The Google Fitbit Ace LTE is currently available for $100, matching its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day, according to CNET. This cellular-connected smartwatch for children, which typically retails for $180, is being discounted by retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. The device requires a $10 monthly or $120 annual cellular plan to function for calls and location tracking.
Why is the price of the Fitbit Ace LTE dropping now?
Retailers are discounting the Fitbit Ace LTE to $100 to capture consumer interest leading into major sales events like Prime Day. By dropping the price to near-historical lows, Google and retail partners like Best Buy and Target aim to lower the barrier to entry for parents considering a communication device that functions as a phone alternative. According to CNET, this price shift makes the hardware more accessible, though the recurring $120 annual service fee remains a fixed cost for users.
How does the Fitbit Ace LTE function as a phone alternative?
The Fitbit Ace LTE acts as a managed communication tool, allowing children to make calls and send texts while giving parents strict control over the contacts list. CNET contributor Scott Stein noted in his 2024 review that the watch enables consistent interaction, with his own 11-year-old son utilizing the device primarily for gaming and voice communication. Updates to the software have since expanded these capabilities, now allowing siblings to call one another if both children possess the watch, provided the parent authorizes the connection through the Fitbit Ace app.
What are the limitations of the current hardware?
While the device offers GPS tracking and calling, it is not a full-featured smartphone. The primary constraint is the communication ecosystem: parents manage all contact lists through the dedicated Fitbit Ace app. This limits the child’s ability to communicate with anyone not approved by the account holder. Furthermore, the reliance on a paid monthly subscription is mandatory; without the $10-per-month plan, the watch loses its cellular connectivity, rendering the calling and location features inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fitbit Ace LTE work without a subscription?
No. According to Google, the watch requires a cellular plan to function, which costs $10 per month or $120 annually.
Can my child call anyone they want?
No. Communication is restricted to contacts approved by the parent through the Fitbit Ace app, ensuring parents maintain control over who can reach the child.
Is this the cheapest price for the watch?
Yes, at $100, this matches the lowest price point observed for the device to date, according to reports from CNET.
Can siblings communicate using the watch?
Yes. Recent updates allow siblings to call each other if both children have a configured Fitbit Ace LTE watch.
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