I love this little watch. My 6 year old is obsessed with it. For the record, we tried doing this with a Galaxy watch 6 and that ended up being a miserable experience. The Garmin bounce is interesting. But the software experience and immersion with this is perfect for kids. It was a seamless setup. Call quality has been great. The interface is simple. The only negative is battery life but that's expected with the location and LTE services which are battery hogs. Great device. Keep pushing it please Google.
Next month: "due to sluggish sales we are advancing this amazing product by laying off the team that made it and cancelling service and updates for existing customers."
@@DannyFenton217 there's plenty of companies that actually do focus on health without the unrealistic expectation of competing with a money printer like Google ads or the Wall Street demands to follow tech fads and engage in ritual bloodletting to goose the stock price. Garmin and Polar both have great product lines and are actually focused on their customer. Garmin even has a product line for kids.
If this is the case lets be real. As a parent I had a hard enough time buying the them Ace even being under $100. So the more expensive price of $220 I can't justify that price.
@@DannyFenton217 Alphabet's recent "focus" seems to be entirely devoted towards goosing the short-term stock price through bloodletting and chasing the AI hype. Thankfully there are companies genuinely focused on health products such as Polar, Garmin, and Coros. If these companies cancel their fintess device lineup and lay off the employees they go out of business. If Google does the same, their stock price goes up 0.5%.
@@lovestar91287 Funny I see this comment now; I just read on ArsTechnica that Google has shut down the FitBit website and is limiting existing users to the app (which is missing many admin and data features).
It’s important to note that the watch can only call/text contacts that have the Fitbit ace app installed on their phone which definitely limits its usefulness. Also it cannot be used to call emergency services (911) something I think parents would really want ( heck even a smartphone with no plan can do this) also no roaming. They don’t mention what provider they use but if it’s weak or nonexistent where your kid will be it won’t switch to another carrier. Was really interested in the watch until I read these limitations.
Except for the inability to dial 911. I 100% agree that it should be limited to the people you want your child to be contacted by. If it was just a regular phone number. God knows how many unwanted phone calls they'd be getting or making. Personally I think the limitation is actually a good selling point for my 12yo I don't want getting a phone until highschool.
What they need to do is allow communication from whoever I, as the parent, allow. Ridiculous that my 2 teenage daughters who have Pixel 8s but are supervised accounts cannot talk to their younger sibling.
I appreciate your review! Really well done! The graphics look crisp and clean, and the animations uber-smooth. I do love the form factor; it's significantly less bulky than the Garmin Bounce or Gizmo 3 and that ilk. Also, it is considerably beefier than an Apple Watch, with a promised app for parental units to monitor and manage the watch, which is better than any of the current solutions. From a price point perspective, it lands in the middle to lower mid-range, making it attractive. tbh, the gamification is a massive turn-off. I don't want my child chasing after movement metrics and games that unlock new items, levels, etc. when they should focus on socializing with their friends and the world around them. We have a gaming console and iPad for that. This would be a big distraction and yet another device/screen that offers dopamine hits. It feels like another idea dreamed up by the Silicon Valley bubble. Gamification is so 2011 as is a product lineup that includes watchbands that unlock new characters/themes (think I caught that tidbit of info somewhere). It'll be interesting to see how the dev team evolves the watch and its accompanying apps over time. I do wish the product lineup well, assuming Google doesn't kill this product. A feature-rich, cross-platform smartwatch for youngsters (think Apple Watch as one that isn't) is an emerging niche that needs to be filled. For the moment, we'll take a hard pass. Please note that how a household chooses to raise their children is highly personal. This isn't meant to shame folks who think this product is the right fit for their household.
I have an old galaxy note and have my fitbit recording data for me. Can i add a second user on my app or will this comflict with mine. She is 9 and doesnt need a phone.
I was literally going through checkout until you mentioned that it can't call 911 or anyone else. That is a HUGE negative. I was all excited about this for my 10 year old, but am questioning it now. I really would like her to be able to get a hold of someone other than me or my wife should she need help and we're not available.
@@VerSatya they HAVE to have the Fitbit Ace app installed. I'm not going to try to get grandparents to install another app and have to troubleshoot that for them. It just needs to be a message in the messages app. Otherwise, they'll never see it.
@@fuelvoltsexactly. I had it in my cart and was almost ready. 3 days battery life would be better, being able to talk to classmates etc. and how about grandparents that don't use smart devices. This is another flop by Google. And I most definitely don't want my kid using it to buy stuff unless it's an emergency ride home.
Sorry if I wasn't perfectly clear there. No 911 calls but you can set them up to call friends and family if the other person has the Fitbit Ace app on their Android/iOS device. You can add up to 20 contacts like this.
Am not good with the jargons 😅, but does the built in LTE stuff means that it will work well outside the US? From the Caribbean, so would I have to worry about service provider etc like with a locked phone?
@@TechWithBrett thanks for the reply. That's unfortunate though, it literally felt like an answered prayer. I look forward to when there is a version that can work here.
I hope FitBit & Google has resolved the sign-up issue they previously had with their FitBit's marketed to kids (FitBit Ace 3). The issue was the child's new FitBit requires a FitBit account. Now that Google owns FitBit, when you sign-up for a FitBit account it requires a Google account. Most of these children have "Family Linked" monitored/restricted Google accounts. These protected Google "Family Linked" accounts are restricted from signing up for the Fitbit account/software. Thus making the child's new FitBit completely useless. A great example of poorly designed product/system. I hope this new device forced Google & Fitbit to fix that huge failure.
This is great and what I have been trying to find for my kids! However, the entry point is too high if it also has a subscription. Lower the price down if there is a subscription or include it in the price. We shouldn't be paying both ways.
That's a good idea. Other smart watches subsidize with a contract plan plan to help the price. Seems like they are doing it opposite with Googe, full price device, half price plan.
That's literally how all of these devices work. All of the reputable ones that aren't generic Chinese LTE watches on Amazon all have super high monthly fees for the service, but cheaper watches. This is the first mainstream watch I've seen with monthly service below $10/month. But at the cost of higher device initial price.
Get a Gabb watch. They have promotions so that the watch is free with a subscription. You get to control who they can call and receive calls from, it has GPS tracking, it has the fitness tracking and all the games to keep the kids motivated. Best of all is that you don't need to ask anyone they call to download a special app. It's because they get a real phone number. Without a real phone number the fit bit ace won't be able to call other kids with smart watches. It's also a Utah based company with support in Utah. No overseas crap.
I have trouble with the 2nd parent ACE account setup. The 2nd parent couldn't initiate a call or text to the kid. Is it only limited to the 1st parent who sets up the account??
how can you sign up for ace pass subscription? Pre-ordered one for my soon 8 year old as a birthday present and I can't find where to buy the subscription?
Its missing a camera for video calls. Its perfect for making video calls to see if your child is ok. I know Tmobile has a watch for kids that has a camera, and its good for making video calls in emergencies.
Does each additional contact have to pay for the app to communicate with the watch? I understand you need the app to communicate but if each contact has to pay the 10 bucks a month, that’s a deal breaker.
Is there an alternative to this watch? Something similar from another company? I am a Google (Pixel) guy, and I love the idea, but I feel like there should be some better features.
The other brand I have used is the Gabb Watch that has worked well but we've had some battery issues. I know some carriers sell the Gizmo watch for kids and there are many on Amazon but I have never tried those.
@@NicholasEnslow I asked one of the agents when I did the sales press tour , in fact they told me it's already on Amazon . Give it a few and the prices will drop down .
The Fitbit Ace app is only available in the US, so it a person is authorized as a contact and leaves the US, they will still be able to contact the watch if they are connected to data.
Like most water resistant devices, they can be submerged but the more often you do it, the more chance it has to fail and be damaged. I would use it as accidental coverage vs it can survive in water.
ONE HUGE MISS! Just got this for our son and we cannot add his siblings, who are older teenagers, because they aren't adults. So those up to 20 contacts they advertise aren't even that useful. Google/Fitbit needs to fix this missing "feature" ASAP!!!!
They can call/text any device, but that device HAS to have the Fitbit Ace app installed. It's not traditional texting/calling. They also can't call 911.
Anyone that has iOS or Android. The parent sends a gmail invite to the new user and they download the app and accept the invitation and can call and text.
We set it up last night and it just takes a bit. So of the benefits of doing it this way is there is no chance if a spam call or text coming to the childs watch which is great.
It's a total mess that it's $230 for a kid and only a 16-hour battery life for a kid. All the other features seem nice but let Google know those are total misses
Thanks for the review! Does anyone happen to know if LTE will work in the EU? I switched myself and my wife to Pixels 2 years ago, my 5 years old son has been using Fitbit Ace 3 for the last year. The new Ace 3 LTE would be a great gift for him, and I would pre-order if it supported LTE in Europe.
I want to love it, but Gabb is so much better. Why? The Gabb can make and receive calls without a special app... Including to other Gabb watches. If I buy this I'm going to ask anyone they want to be able to call to download the special app, and my kids won't be able to call each other. The Gabb is also cheaper, though this watch seems like it's slightly higher quality.
My main complaint on Gabb Watch 3 is battery life, but they just pushed an update that should help. I will be doing a full comparison between the two soon.
So far I'm very impressed. I don't think we have seen it go below 35% even after a 14 hour day. This might change once they are in school. It has also done well in standby time if they are not wearing it and forgot to put it on the charger but I haven't do a full test of that yet.
So if my kid wants to talk to her classmates on the phone this watch is useless unless they have the app. I'll stick to a traditional phone for my kid at that rate.
@@Kuya_D_Z3 yeah... that is a pretty big turnoff for me as well. Not sure if there are going to be work arounds. Right now I could just see the kids wanting to get a hold of immediate relatives.
I asked Google about this and they said it is something they might consider down the road with enough interest. I think starting with family calling would be a great test so my kids can call each other if needed. The older ones would definitely want to call out to friends as well.
Game changer. Makes my sons gizmo look like a toddler watch.
I love this little watch. My 6 year old is obsessed with it.
For the record, we tried doing this with a Galaxy watch 6 and that ended up being a miserable experience. The Garmin bounce is interesting. But the software experience and immersion with this is perfect for kids. It was a seamless setup. Call quality has been great. The interface is simple. The only negative is battery life but that's expected with the location and LTE services which are battery hogs. Great device. Keep pushing it please Google.
Great to hear! We have had pretty great battery life but don't get out too much yet.
Does it have geofencing?
Please let me know. Thank you
That's kinda sad to be honest. A 6 year old shouldn't have smart devices strapped to them 24/7.
Next month: "due to sluggish sales we are advancing this amazing product by laying off the team that made it and cancelling service and updates for existing customers."
This hurts my heart this might happen but I hope with their focus on health they stick with this one
@@DannyFenton217 there's plenty of companies that actually do focus on health without the unrealistic expectation of competing with a money printer like Google ads or the Wall Street demands to follow tech fads and engage in ritual bloodletting to goose the stock price. Garmin and Polar both have great product lines and are actually focused on their customer. Garmin even has a product line for kids.
If this is the case lets be real. As a parent I had a hard enough time buying the them Ace even being under $100. So the more expensive price of $220 I can't justify that price.
@@DannyFenton217 Alphabet's recent "focus" seems to be entirely devoted towards goosing the short-term stock price through bloodletting and chasing the AI hype. Thankfully there are companies genuinely focused on health products such as Polar, Garmin, and Coros. If these companies cancel their fintess device lineup and lay off the employees they go out of business. If Google does the same, their stock price goes up 0.5%.
@@lovestar91287 Funny I see this comment now; I just read on ArsTechnica that Google has shut down the FitBit website and is limiting existing users to the app (which is missing many admin and data features).
It’s important to note that the watch can only call/text contacts that have the Fitbit ace app installed on their phone which definitely limits its usefulness. Also it cannot be used to call emergency services (911) something I think parents would really want ( heck even a smartphone with no plan can do this) also no roaming. They don’t mention what provider they use but if it’s weak or nonexistent where your kid will be it won’t switch to another carrier. Was really interested in the watch until I read these limitations.
Yep, I was thinking of getting one for my son but those are hard pass limitations
Except for the inability to dial 911. I 100% agree that it should be limited to the people you want your child to be contacted by. If it was just a regular phone number. God knows how many unwanted phone calls they'd be getting or making. Personally I think the limitation is actually a good selling point for my 12yo I don't want getting a phone until highschool.
Google is working on an update to allow texting and calling other Ace LTE. Got this info from a developer
What they need to do is allow communication from whoever I, as the parent, allow. Ridiculous that my 2 teenage daughters who have Pixel 8s but are supervised accounts cannot talk to their younger sibling.
@@dilagable1 they say that they are working on adding this feature to a future update
I appreciate your review! Really well done!
The graphics look crisp and clean, and the animations uber-smooth. I do love the form factor; it's significantly less bulky than the Garmin Bounce or Gizmo 3 and that ilk. Also, it is considerably beefier than an Apple Watch, with a promised app for parental units to monitor and manage the watch, which is better than any of the current solutions. From a price point perspective, it lands in the middle to lower mid-range, making it attractive.
tbh, the gamification is a massive turn-off.
I don't want my child chasing after movement metrics and games that unlock new items, levels, etc. when they should focus on socializing with their friends and the world around them. We have a gaming console and iPad for that. This would be a big distraction and yet another device/screen that offers dopamine hits. It feels like another idea dreamed up by the Silicon Valley bubble. Gamification is so 2011 as is a product lineup that includes watchbands that unlock new characters/themes (think I caught that tidbit of info somewhere).
It'll be interesting to see how the dev team evolves the watch and its accompanying apps over time. I do wish the product lineup well, assuming Google doesn't kill this product. A feature-rich, cross-platform smartwatch for youngsters (think Apple Watch as one that isn't) is an emerging niche that needs to be filled. For the moment, we'll take a hard pass.
Please note that how a household chooses to raise their children is highly personal. This isn't meant to shame folks who think this product is the right fit for their household.
I have an old galaxy note and have my fitbit recording data for me. Can i add a second user on my app or will this comflict with mine. She is 9 and doesnt need a phone.
I was literally going through checkout until you mentioned that it can't call 911 or anyone else. That is a HUGE negative. I was all excited about this for my 10 year old, but am questioning it now. I really would like her to be able to get a hold of someone other than me or my wife should she need help and we're not available.
You can store up to 20 contacts so that's 18 other people they can call or text
@@VerSatya they HAVE to have the Fitbit Ace app installed. I'm not going to try to get grandparents to install another app and have to troubleshoot that for them. It just needs to be a message in the messages app. Otherwise, they'll never see it.
@@fuelvoltsexactly. I had it in my cart and was almost ready. 3 days battery life would be better, being able to talk to classmates etc. and how about grandparents that don't use smart devices.
This is another flop by Google.
And I most definitely don't want my kid using it to buy stuff unless it's an emergency ride home.
Sorry if I wasn't perfectly clear there. No 911 calls but you can set them up to call friends and family if the other person has the Fitbit Ace app on their Android/iOS device. You can add up to 20 contacts like this.
@@fuelvolts totally agree. But is there a better alternative to this, other than buying a full fledged phone ?
Am not good with the jargons 😅, but does the built in LTE stuff means that it will work well outside the US? From the Caribbean, so would I have to worry about service provider etc like with a locked phone?
I just read it will only work in the US. That must be because it works with Googles network provider here.
@@TechWithBrett thanks for the reply. That's unfortunate though, it literally felt like an answered prayer. I look forward to when there is a version that can work here.
Currently yes, only the USA. Once all the kinks are out, I'm sure they will slowly add countries
I hope FitBit & Google has resolved the sign-up issue they previously had with their FitBit's marketed to kids (FitBit Ace 3). The issue was the child's new FitBit requires a FitBit account. Now that Google owns FitBit, when you sign-up for a FitBit account it requires a Google account. Most of these children have "Family Linked" monitored/restricted Google accounts. These protected Google "Family Linked" accounts are restricted from signing up for the Fitbit account/software. Thus making the child's new FitBit completely useless. A great example of poorly designed product/system. I hope this new device forced Google & Fitbit to fix that huge failure.
All of that is solved! No fitbit account for them is watch just a family link Google account.
This is great and what I have been trying to find for my kids! However, the entry point is too high if it also has a subscription. Lower the price down if there is a subscription or include it in the price. We shouldn't be paying both ways.
That's a good idea. Other smart watches subsidize with a contract plan plan to help the price. Seems like they are doing it opposite with Googe, full price device, half price plan.
That's literally how all of these devices work. All of the reputable ones that aren't generic Chinese LTE watches on Amazon all have super high monthly fees for the service, but cheaper watches. This is the first mainstream watch I've seen with monthly service below $10/month. But at the cost of higher device initial price.
Black Friday if you can wait $99
Get a Gabb watch. They have promotions so that the watch is free with a subscription. You get to control who they can call and receive calls from, it has GPS tracking, it has the fitness tracking and all the games to keep the kids motivated.
Best of all is that you don't need to ask anyone they call to download a special app. It's because they get a real phone number. Without a real phone number the fit bit ace won't be able to call other kids with smart watches.
It's also a Utah based company with support in Utah. No overseas crap.
@@tolustI agree, we will be seeing drastic price drops. Just like we saw with the Sense 2 and Versa 4
Can you change the watch face to something other than a noodle? My daughter doesnt love the look of that.
There is not. It just lets you change the type of noodle it is, and you can adjust the font of the clock.
I need to get this for my daughter. She is going to love this!
My kids are definitely going to be fighting over who gets this. I probably will need to pick up another.
I have trouble with the 2nd parent ACE account setup. The 2nd parent couldn't initiate a call or text to the kid. Is it only limited to the 1st parent who sets up the account??
No it should be available for both. How is your Google Family Group setup? Are they in your group?
how can you sign up for ace pass subscription? Pre-ordered one for my soon 8 year old as a birthday present and I can't find where to buy the subscription?
Download the Fitbit Ace app. Pretend like you have the watch and it should walk through the steps to sign up for the subscription.
What network does it connect to? Is there going to be support for Bluetooth headphones like the pixel buds for calls
It works off of T-Mobile from what I heard. Yes, I was able to connect my Pixel Buds to it over Bluetooth for calls.
Its missing a camera for video calls. Its perfect for making video calls to see if your child is ok. I know Tmobile has a watch for kids that has a camera, and its good for making video calls in emergencies.
Does it need a monthly plan??
Does each additional contact have to pay for the app to communicate with the watch? I understand you need the app to communicate but if each contact has to pay the 10 bucks a month, that’s a deal breaker.
No, just the watch has one contract. Contacts don't pay anything.
Does this have any music player support like TH-cam music or Amazon music? I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.
It does not. It can connect Bluetooth headphones but just for calls.
@@TechWithBrett yep returned.
Love form factor but wonder if we can turn off all games. Can they be disabled?
Through the Family Link app you can block games. You can also enable school time and they are disabled that way but so is the step tracking noodle.
Does it have geofencing?
Amazing
!!!! I wish I could buy two for my niece and nephew in Korea!
Maybe one day. US only for now.
Is there an alternative to this watch? Something similar from another company? I am a Google (Pixel) guy, and I love the idea, but I feel like there should be some better features.
The other brand I have used is the Gabb Watch that has worked well but we've had some battery issues. I know some carriers sell the Gizmo watch for kids and there are many on Amazon but I have never tried those.
@@TechWithBrett thank you sir!
Does this watch have alarm or calendar tools?
It does have a clock app with Alarms, Timer, and Stopwatch. A calendar is not on it, but is my #1 requested feature.
Finally! Why did this tech take so long?
FYI, they mentioned that black Friday and/or amazon prime day the price will drop to $99
They did?
@@NicholasEnslow I asked one of the agents when I did the sales press tour , in fact they told me it's already on Amazon . Give it a few and the prices will drop down .
Right now the only promo is to save 50% on an annual subscription if you buy before Aug. 31.
This is good for parents. Cuz now you can contact them and they wont need a phone.
Is there a keyboard on it or is it just talk to text?
Yes, there is a full keyboard on it as well as voice messages.
Can someone from outside US with Fitbit ace app and authorization make a call?
The Fitbit Ace app is only available in the US, so it a person is authorized as a contact and leaves the US, they will still be able to contact the watch if they are connected to data.
Can this watch monitor heart rate also?
It does not have active heart rate monitoring, but it uses the sensor to see how much the wearer is moving to give active points for the day.
@@TechWithBrett thank you
Just enough to add more distractions at classroom 😂
It has a school mode that disables majority of the functions unless in an emergency
Is it water resistant or is it water proof?
It is water resistant to 50m.
@@TechWithBrettSo I’m assuming it’s not best to swim with it?
Like most water resistant devices, they can be submerged but the more often you do it, the more chance it has to fail and be damaged. I would use it as accidental coverage vs it can survive in water.
@@TechWithBrettOkay, thanks for the reply. Not many TH-camrs take the time to replay
@@TechWithBrett how about taking a shower with it ?
Mine is not working won’t text or call me back and I can’t see my child’s location anymore
Double check that the Fitbit Ace app is up to date and reboot your phone and the watches.
I love the Fitbit Ace LTE but it was not international kids watch so I prefer imoo watch phone
Does this allow wifi calling when an LTE network is not available and wifi is?
This is a great question. It does have Wifi but I will need to verify that function.
ONE HUGE MISS! Just got this for our son and we cannot add his siblings, who are older teenagers, because they aren't adults. So those up to 20 contacts they advertise aren't even that useful. Google/Fitbit needs to fix this missing "feature" ASAP!!!!
What devices are they using? I heard that being able to message siblings with Ace LTEs might be in the works.
They are using Pixel 8s.
can two watches communicate with each other?
Google said they currently cannot.
So cute 🎉
Can they text/call iOS devices or only Android?
They can call/text any device, but that device HAS to have the Fitbit Ace app installed. It's not traditional texting/calling. They also can't call 911.
Sadly from what he said only people with the app
Anyone that has iOS or Android. The parent sends a gmail invite to the new user and they download the app and accept the invitation and can call and text.
If the watch was able to communicate to the grandparents without an app, i would buy it today.
We set it up last night and it just takes a bit. So of the benefits of doing it this way is there is no chance if a spam call or text coming to the childs watch which is great.
It's a total mess that it's $230 for a kid and only a 16-hour battery life for a kid. All the other features seem nice but let Google know those are total misses
Agreed, 16 hours is abysmal. Not a knock on you, Brett, but I stopped the bideo right there. No longer interested :(
We will be fully testing the battery with real usage over the next week. Stay tuned!
Thanks for the review!
Does anyone happen to know if LTE will work in the EU?
I switched myself and my wife to Pixels 2 years ago, my 5 years old son has been using Fitbit Ace 3 for the last year. The new Ace 3 LTE would be a great gift for him, and I would pre-order if it supported LTE in Europe.
I am unsure what countries it will launch in. All I see is that the offers are for US only. I'll ask around.
I want to love it, but Gabb is so much better. Why? The Gabb can make and receive calls without a special app... Including to other Gabb watches.
If I buy this I'm going to ask anyone they want to be able to call to download the special app, and my kids won't be able to call each other.
The Gabb is also cheaper, though this watch seems like it's slightly higher quality.
My main complaint on Gabb Watch 3 is battery life, but they just pushed an update that should help. I will be doing a full comparison between the two soon.
It’s too damn big for a kid. I’m an adult and it to big for me. The watch face. Disappointing is an understatement and subscription there nuts.
I'm mostly worried about battery life. Kids will use the crap out of it. And with GPS, calls, text, and games.
So far I'm very impressed. I don't think we have seen it go below 35% even after a 14 hour day. This might change once they are in school. It has also done well in standby time if they are not wearing it and forgot to put it on the charger but I haven't do a full test of that yet.
Any watch that isn't waterproof isn't really a kids watch.
No it isn't.
Whoops, typo. Thanks.
Battery life is "16+ hours" that is trash! Why do kids now need games on their wrist. Terrible idea and honestly dangerous.
$229 🙈🤦🏽♂️
Well that sucks. Can't call each other between the devices and needing the app. That turned me off of it completely.
So if my kid wants to talk to her classmates on the phone this watch is useless unless they have the app.
I'll stick to a traditional phone for my kid at that rate.
@@Kuya_D_Z3 yeah... that is a pretty big turnoff for me as well. Not sure if there are going to be work arounds. Right now I could just see the kids wanting to get a hold of immediate relatives.
I asked Google about this and they said it is something they might consider down the road with enough interest. I think starting with family calling would be a great test so my kids can call each other if needed. The older ones would definitely want to call out to friends as well.