(NEW) Fitbit Google Ace LTE - Kids Smartwatch

This watch is just what I’ve been looking for for my two kids who are eager for more independence but in my opinion too young for a smart phone. The kids previously had Fitbit Ace fitness trackers, which they wore daily and enjoyed checking their step and exercise count on, so they were already used to having a watch on daily and are extremely pleased with the Fitbit LTE as a major upgrade. CALLS & MESSAGING: Main functionality we as parents were looking for. I love that they don’t have to carry around a phone (that inevitably would be dropped / lost) and the call functionality works really well (can even leave voice messages). Messaging works great too. Kids say that it’s a bit tricky to type on the tiny watch face keyword (understandable!) but the watch provides suggested replies that often works really well and can just be tapped on to reply back. You can add emojis to messages which of course is being used frequently. We look forward to having more friends using the watch so that the kids can text with them (this functionality can be turned on / off as far as I understand). LOCATION TRACKING: Love this functionality as we give the kids more freedom to roam the neighborhood and expand their range to be independent. Great to check that they arrived to school in the morning as they walk there on their own. I love that I can check their location to see if they are on their way home when they say they are, versus calling/messaging them as I think this allows them to feel much greater independence (without mom having to worry about them being a few minutes late…). DESIGN: Great size watch face for little wrists. Cute comfortable bands. We have tried both the fabric and the silicone type bands. The kids slightly prefer the fabric ones, but are good with either type. It’s nice to have the silicone one for sweaty exercises in my opinion. We wish there were even more designs to choose from. It’s really fun for the kids that adding new bands unlocks new things on the watch. SET UP & APP: Set up was very easy, we didn’t experience any issues and the set up flow was easy to follow. The App interface is simple and easy to navigate. I can see both kids profiles on one page and select which one to call/text/locate from the same page. I can track their movement, including steps and exercise. GAMES / incentives to exercise: The games can be used for short times before the kid is asked to complete a movement task to unlock more ‘screen time’. Great functionality! Son, 10 years old: The games kept his full attention for some time, and now he uses them once in a while. That being said, he’s an active kid already and moves plenty without the game incentives (i.e. they aren’t providing much additional motivation for him and that’s OK). I think the games are adorable so he might just be a tad old for them. Daughter, 9 years old: Absolutely loves the games and moves all the time to unlock additional game time etc. She loves the cute interface, the rooms and the avatars. The functionality of unlocking extra stuff for the games / avatars is really engaging to her. COST: Main con for me is the cost of the watch, but compared to getting them an Apple Watch or a smart phone with a data plan, I think this is a much better option/value for kids/tweens. BONUS: Option to add schedules when certain functions are turned off, for example games or calling during school time (you select the hours yourself). Lots of settings are customizable, which is great. Love the plastic free packaging!!! That’s how all electronics should be packaged.