simplified version of the Pixel Watch 2's hardware, and this version is much more responsive. But the main difference between the two is the use of Gorilla 3 glass in the body of the baby tracker, as well as the 5 bar water resistance. Google has also added a protective case to each Ace LTE, which is lighter.

There are other notable differences: the Pixel Watch 2 has a rounded surface, while the Fitbit Ace LTE has a "squirrel-shaped" (square with rounded corners) OLED display with two large buttons on the right side. According to Google's vice president of product management Anil Sabharwal, the Pixel Watch 2 has a narrower frequency range and uses "embedded technology".That means the Ace LTE will detect when you put on a new strap, and each accessory has its own unique components.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is an ambitious device that claims to fulfill the role of a gaming console. When you put on the new straps, it features an animation of the bonus materials you just received. It also includes new backgrounds and elements reminiscent of Tamagotchi's pet Eeyore. Another strap adds a unique cartoon strip called "Noodle" that, like the Apple Activity Wristband, shows the user's progress toward daily goals.

Wearable gaming system

We'll cover the main part of the Fitbit Ace LTE, as we don't want to describe the hardware. The most interesting concept here is the wearable gaming system. The main screen of the Ace LTE is pretty typical. It displays a clock and a spaghetti-shaped activity ring around it, while the small print at the bottom shows the points scored. On the left side of the page is a collection of daily challenges. Like other iOS and Android games, these are a series of tasks to be completed in a certain period of time and rewarded upon completion.

Most of these rewards can be used to decorate a digital pet house on the right side of the home screen. Google is calling them Eejie. Engineers saw the letters "I," "J" and "I" in the room, made a sound and thought why not (and no, the letters don't actually make sense). According to Google, Eejies are customizable creatures fueled by daily activity, and as kids reach their exercise goals, their Eejie becomes healthier and happier. By completing daily tasks and earning tickets to the mall (or a new watch strap), they can trade in their Eejie for new clothes and furniture.

The Eejie is considered a customizable creature, anthropomorphic and child-like. Depending on their form, they can look like a sullen teenager. Don't expect them to turn into cute Pikachu or Digimon. These Eejie are two-legged creatures with a head, arms, and neck. Some would like to see something cuter, but perhaps the target audience wants to feed and play with their own weird incarnations.

The social part of the Ace LTE

When multiple Ace LTE users get together, they'll be able to visit each other via objects and leave emoji messages. Of course, how much fun this will be depends on how many friends (your kid) have Ace LTE. Even without the social element, Ace LTE can be a lot of fun. We've created a new library of games for the wearable device called Fitbit Arcade. Right now it has just six games, including escape games, fishing simulators, and a racing game similar to Mario Kart.

Activity Tokens

The idea of using activity levels as tokens for games isn't new, but Google has approached it rather cautiously. Not only is Google trying to avoid addiction among users in its target age group, but it's also working with "experts in child psychology, public health, privacy and digital wellness" to responsibly build the Ace LTE from the ground up. The company adds that the device "puts privacy first" and that only parents can see their children's location and activity data in the app. Location data will be deleted after 24 hours and activity data after 35 days. Google also said that no third-party apps or ads will be displayed on the device.

While the Ace LTE's primary target at launch is activity, it could potentially track health elements like sleep. In part, the Ace LTE's interface resembles other Fitbit trackers, with exercise alerts and a Today-like dashboard. However, during my brief hands-on experience, it's difficult to fully understand and compare the two.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is available for pre-order today from the Google Play Store or Amazon for 230 dollars and will ship on June 5 with the Ace Pass plan, which includes LTE service (Fi from Google), access to Fitbit Arcade, and regular content updates. It costs an additional 10 dollars per month. With an annual subscription, you'll also get a collectible Ace wristband (there were six at launch). From now until August 31, the annual subscription is 50% off, or about 5 dollars a month.