GPS smartwatch maker Suunto launched its online data-crunch website Movescount a while back, but now it is moving to a deal with Strava. This will allow users to track runs, rides, swims and hikes and track heart rate and cadence via the Suunto watches and will add the social fitness ability to provide motivation and camaraderie.
Tag: smartwatch
Microsoft Looks Smart
Microsoft is reportedly eyeing the wearables market and could be developing a smartwatch aimed at fitness. A newly release Microsoft patent shows what the watch could look like and potentially give a hint at its features. It can reportedly measure heart rate, biometric pressure, calories burned and more.
While this isn’t an official announcement it has long been rumored that this is a market Microsoft has been watching.
[Via Patent Bolt: Microsoft Reveals Future Smartwatch & Dock in new Patent]
CES: Magellan Gets Colorful
At this week’s CES Magellan will show its true colors and then some. It will introduce its sporting applications to its current Echo smartwatch and is looking to add golf, skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities to its capabilities, as well as adding Dark Blue and Gray to complete the line-up of 5 colors.
“After Echo initially launched, we quickly saw its potential for sports beyond running,” commented Clark Weber, senior director of fitness and wearable products at Magellan. “As an open platform, Echo is designed to work with any app that can leverage a ruggedized, sporty smartwatch. We are proud to announce that leading apps such as Golf Pad, FreeCaddie and AllTrails will be supporting Echo in the near future. Retailers, also, have recognized the advantages of a product focused on sport, rather than general-use smart watches, that don’t meet the needs of athletes.”
The Echo is compatible with iPhone 4S, 5, 5C and 5S, while Android support is coming soon.
Smart Money Bets on Wearable Devices
The smart money might be looking at the smart wearable device market, which could be worth $19 billion by 2018 according to a new study by Juniper Research. Revenues will be driven by high price points for these devices allied to their anticipated strong market demand.
The Smart Wearable Devices: Fitness, Healthcare, Entertainment & Enterprise: 2013-2108 forecasts that the emergence of a host of players competing against each other could drive the market, while competition is expected to intensify.
“It is worth observing that this change in adoption levels can also be attributable to heightened consumer awareness of wearable technology and a better visibility of product adoption, especially in the smart watch segment,” said report author Nitin Bhas.
Smart Wearable Devices: Fitness, Healthcare, Entertainment & Enterprise: 2013-2108 Report Website
Rising Suunto
Smartwatch maker Suunto has introduced its new Ambt2 GPS watches. The Ambit2 S is designed for fitness buffs and offers functionality for cycling, running, swimming and training. The Ambit2 S can track pace, route navigation and track heart rate. The Ambit 2 is for those who take to wilds and it features fiberglass-reinforced case and offers info on altitude, vertical speed, barometric pressure and temperature – plus all the functions of the 2S.
Pebble Smartwatch Gets First App
The most-funded Kickstarter project to date is the Pebble smartwatch, and it landed its first app partner this week – working-tracking app RunKeeper. Users will still have to wait until fall for the release, but when it arrives it will be able to interact with an iPhone or Android device, and with the RunKeeper app will provide data straight to the wrist. Users can take control of their handset, which can remain tucked away in a pocket or pack. Continue reading Pebble Smartwatch Gets First App