TomTom is better known for their in-car GPS systems but they branched out into wearables last year. They introduced a line of GPS Sports Watches last year but waited until today to make their way to Canada with a new line of wearables that builds on that of the previous generation. At a launch event today, it unveiled the new Runner Cardio GPS sport watch. As the name implies, this sport watch is aimed primarily at runners, offering a device designed with them in mind and one that does away with cumbersome chest straps needed in the past to measure heart rate.
“The TomTom Runner Cardio GPS sport watch allows runners to improve their performance with accurate, real-time metrics that help them understand how their bodies are responding to exercise,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, President of TomTom, Inc. “We realize that staying fit is a choice and a commitment, and believe the innovation and sleek design of the TomTom Runner Cardio watch will empower people to want to be more fit and help them reach their full potential.”
The watch itself sports a rugged look with a thick band – It looks like a sport watch. Under the monochrome display is a single button designed to provide an easy way to control the watch and flip through the different information that the watch presents. Five intensity zones let you focus on a particular type of training. For example, you could set it Sprint for interval training or Endure for a more moderate tempo that focuses on improving lung and heart capacity. If your heart rate drops or goes too high, the watch will notify you appropriately with full screen graphics and a vibration mode. It also tracks time, distance and pace using large icons that make it easy to quickly glance as you run to get the information you want.
On the back of the watch is a Mio optical sensor which monitors changes in blood flow by shining light through the skin. It is able to translate that information into a heart rate. You can see it glowing green in the image above.
It also comes with QuickGPSFix to speed up GPS lock, a scratch-resistant display and is water resistant to 5 atmosphere ensuring that you can run in all kinds of weather.
The watch also works with the TomTom MySport app as well as PCs and Macs. Unfortunately, an Android app is not currently available but is in the works according to Vigreux. TomTom also offers a website where you can track aggregate data for a deeper look at your training history. Data can also be shared with other platforms including MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPeaks and Strava.
Rather than trying to appeal to everyone with a multi-purpose device, TomTom has taken the route of offering a one that is geared at a particular audience. We’ll have a chance later this Spring to put it through its paces so stay tuned for our upcoming review.
The TomTom Runner Cardio will sell for CA$299 and should be available on Amazon.ca later today (it’s not up as we write this though). The Multi-Sport Cardio watch will sell for CA$339 and should be available later this spring. Both will also be available on TomTom’s website as well as other retailers such as Best Buy.