Can we get an official answer on texting to siblings/minor accounts will work?

[shaklee3]

As you can see in many topics, almost every topic here is surprised that this doesn't work when communicating with friends/siblings. Can we get an official answer as to whether this is being worked on? It's an artificial limitation and doesn't provide any extra safety.

[itsjustlaur]

I would like my 12 year old (sibling without an Ace LTE) to be able to use the Fitbit Ace LTE app to contact her sister (with an Ace LTE) if we add her as an approved contact. Please add this feature! This would help my girls be able to contact each other when they are both out playing in the neighborhood.

[FitbitElli · Accepted solution]

Hi! I’m part of the Fitbit Ace LTE team. Yes, we’re absolutely working on this feature request! 

This feature will first be tried and tested by our community of advisor families, but once we get the all clear, we’re hoping to make it available in an upcoming software update. 

Thanks so much for being part of the Fitbit Ace community!

[shaklee3]

Thanks! Can you confirm if this applies to anyone with the app or just others with the same watch?

[FitbitElli]

We're working on both! 🙂 Ace LTE to Ace LTE communication and for family members with the Ace app.

[shaklee3]

Thanks! Is there an ETA?

[LZeeW]

@shaklee3   Fitbit is always very hush hush about this kind of information.

[bsquizz]

What are advisor families? People part of a beta testing program? Is it possible to join the beta program or become an early adopter?

[LisaBee2023]

I would be interested in being an early adopter as well. I’m so glad they’re working on this feature!

[FitbitElli]

Thanks for the interest in being part of the testing here! We're still working on refining and improving the feature before a wider release. We'll definitely keep you updated on our progress!

[Hcistu]

Any update of the timing or scope of the feature? My 13yr old has had his watch just over a month and told me today he wants to return it since he can't put his friend or brother in contacts.

[danielapina]

Hi @FitbitElli  Do you have any updates on this topic? Communications from watch to watch and allowing to add supervised accounts as contacts are necessary for most families with more than one child. Is there a way to enroll into the trial release of these (and other) features? School year is almost starting and most parents will be grateful if we have this feature available by then. Thanks!

[Gene82]

Completely agreed. Please let us know when this update will roll out. I'm thinking of returning 3 new in box. It was supposed to be a gift for school but if they cannot call each other and their friends then it is pointless and I'll have to return them to Amazon.

[Gene82]

Please provide an update. It is now August. 

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone! It's good to see you around.

The team is working hard to get this feature ready! We won't make it in time for back to school unfortunately, but are committed to making this available shortly afterwards.

[shaklee3]

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/7/24215312/fitbit-ace-lte-updates-kids-smartwatch-wearables

[Gene82]

Ok!!!  After reading this article it is clear Google will allow FitBit to add SIBLINGS as contacts so they can call and text each other. What about their friends from school that own a FitBit ACE LTE??

[robotron92]

What about the option to text and call with trusted contacts?  Most family members that would be trusted contacts are not going to download a special app and configure just to communicate with one family's children, occasionally.  It's not really a reasonable ask, especially for older relatives.  Part of safety is teaching kids to be able to navigate the world, including other adults they can reach out to for help and support.  Expecting everyone else to get a special app to do what all phones do by default (call and text) with one other person is not a good experience - Only allowing trusted contacts to call / text to the ACE and be called and texted from the ACE instead would be great.  The level of parental control would be basically the same, by only allowing contact with approved numbers; but would really reduce the burden on the trusted contacts.  Our family has fitbits, but we won't be getting our child an ACE with this level of restriction.  

[Rymetime]

So will communication to other kids with different watches not be supported? For instance I have one child with a gabb watch 3 who has a dedicated number, but no way of downloading the Fitbit Ace app. 

[shaklee3]

This will never be supported since it requires the app to communicate. Just like Gabb requires their app to communicate.