Fitbit Ace LTE Smartwatch Introduces Tap to Pay for Kids

Fitbit Introduces Exciting Updates for Ace LTE Smartwatch This Back-to-School Season

As the back-to-school season kicks off, Fitbit is enhancing its kids-focused Ace LTE smartwatch with several new features designed for both parents and children. This update promises to make the Ace LTE not only a functional tool for fitness tracking but also a playful companion with new interactive options.

New Features in the Ace LTE Smartwatch

One of the most anticipated updates is the introduction of the Tap to Pay feature, which was initially announced during the Ace LTE's launch in May. This capability empowers children to make purchases independently, while still allowing parents to monitor spending.

Google, which owns Fitbit, is collaborating with Greenlight and GoHenry, two services that provide debit cards for kids and teenagers. Families with existing accounts can link them through the Ace LTE, enabling children to shop at any location accepting Google Pay. For those who are not currently signed up, Google has announced that they will soon offer a sign-up option via the Fitbit Ace app that includes a discount.

Interactive Games for Enhanced Engagement

Uniquely positioned amongst children’s fitness trackers, the Ace LTE also supports wrist-based video games. With the latest update, Fitbit is adding two new games to its roster:

• Sproutlings: A Tamagotchi-like game that allows kids to care for virtual pets, feeding them and taking them for walks.
• Spirit Garden: This game offers a meditative experience, encouraging mindfulness through guided activities and the discovery of land spirits.

School Time Mode and Sibling Connectivity

Similar to the Apple Watch, the Ace LTE comes equipped with a school time mode that minimizes distractions during school hours. Parents can customize this feature to include breaks for recess, allowing children to check in during their playtime.

Another exciting addition coming later this year is the ability for families to add siblings as contacts within the Fitbit Ace app. This feature will facilitate communication between siblings with their own phones or other Ace LTE devices, although more details regarding functionality and timelines are forthcoming.

Conclusion

As Fitbit rolls out these updates, the Ace LTE smartwatch is becoming more than just a fitness tracker; it’s evolving into a multi-functional device that supports play, learning, and responsible spending. These features add value for parents looking for tools that foster independence in their children while maintaining a level of oversight.