Thank you so much for this in-depth video. It answered most of my questions. I think my only cons after watching this video are that it can't call 911 if needed and also that it won't work while traveling internationally.
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!!!!
I would not change the age as that is a quick way to get your account banned. It should work if they are over 13 but I ran into the same issue. I'll keep trying but will see if I can get more info from Google.
Children can have more than two parents or people as guardians. This needs to be supported better. Also a "Bedtime" mode like "School Time" is needed. Finally, the watch has twice been helpful when a parent's phone has run out of power.The child felt like a hero.
Great video! I'm thinking of switching feom Garmin bounce to this for my kid I love customize text and call function on this watch which GM bounce does not have.
Thanks for the review. So far the cellular network and GPS connection has been awful on this watch, at least for us. This made it useless for both connecting and locating with the child. Also, one big difference with other watches (Garmin Bounce) is no automatic location tracking and no geo-fencing (which means no notification when a child enters/leaves school). I wonder if they will improve this. EDITED feedback: a watch restart improved cellular connection reliability by quite a lot.
I read somewhere that the watch needs to be connected to Wi-Fi to use the text/calling/locator features. Is this accurate? What if they are in an area that doesn’t have Wi-Fi to connect to?
That is completely incorrect. The entire benefit of the watch is that it has LTE and can make calls and text anywhere it has service in the US. It needs wifi just to download the games.
Thanks for making this video. So, just confirming...a child would not be able to call a friend who has a gabb watch because all people the Fitbit ace child contacts has to accept an invite and download the Fitbit ace app? Also, I didn't notice.. did the text messages go right to where your regular text messages go or do you have to check them through the app? Thanks!
Correct, you would not be able to message a Gabb Watch because it does not have the Ace app. For the messages nothing is done through the normal texting app on your phone, it is all done through the Fitbit Ace app. You will receive notifications from texts and calls similar to the normal message app, but they will show up from the Fitbit Ace app.
It looks like I can block the games in the Family Link app. So far, the kids have rarely played them but when they do the are all focused on moving around.
Thank you so much for such a detailed review! I hope this device gonna be available in the EU soon! Meanwhile, I'm wondering if this would be any useful and fun if shipped from the US and used without LTE from Google.
It's sad it is not coming the the EU! It would probably not be very useful as it needs the subscription to really make the most of it so I'm not sure you could ever sign up or use it for anything.
Was waiting for this review I know weird. But first off this device aesthetically pleasing all around through the user interface to the device is self. Google really needs to introduce these things to pixel watch 2
I do wonder: Is your eejee/levels/etc progress stored server-side? As in, if the watch were lost or broken, does logging into a new watch synchronize your progress back up? It would be a real shame if it wasn't, considering the mandatory subscription and always-online nature of the device. Contacts being whitelisted through the Fitbit Ace app makes sense, but it would be so much better if contacts didn't have to use the app. Asking a grandparent to remember to switch to a non-native messaging app exclusively for messaging their grandkid is really unintuitive, and it makes the communication a lot less accessible (for contacts with minutes but no data). For example, it's iincompatible with TextNow as a result (A service that offers a cheap SIM with free texting/calling, but requires using its own app). Lacking 911 support is a HUGE flaw as well.
Good questions. So I think the eejie is backed up because I factory reset the device already and the eejie came back. The only thing we lost is the daily noodle progress I think. The only complain I really have about using the Fitbit Ace app is that I don't see calls come in through my watch so I have missed calls from the kids. If it relayed that there was a call that would happen much less. I'm ok with not being able to call emergency services. I can see kids abusing that and curiosity getting the best of them. We certainly have taught our kids how to quickly find someone who would be able to call 911 if needed.
It is the way they built the network connectivity inside to work with the LTE network here. They haven't said any more details other than the devices doesn't support roaming.
Just confirming...you can make phone calls from the watch from LTE only? you dont need to be connected to Wi-Fi? I read that somewhere and Google wont confirm for me. Thanks!
Yes, have used this many times on LTE and Wifi is only needed to initially set up the device. After that, the watch can fully function with calls and texts over LTE.
I would JUMP all over this watch for my twins and my 7 year old... they have green light cards and I hear this watch has or will have an option to enter their ATM card making purchases easier instead of me digging on my purse all the time. I've been waiting on YOU to do a review (been watching you for years) I knew it would be thorough. My concerns is they won't be able to call each other? That is my only issue..I may be wrong...😢 and the fact that other family have to download an app just to call them. I'm curious about a comparison with the Gabb Watch (latest version which I have 3 now) and this watch... could you do that?
Hope this helped. I have heard through the grapevine they are working on watch to watch family communication but nothing official yet. I will hopefully get a comparison up this month between Fitbit Ace LTE and Gabb Watch 3.
I understand because everything is going subscription, but I think the service offered is quite useful for how much it is. Would like to hear what you think would be better.
Just got my one for my daughter yesterday. Not really impressed. It's just ok. I think it's overpriced especially the monthly plan price. But there aren't many options out there so I guess for now I am stuck with this.
The current yearly plan is annual plan discount is a great deal. If it was always that cheap it would be perfect. Are there any other features or abilities you think are missing?
Welcome to the year 2024. You must be new here. If you are so worried about hackers, why are you using the same account that you are so afraid of? Now they know exactly where you are.
@@TechWithBrett what? This is a desperately foolish idea to give to kids. And how dare anyone allow themselves to be acclimated to being trackable with some worn device deliberately created for that purpose? Sheer idiocy.
Thank you so much for this in-depth video. It answered most of my questions. I think my only cons after watching this video are that it can't call 911 if needed and also that it won't work while traveling internationally.
Excellent overview of the Fitbit Ace. I have a gab watch for my daughter now. This looks like a good upgrade.
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!!!!
Then change their age
I would not change the age as that is a quick way to get your account banned. It should work if they are over 13 but I ran into the same issue. I'll keep trying but will see if I can get more info from Google.
I just got one for my daughter and set it up! I can't wait to give it to her on her 8th birthday in a week!!!!
She is going to love it!
Me too
@@TechWithBretti like it
Children can have more than two parents or people as guardians. This needs to be supported better. Also a "Bedtime" mode like "School Time" is needed. Finally, the watch has twice been helpful when a parent's phone has run out of power.The child felt like a hero.
Great video! I'm thinking of switching feom Garmin bounce to this for my kid I love customize text and call function on this watch which GM bounce does not have.
Thanks for the review. So far the cellular network and GPS connection has been awful on this watch, at least for us. This made it useless for both connecting and locating with the child. Also, one big difference with other watches (Garmin Bounce) is no automatic location tracking and no geo-fencing (which means no notification when a child enters/leaves school). I wonder if they will improve this. EDITED feedback: a watch restart improved cellular connection reliability by quite a lot.
This is some great feedback and appreciate your review. I think they could easily add the geo fencing in the Family Link app.
I read somewhere that the watch needs to be connected to Wi-Fi to use the text/calling/locator features. Is this accurate? What if they are in an area that doesn’t have Wi-Fi to connect to?
That is completely incorrect. The entire benefit of the watch is that it has LTE and can make calls and text anywhere it has service in the US. It needs wifi just to download the games.
Any inside info on whether this product will ever end up in the EU?
From everything I heard it is only planned be for the US and doesn't support roaming.
Hi cool video
How do you add "friends"
Thanks for making this video. So, just confirming...a child would not be able to call a friend who has a gabb watch because all people the Fitbit ace child contacts has to accept an invite and download the Fitbit ace app? Also, I didn't notice.. did the text messages go right to where your regular text messages go or do you have to check them through the app? Thanks!
Correct, you would not be able to message a Gabb Watch because it does not have the Ace app.
For the messages nothing is done through the normal texting app on your phone, it is all done through the Fitbit Ace app. You will receive notifications from texts and calls similar to the normal message app, but they will show up from the Fitbit Ace app.
Thank you@@TechWithBrett
Thank you. Guess I'm staying with Gabb
Sounds cool. But friends should be able to call or text if activated in settings.
Thank you. Crazy this does not have a music or emergency 911 feature
Can you disable the games completely? Even outside of school hours? It's too many games for my child.
It looks like I can block the games in the Family Link app. So far, the kids have rarely played them but when they do the are all focused on moving around.
Does this have a stopwatch/ timer?
It does, see at 15:32
Thank you so much for such a detailed review! I hope this device gonna be available in the EU soon! Meanwhile, I'm wondering if this would be any useful and fun if shipped from the US and used without LTE from Google.
It's sad it is not coming the the EU! It would probably not be very useful as it needs the subscription to really make the most of it so I'm not sure you could ever sign up or use it for anything.
Was waiting for this review I know weird. But first off this device aesthetically pleasing all around through the user interface to the device is self. Google really needs to introduce these things to pixel watch 2
Thanks for your patience! It definitely is running WearOS and could be added to the play store somehow.
Not available at Texas
@@heathers9973nooooooooooooooo
I do wonder: Is your eejee/levels/etc progress stored server-side? As in, if the watch were lost or broken, does logging into a new watch synchronize your progress back up? It would be a real shame if it wasn't, considering the mandatory subscription and always-online nature of the device.
Contacts being whitelisted through the Fitbit Ace app makes sense, but it would be so much better if contacts didn't have to use the app. Asking a grandparent to remember to switch to a non-native messaging app exclusively for messaging their grandkid is really unintuitive, and it makes the communication a lot less accessible (for contacts with minutes but no data). For example, it's iincompatible with TextNow as a result (A service that offers a cheap SIM with free texting/calling, but requires using its own app). Lacking 911 support is a HUGE flaw as well.
Good questions. So I think the eejie is backed up because I factory reset the device already and the eejie came back. The only thing we lost is the daily noodle progress I think.
The only complain I really have about using the Fitbit Ace app is that I don't see calls come in through my watch so I have missed calls from the kids. If it relayed that there was a call that would happen much less. I'm ok with not being able to call emergency services. I can see kids abusing that and curiosity getting the best of them. We certainly have taught our kids how to quickly find someone who would be able to call 911 if needed.
Thank you for the review. You said, "Android IOS." 😊
🤭
Hi Tech with Brett
Hello!
Why can it only be used in the US while it was made in another country?
It is the way they built the network connectivity inside to work with the LTE network here. They haven't said any more details other than the devices doesn't support roaming.
Or an android device with ios 11 or newer
bruh
Just confirming...you can make phone calls from the watch from LTE only? you dont need to be connected to Wi-Fi?
I read that somewhere and Google wont confirm for me. Thanks!
Yes, have used this many times on LTE and Wifi is only needed to initially set up the device. After that, the watch can fully function with calls and texts over LTE.
I would JUMP all over this watch for my twins and my 7 year old... they have green light cards and I hear this watch has or will have an option to enter their ATM card making purchases easier instead of me digging on my purse all the time. I've been waiting on YOU to do a review (been watching you for years) I knew it would be thorough. My concerns is they won't be able to call each other? That is my only issue..I may be wrong...😢 and the fact that other family have to download an app just to call them.
I'm curious about a comparison with the Gabb Watch (latest version which I have 3 now) and this watch... could you do that?
Hope this helped. I have heard through the grapevine they are working on watch to watch family communication but nothing official yet.
I will hopefully get a comparison up this month between Fitbit Ace LTE and Gabb Watch 3.
Kewl little device.
once you said you need a sub to use this item that just turned me off on the item right away that is something i really do hate
I understand because everything is going subscription, but I think the service offered is quite useful for how much it is. Would like to hear what you think would be better.
I I can’t afford one 😢
Just got my one for my daughter yesterday. Not really impressed. It's just ok. I think it's overpriced especially the monthly plan price. But there aren't many options out there so I guess for now I am stuck with this.
The current yearly plan is annual plan discount is a great deal. If it was always that cheap it would be perfect. Are there any other features or abilities you think are missing?
This is all good. but the subscriptions killed it for me unfortunately.
Curious what you would prefer, and what are your expectations for a device that has LTE?
@@TechWithBrett LTE or wifi? I see a point why for subscription :) but not everyone can afford another subscription in their budget :)
The LTE. Yeah that makes sense, I think the cheaper yearly subscription price is an amazing deal. If they did that yearly it would be very affordable.
Does it have a calculator?
It does not have a calculator.
Some little rf radiation for little wrists.
It’s new it’s made by google
Thanks for the detailed review!
FYI, I think you forgot to hide your daughter's full name in the rest of the video.
Thanks! Yeah... I gave up, it was too much work.
Hmmm mightve lost interest since everyone who will need to call the watch also has to download the app
The biggest benefit of this is security. This way you know exactly who is able to contact the watch and have control over that in the app.
0:11 An Android device with ios 11? Gee man that gonna require some work
Did I mess that up? Whoops
"Works with most phones running Android 11.0 or newer or iOS 15 or newer"
@@TechWithBrettlol
Lol, noticed that too
My man did not just say an Android device with IOS 11 or newer 😮
You haven't heard about this new non existant device?
@@TechWithBrett No, lol
*DO NOT BUY THIS FOR YOUR CHILDREN!!! ARE YOU INSANE? THIS HAS TRACKING ABILITY! ANY HACKER CAN LOCATE YOUR KIDS WITH IT!*
Welcome to the year 2024. You must be new here. If you are so worried about hackers, why are you using the same account that you are so afraid of? Now they know exactly where you are.
@@TechWithBrett what? This is a desperately foolish idea to give to kids. And how dare anyone allow themselves to be acclimated to being trackable with some worn device deliberately created for that purpose? Sheer idiocy.