ACTIVE Network API Developer Blog

It’s often said it’s all about the journey, not the destination. For endurance sports enthusiasts, it’s all about tracking the journey. From route traveled and steps taken to sweat beads shed– they want to know, and in the quickest, most convenient, and coolest way possible. So, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are turning their attention toward developing the next big thing in fitness-tracking technology.

TomTom, the world’s leading supplier of location and navigation products and services, will soon be wrapping wrists with its latest innovation in GPS sports watches. Having teamed up with Nike back in 2011 for the Nike+ SportWatch, TomTom is stepping back into the fitness tech space with its own take on the rapidly growing trend of wearable gadgets.

Scheduled to launch this summer, the Runner and Multi-Sport watches will offer endurance athletes the ability to track workouts, collect route data, access a variety of training modes, and sync their data with online communities like RunKeeper or MyFitnessPal. Despite its oversized screen, the Runner and Multi-Sport will be some of the sleekest GPS sports watches on the market. Among other impressive features like its Gorilla glass display, GPS antenna, and top-of-the-line accelerometer, the watch is built to sustain watery depths of up to 50 meters.

While the hardware is the same on both, the devices differ in the software and accessories available. The Runner includes programs particular to running, while the Multi-Sport offers additional metrics for tracking swimming and cycling performance. A Bluetooth connection enhances the watch’s functionality by helping it “to position itself faster when paired with a smartphone running a companion app by making use of the phone's location and network data to speed up GPS acquisition.” In addition to improving the GPS feature, users can utilize their Bluetooth connection “to communicate with a variety of accessories, including heart-rate monitors and bicycle speed and cadence sensors.” More details on pricing and availability will become available as the summer launch approaches.

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Source: Antuan Goodwin, www.cnet.com