Fitbit is set to launch a new smartwatch geared specifically to encourage youth to get up and move in its quest to increase physical activity.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is the latest smartwatch to hit the market that will allow youth athletes to track their exercise and steps.
But one of the best features aims to motivate kids to exercise in a fun way. The feature is called eejie, an interactive character that exists in the smartwatch’s Bit Valley.
The idea behind this fine exercise feature is that the more the user moves by playing active games, the more points and collectible virtual items they gain for their eejie.
However, kids will not get to progress in the games if they don’t get moving.
All the games are included as part of the Ace Pass data plan, and ready to play without needing to download. There are no shortcuts for in-app purchases in the game. The only “currency” required to progress in the games is exercise.
Progressing in the Fitbit Ace LTE games allows users to collect arcade tickets and points. These are rewarded when a milestone is met, a task is completed or a task from the playlist is finished. The tickets can be used to customize the eejie’s outfit or room.
The more the user moves the more the eejie grows. As a result, kids will want to move around and be more physically active throughout the day.
To access the Bit Valley, swipe right from the Fitbit Ace LTE home screen and tap on the house. This can only be accessed after completing the Starter Quests.
Fitbit also wants to make sure its young users are limited on screen time, so there is a “Snowstorm” feature that will lock the user out when they’ve spent too much time in Bitt Valley.
Exercise-based games include having the child throw their arm to cast a fish, and movement goals include walking 10k steps to unlock the next challenge.
Along with the activity-based games to increase physical activity, the Fitbit Ace LTE allows users to add up to 20 contacts to call, text, and voice message. This makes it a great option for parents looking to stay in contact with their children during after-school activities and sports or during summer camp hours without needing a smartphone.
It is equipped with GPS so that parents can track their children, and also has limited gameplay features to allow kids to focus during school.
For exercise tracking, the smartwatch has an accelerometer, altimeter, heart rate sensor, magnetometer, and gyroscope. It’s also water resistant to 50 meters.
The Fitbit Ace LTE is available for preorder for $229.95 and requires the Ace Pass data plan at $9.99 per month.