Garmin today unveiled its latest wearable, the Garmin vívomove, an analogue watch capable of activity tracking. These kinds of “smarter watches” have proven popular as evidenced by similar devices from companies like Withings, Runtastic and even Swiss watchmaker Frédérique Constant with its Horological Smartwatch. It should appeal to people looking for basic fitness tracking but unwilling to sacrifice their fashion style for it.
At first glance, the Garmin vivomove looks like a traditional watch. Two progress bars, one at the 3 o’clock mark and the other at 9 o’clock, could be mistaken for complications like a power reserve indicator. Instead, the one on the left tracks your progress against a daily step count goal. The red one on the right tracks periods of inactivity, reminding you to regularly stand up and walk for a few minutes. Hidden away below the dial are the usual array of sensors to measure basic activity-tracking functions and monitor sleep patterns.
“The style-focused vívomove is an exciting addition to Garmin’s wide-ranging line of activity trackers, making it easier than ever to stay fashionable and active,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re heading into the boardroom or walking into a ballpark, vívomove has you and your steps covered.”
As with other smarter watches, the lack of digital display and power-hungry components means that the Garmin vivomove can go a year on its battery, eliminating the need for daily charging.
A total of six different models are available. They differ in the band and finish options but otherwise offer the same functionality.
Garmin vivomove specifications:
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case thickness: 12mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case back: Stainless steel
- Dial: Black or white with black and red progress bars
- Battery/Power reserve: 1 year (CR2025 coin cell)
- Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 metres)
- Complications: None
- Strap: Sport or Leather
- Other: Accelerometer, step counter, sleep monitoring
Like other Garmin wearables, the vivomove will automatically syncs with the Garmin Connect Mobile app (available on Android, iOS and Windows Phone) throughout the day. The app provides more detailed information about workouts, sleep patterns and trends. It also allows you to join online challenges against friends to earn virtual badges and offers personalized wellness insights and tips.
The Garmin vivomove starts at US$149.99 for the sport model. The classic line offers a choice of black with leather band or rose gold-tone with leather band for US$199. The premium line (stainless steel with leather band or gold-tone steel with leather band) sells for US$299.99.
The bands are interchangeable and Garmin is offering additional sports bands for US$29.99 and leather bands for US$59.99. Many third-party 20mm bands are also compatible with the vivomove.
Source : Garmin