Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech deals here!
The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!
So with that, let’s get into the action!
DCRAINMAKER.com Posts in the Past Week:
Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page of DCRainmaker.com this past week:
This week kicks off a handful of deals, largely in the realm of activity trackers, though both the Fitbit Ionic, Vivosport, Vivoactive 3, and Suunto Spartan GPS units are in there.
We did see lower just back in July, at $199. So I'd probably hold out a bit more here. Assuming that happens, you can't beat this watch at this price point (heck,not even at $226 either).
Perhaps this deal will get better, but right now at $20 off...nah. Given the price of the Garmin Epix Pro has flirted into the $429 range a bit over the past few days (and is a vastly better watch), this needs to drop down closer to $299 to be worth picking up during Black Friday pricing.
These are the just-released AirPod Pro 3, with optical heart rate sensors in them. These are my daily-driver headphones these days, and even more notably, the heart rate accuracy is incredibly good in these.
This is the first major sale for the Apple Watch SE 3, which came out just 2 months ago. It's essentially Apple's 'budget' offering, yet it still has all the same software features as a higher-end Apple Watch Series 11, as long as the hardware permits.
This is the first time we've seen the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on sale, and given it's $100 off, that tends to be the typical sale price for the holidays/Black Friday for the current/just-released version.
This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
These is the new model just released this past summer with stronger anti-scratch resistance (I even dragged it down a textured concrete pool desk, lens-down, to show this).
⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price we've seen on this watch to date. This is their first full smartwatch focused on kids activity tracking and gamification.
⚡ This is the go-to sale price for the Fitbit Charge 6. It happens often, but it still doesn't take away from the fast that it's argueably the best bang for your buck fitness tracker out there.
If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive activity tracker, you won't go wrong with a Fitbit (or this Inspire 3). It's got literally all the same software features in the Fitbit app as a higher-end Google Pixel Watch or other Fitbit device, except...just tiny.
⚡ This is Garmin's newest kids-focused and LTE connected smart watch. Our three daughters have been using it for about two months now, after using the original Bounce 1 for years. This is a *massive* upgrade over the Bounce 1, both in features/hardware, but frankly also battery life. My review should be up next week, but if you've got any questions drop them in the comments below.
This is the activity tracker that both of our oldest daughters have used for years (age 8 & 9), as well as most of their friends now. They/we all like it. Check out my full in-depth review for all my thoughts. That said, the new Bounce 2 came out two months ago, and while my review isn't out yet, it's a far better product. But, quite a bit more too. The TLDR on that review will be that it's the best kids smartwatch/tracker to date (for both parents and kids), but obviously will cost you $100 more.
This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market.
Garmin Descent MK3i (Dive watch with air integration) - $250 off!
This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market. The 'i' version (MK3i) means that you can connect it to an air tank monitor transmitter pod.
This is the lowest price we've seen on this to date. The Enduro 3 is simply the Fenix 8 with a MIP/Solar display (but without the scuba or voice calling features). It gets all the Fenix 8 features and updates otherwise.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support. Note: Availability on this deal fluctuates, just keep checking back, I'm sure it'll pop back again (it always does).
⚡⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
⚡⚡ This is very unexpected, and is an Amazon-specific deal, not a Garmin-supported one. Thus, I expect it won't last more than minutes/hours. Grab it while you can! [Update: This keeps fluttering back and forth, just keep checking!]
⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
As a general rule, the Fenix E is the watch that literally nobody is buying, and makes no sense at higher prices. The hardware is simply the Epix Gen 2 with Fenix stamped on it. That watch is going for $400, though I expect we'll see it down to $300 over Black Friday. However, one *KEY* difference with the Fenix E, is that it includes all of the software features of the newer Fenix 8, whereas the Epix Gen 2 doesn't get all the new software features. Otherwise, save your $200.
⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price on the Forerunner 265, which was recently replaced by the Forerunner 570 (but at nearly twice this price). What's fascinating about this sale price, is it's well beyond the usual sale prices for Garmin for this product. This pricing is 100% an Kansas-themed 'Hello!' to COROS and their just released COROS Pace 4 at $249.
The Foreurnner 55 is a great option if you simply don't want to spend a ton, but still want a super-capable runners watch (and general activity/sleep tracking watch). I've heard a lot of you get it for teenagers that run, as a great/inexpensive way to track their runs, and still be a good everyday watch.
⚡ This is the lowest price to date on the Forerunner 965, which is logical given the Forerunner 970 came out this past spring (which essentialy adds a flashlight and some other running metrics/features).
⚡ This is a very unexpected sale, just launched, on this very new watch, which is Garmin's top of the line Forerunner watch with virtually all the same software features as the Fenix 8 (but in a plastic case and without the diving features).
The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, with both an AMOLED and Solar variants. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, and the Solar edition in particular has 'unlimited' battery life in certain scenarios. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
⚡ The Garmin Venu 4 just came out two months ago, and one of the big ticket features is the LED flashlight built-in. However, it's also got a ton of other new features, as Garmin merged the codebase with the Forerunner/Fenix series, resulting in a boatload of added things like Training Readiness, Acute Load, and more.
⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen on the newest product in the entire Garmin Holiday 2025 sale lineup. This is basically a blend of a Forerunner 970, Venu 4, and Fenix 8...but super thin. It's argueably one of the best deals here at $599, though, Garmin is still clearly trying to figure out the right pricing to drive purchases.
⚡ This is the first time we've seen the Vivoactive 6 on sale, which is essentially a Venu 4, but without the voice/calling/ECG features (and a few other tidbits). It's probably one of the best deals in Garmin's lineup (sale or otherwise).
The newer Pixel Watch 4 came out back in October. I see the Pixel Watch 4 as a pretty substantial hardware upgrade over the Pixel Watch 3, notably due to satellite SOS, as well as a user-replaceable battery.
⚡The Pixel Watch 4 LTE includes satellite SOS connectivity, even if you don't activate a cellular plan on it. I'd strongly recommend getting the LTE version for $50 more, to future-proof you a bit there (or, to save your bacon in the woods).
This is a great dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart (with two Bluetooth Smart connections) chest strap that you'll often find me using as a reference strap in heart rate sensor testing. We only tend to see deals on it around Black Friday, always topping out around 20%.
If you're looking for a good solid high-quality strap, that does both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, for a reasonable price...look no further than the Polar H9
This is a very solid deal. It's got virtually all the software features of Suunto's higher-end watches (minus the app store), and just came out this past May.
While the new Suunto Vertical 2 just came out a month ago, if you wanted to stock-up on MIP-based display watches before they disappear, here's your chance. This is also the lowest price we've ever seen on the Vertical 1, which is otherwise still a very soild watch.
Stuff that I found interesting around the interwebs:
Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet.
1) GoPro Plus Subscription Now Actually Valuable: This is actually really darn cool. No, not the increased storage piece (though I do use that occasionally), but rather the new bonus feature now is that you can kill your camera – you get a no questions asked fix/replacement. Up to twice a year, in which case you’re doing something wrong. That’s fantastic value for $5 a month, which also includes the 10% off accessories and the cloud storage piece.
2) Uber gets into the bike sharing business: Personally, if Uber has a bike sharing business, I think the empty bike should magically pedal to me like a driverless Tesla. Then I’ll be impressed.
3) Listing of nominees for Connect IQ Developer Awards: For the second year in a row the Connect IQ summit will take place at Garmin’s HQ. I spoke last year as the keynote speaker, and while I only was in town for the first day of it, I was pretty impressed with the direction of where Garmin could take this event. I’m looking forward to returning this year – both to stay for the entire event this time, but also to keynote it as well. In many ways it has the potential of something like a Microsoft Build or Apple WWDC type event, obviously, just on a much smaller scale.
5) Intel plans smart glasses (again): Holy balls. Any bets on the date they shutter this attempt? I know Intel, I get it, you really want to be a consumer company. Really badly. Like, teenage heartthrob badly. Except, it just never ends well. The irony being they just finished laying off the entire wearables division last summer (including the market leading heads up display company….sigh).
7) Warren Millers Dies At Age 93: For those skiers in the crowd, I’d be remiss for not mentioning the famed ski movie maker Warren Miller. I grew up waiting each season in the fall to go to the theatre with my Dad. This article is a pretty good overview of him and his impact. (via my Dad)
9) A new Fenix 5 competitor? That’s what this new GPS watch on Indiegogo is aiming for. Note that while this looks good at a 50,000ft level, I’d urge caution. Almost all crowd-funded watches we’ve seen in the last forever years have been big disappointments upon delivery. The main warning sign here is that no media outlets (none) have hands-on time with a real (or even fake) unit. And the 50-day standpoint claim would represent a massive leap in technology not seen by any player in the industry. I look forward to trying it out though down the road, but I’d urge extreme caution until some media outlet somewhere can provide a bit more color on where they stand.
Sports Technology Software/Firmware Updates This Week:
Each week I quickly highlight some of the new firmware, app, software and website service updates that I see go out. If you’re a sports technology company and release an update – shoot me a quick note (just one-liners are perfect, or Tweet it at me is even better) and I’ll make mention of it here. If I don’t know about it, I won’t be able to post about it. Sound good? Oh – and if you want to get a head start on things, this page is a great resource for watching Garmin firmware updates.
Garmin Vivomove HR: Handful of performance improvements/tweaks around accuracy
Vivosmart 3: Almost identical to Vivomove HR changes
Vivosport: Also almost identical, except with a few GPS fixes too
Zwift Updates: A pretty substantial list of updates, some of which you might notice, some of which you’re less likely too. I do think people don’t realize just how many changes are occurring in the background. Though, none of them being sprint count-down markers…
Sorry, yeah, I’m thinking more count-down style (i.e. 100m to go, 50m to go, etc…). Basically, just like how the sprint finishes are done within a UCI event. I’ll clarify.
9) fenix 5 competitor i see as a flop after kick starter ends. it is priced more than the 5x and only has the advantage of more battery life but no maps, CIQ, easily changeable watch band, and possibly no external sensor support (atleast not mentioned).
I suspect the 50 day time is just a dumb watch no connected to cellphone or hr monitoring. It says 30 days in time mode and 30 hours of gps time.
I am not sure I get that watch. They asked for only $10k to develop the watch and put it into production? Including OS development, app development, physical manufacturing etc.? Or am I missing anything? Putting aside, all renders look like a copy of Garmin’s OS and even form factor and design elements.
@Juro, if you look at timeline, the watch is already developed (supposedly), mass production in March. They appear to be just using Indiegogo for marketing. That being said, their real competition would be the Coros Pace, which is set to retail at a price less than the Ironcloud’s lowest funding price. Am I missing something?
Crowdfunding is often used primarily for publicity, to generate hype and get attention. As you can see, with Ray mentioning it and us commenting about it, this strategy works.
Let me rephrase, what’s suspicious is that a bunch of guys just turn up and basically replicate a Fenix 5. I find it funny that one of their gifs actually shows a Connect IQ watchface: link to media.giphy.com, wait until this one appears: link to apps.garmin.com
Seeing what challenges Garmin is facing with fenix 5 with all the new tech – and assuming there are significant costs of ongoing development of the product and platform beyond initial delivery I can’t see how this can be possibly successful.
If they are raising $ for marketing and awareness, they should show more than just renders and mockups.
I’m mixed on them from a pure specs standpoint. That said, I ordered one, and in theory it’ll be here early next week (it’s slated to be in a pile of other things I’m sending over from the US).
Suunto Ambit 3 Peak vs Stratos/Pace 2.
17km in a forest in TrailRunning mode
Sunny, 5.Centigrades
Raw Data Suunto / Stratos
Distance: 17,02 / 17,01 (almost identical)
Track: Pretty similar and accurate both of them (see screenshoot). Suunto Blue, Stratos Red
Highest point: 737 / 736 –> similar
Lowest point: 668 / 665 –> similar
Ascent: 291 /338
Descent: 294 / 340
Althoug there are more than 40 meters difference (too much), ascent and descent are similar. This was expected as the circuit was circular.
Battery: Suunto battery is legendary. Between 20 and 200 hours with GPS on depending on the GPS interval. Stratos: I charged it yesterday and it was at 52% when I finished the test. Pretty bad. By this very same token it would not last enough to finish a Marathon (more tests are needed)
Heart Rate: Suunto with HR chest strap, Stratos Optical HR
In this case the heart rate I obtained with the Stratos was rubish.
This circuit has lots of slopes. This means your heart rate is constantly changing. Example, when you are running uphill you go slower but your heart rate increases. And when you go downhill, you go faster but your HR can decrease. This is normal and easy to understand… but not for the Stratos.
I suspect is something related with the data analysis that the Stratos do from the optical readings and it asumes that, the lower the pace, the lower de HR.
What´s your opinion? Have you observe something similar other optical HR sensors?
Great comparison. I’d glad to to see both GPX if possible.
Regarding very bad battery performance – you might have not the latest firmware (one on them causes very fast discharging). Stratos should last for +35 hours on both GPS nad HR enabled.
The Stratos had the very last firmware ( 2 days old literally).
But, I think something went wrong because this comsuption is not normal.
Nevertheless, I do not think it can last 35 hours with GPS and HR enabled.
Next time I will do a 30km run with my Ambit3, Garmin 735 and the Stratos.
Regarding the Track here it is. Suunto Blue, Stratos Red
Hello, I may contribute to Xiaomi watches the following:
I ‘ve had a Xiaomi Amazfit Pace for some days in Feb 18.
I noticed also much to much ascent / descent while the absolute altitude was quite accurate. At my very flat 11km track with aktual 40m ascent/descent the pace noticed over 500m. That seems to be a software problem with the evaluation of the barometric sensor: the altitude chart shows many jumps of few meters up and down even in flat terrain.
The GPS-Track, Pace, Cadence and also the optical HR were compareable to my Garmin FR235 (also optical).
I also had more battery drain then expected. It was about 15% for 60min runnig with GPS and optical HR. Not very good but probably enough for a marathon-run. If you use even more functions, like playing music, notifications etc. the battery goes down very quickly. Especially often activating the display (even without light) brings it down. That’s of course the case when you are testing a device, may be better in daily use.
Mostly I missed a prestart-mode as well as manual lap-stopping.
So in my mind, it is a very nice smart-/ fitnesswatch but not (yet) suitable for runners and endurance athletes. I go on with my FR235 and save up for FR935.
Any update on a review of the Stratos? Very eager to hear your thoughts on it as a triathlon/multisports watch and compared to something similar e.g Suunto Trainer?
Woke up this morning with an email from Garmin that my “TailLightField” app is a nominee for the ConnectIQ awards and then find out that my favourite blogger links to it! Thanks Rat, that made my day :)
Regarding GoPro plus subscription; of course, there is couple of catches for replacing broken device: it’s only for Hero 5 and newer models, it’s US only (at least for now), the replacement is provided only if GoPro has available stock (and as a pessimist I guess you will find out the stock status only after you try to use the benefit) and there is processing fee. Funnily, it costs double to “process” (= package & send the camera, what else?) Hero 6 compared to Hero 5.
Did you see this news “Apple eyes FDA approval filing for investigational heart device” put a link in the website field. Interested in your thoughts – but perhaps nothing new here…
On Go Pro Plus subscription. It looks like this is based on user, not the device. For someone with multiple devices, this should be a no-brainer. The exchange fees are similar to Apple Care or the smartphone insurance provided by phone companys (although some include lost devices). The statement that this will be available “as long as supplies last” sounds a bit ominous, however.
Might be handy to have more data for diagnosing things when testing Garmin watches. Of course I’m not sure it should change the opinion if the result is the same – after all, it’s just as important how a watch performs when trying to interpolate bad data vs having good data. But it might be handy for a data-geek like you to see what’s going on, and how often watches getting a segment right seemingly by pure chance really was by pure luck/good interpolation of bad data.
Thanks for the updates – I’m definitely looking forward to more drone awesomeness as they make it, even if it’s not quite there yet for tree avoidance lol.
Thanks Ray
How does the Zwift update affect your Wattbike Atom review.
I remember your conclusion was that some thIngs needed to be fixed on both sides.
Is the Wattbike Atom now fit for Zwift riding.
Thanks
Phil
Unfortunately I’m not near a Wattbike Atom until early April (at best) being in Australia right now, so I can’t say for sure. But I’d drop a note on the Wattbike Atom review and ask the same question for how the changes impacted things, as others there often comment back on new firmware updates.
As for the Atom coming to the states, the last plan I heard was Fall 2018.
Any chance on reaching out to see Ironcloud… can’t find a website (super sketch seeming) or contact information without backing it (hmmmmm) about sensor support. It’s like they are trying to target triathletes… the single biggest consumer of powermeters and sensor data but no info on sensor support….. also, 10k flex… that sounds sketchy without a website
Hi Ray, any reply? Ive backed the watch & am hoping it will eventually connect to pwoertap etc. Bit gutted there are no plans to connect to strava either. Why would you setup a new community when everyone already plays over there?
I give the Intel glasses about a year. It’s a bit strange really. They have an entire department for “new devices” and as far as i can tell, they haven’t gotten a single product out on the market that hasn’t been abandoned a year later. They have a lot of IP, but should probably stick to that and just sell the IP when developed.
The IronCloud seems very weird to me, too bad there is no way to ask questions without backing the project. There is not a single word about supported sensors. Neither bluetooth nor ant+?
I haven’t poked into it a ton. It’s tricky in that in general I haven’t seen a huge amount of interest in SMO2 sensors when I’ve posted about it in the past, relative to other things. :-/
For $150 (25% off with code SUMMER on their US site), I think the Stratos is definitely worth a review. More press, more sales could put more pressure on Xiaomi to up their game on the firmware side and quicken the pace to ironing out the kinks.
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
While I don't partner with many companies, there's a few that I love, and support the site. Full details!
Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Check out
my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2024 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
![WeekInReview_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb[1]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2018/02/WeekInReview_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb1.jpg "WeekInReview_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb[1]")
Didn’t they add sprint line markers a month ago?
link to support.zwift.com
“Added a more visually obvious starting line to timed segments.”
Sorry, yeah, I’m thinking more count-down style (i.e. 100m to go, 50m to go, etc…). Basically, just like how the sprint finishes are done within a UCI event. I’ll clarify.
9) fenix 5 competitor i see as a flop after kick starter ends. it is priced more than the 5x and only has the advantage of more battery life but no maps, CIQ, easily changeable watch band, and possibly no external sensor support (atleast not mentioned).
I suspect the 50 day time is just a dumb watch no connected to cellphone or hr monitoring. It says 30 days in time mode and 30 hours of gps time.
Oh yeah, the post-Indiegogo price is a non-starter. But I think most crowd funded projects know that.
I am not sure I get that watch. They asked for only $10k to develop the watch and put it into production? Including OS development, app development, physical manufacturing etc.? Or am I missing anything? Putting aside, all renders look like a copy of Garmin’s OS and even form factor and design elements.
@Juro, if you look at timeline, the watch is already developed (supposedly), mass production in March. They appear to be just using Indiegogo for marketing. That being said, their real competition would be the Coros Pace, which is set to retail at a price less than the Ironcloud’s lowest funding price. Am I missing something?
Crowdfunding is often used primarily for publicity, to generate hype and get attention. As you can see, with Ray mentioning it and us commenting about it, this strategy works.
Kreyos anyone?
Let me rephrase, what’s suspicious is that a bunch of guys just turn up and basically replicate a Fenix 5. I find it funny that one of their gifs actually shows a Connect IQ watchface: link to media.giphy.com, wait until this one appears: link to apps.garmin.com
Seeing what challenges Garmin is facing with fenix 5 with all the new tech – and assuming there are significant costs of ongoing development of the product and platform beyond initial delivery I can’t see how this can be possibly successful.
If they are raising $ for marketing and awareness, they should show more than just renders and mockups.
Hi Ray,
Talking about GPS Watchs… What do you think about Xiaomi products amazfit bip or pace ?
Any review in project ?
I’m mixed on them from a pure specs standpoint. That said, I ordered one, and in theory it’ll be here early next week (it’s slated to be in a pile of other things I’m sending over from the US).
Great news, because i don’t find any sport reviews of Xiaomi amazfit. Really interesting to have a sport/tech reviewer point of view
Iḿ very interessed on your review on the Amazfit Bit and Pace, can t wait
Forget Amzafit pace, please test/review Amazfit 2 (Stratos)!
Suunto Ambit 3 Peak vs Stratos/Pace 2.
17km in a forest in TrailRunning mode
Sunny, 5.Centigrades
Raw Data Suunto / Stratos
Distance: 17,02 / 17,01 (almost identical)
Track: Pretty similar and accurate both of them (see screenshoot). Suunto Blue, Stratos Red
Highest point: 737 / 736 –> similar
Lowest point: 668 / 665 –> similar
Ascent: 291 /338
Descent: 294 / 340
Althoug there are more than 40 meters difference (too much), ascent and descent are similar. This was expected as the circuit was circular.
Battery: Suunto battery is legendary. Between 20 and 200 hours with GPS on depending on the GPS interval. Stratos: I charged it yesterday and it was at 52% when I finished the test. Pretty bad. By this very same token it would not last enough to finish a Marathon (more tests are needed)
Heart Rate: Suunto with HR chest strap, Stratos Optical HR
In this case the heart rate I obtained with the Stratos was rubish.
This circuit has lots of slopes. This means your heart rate is constantly changing. Example, when you are running uphill you go slower but your heart rate increases. And when you go downhill, you go faster but your HR can decrease. This is normal and easy to understand… but not for the Stratos.
I suspect is something related with the data analysis that the Stratos do from the optical readings and it asumes that, the lower the pace, the lower de HR.
What´s your opinion? Have you observe something similar other optical HR sensors?
Great comparison. I’d glad to to see both GPX if possible.
Regarding very bad battery performance – you might have not the latest firmware (one on them causes very fast discharging). Stratos should last for +35 hours on both GPS nad HR enabled.
Hi,
The Stratos had the very last firmware ( 2 days old literally).
But, I think something went wrong because this comsuption is not normal.
Nevertheless, I do not think it can last 35 hours with GPS and HR enabled.
Next time I will do a 30km run with my Ambit3, Garmin 735 and the Stratos.
Regarding the Track here it is. Suunto Blue, Stratos Red
Hello, I may contribute to Xiaomi watches the following:
I ‘ve had a Xiaomi Amazfit Pace for some days in Feb 18.
I noticed also much to much ascent / descent while the absolute altitude was quite accurate. At my very flat 11km track with aktual 40m ascent/descent the pace noticed over 500m. That seems to be a software problem with the evaluation of the barometric sensor: the altitude chart shows many jumps of few meters up and down even in flat terrain.
The GPS-Track, Pace, Cadence and also the optical HR were compareable to my Garmin FR235 (also optical).
I also had more battery drain then expected. It was about 15% for 60min runnig with GPS and optical HR. Not very good but probably enough for a marathon-run. If you use even more functions, like playing music, notifications etc. the battery goes down very quickly. Especially often activating the display (even without light) brings it down. That’s of course the case when you are testing a device, may be better in daily use.
Mostly I missed a prestart-mode as well as manual lap-stopping.
So in my mind, it is a very nice smart-/ fitnesswatch but not (yet) suitable for runners and endurance athletes. I go on with my FR235 and save up for FR935.
Any update on a review of the Stratos? Very eager to hear your thoughts on it as a triathlon/multisports watch and compared to something similar e.g Suunto Trainer?
How is the Amazfit doing in the “pile of other things”?
Any chance of looking into the Amazfit Bip that’s only $80?
Woke up this morning with an email from Garmin that my “TailLightField” app is a nominee for the ConnectIQ awards and then find out that my favourite blogger links to it! Thanks Rat, that made my day :)
Regarding GoPro plus subscription; of course, there is couple of catches for replacing broken device: it’s only for Hero 5 and newer models, it’s US only (at least for now), the replacement is provided only if GoPro has available stock (and as a pessimist I guess you will find out the stock status only after you try to use the benefit) and there is processing fee. Funnily, it costs double to “process” (= package & send the camera, what else?) Hero 6 compared to Hero 5.
link to gopro.com
Sure, this is nice add-on if you are already a subscriber and happen to own Hero 5 or newer.
Hi Ray.
Did you see this news “Apple eyes FDA approval filing for investigational heart device” put a link in the website field. Interested in your thoughts – but perhaps nothing new here…
Cheers.
On Go Pro Plus subscription. It looks like this is based on user, not the device. For someone with multiple devices, this should be a no-brainer. The exchange fees are similar to Apple Care or the smartphone insurance provided by phone companys (although some include lost devices). The statement that this will be available “as long as supplies last” sounds a bit ominous, however.
Speaking of the Connect IQ summit and nominees, have you seen this? link to apps.garmin.com
Might be handy to have more data for diagnosing things when testing Garmin watches. Of course I’m not sure it should change the opinion if the result is the same – after all, it’s just as important how a watch performs when trying to interpolate bad data vs having good data. But it might be handy for a data-geek like you to see what’s going on, and how often watches getting a segment right seemingly by pure chance really was by pure luck/good interpolation of bad data.
Thanks for the updates – I’m definitely looking forward to more drone awesomeness as they make it, even if it’s not quite there yet for tree avoidance lol.
Any thoughts about the VIITA Smartwatches? Says up to 4 weeks battery life and ready soon.
Thanks Ray
How does the Zwift update affect your Wattbike Atom review.
I remember your conclusion was that some thIngs needed to be fixed on both sides.
Is the Wattbike Atom now fit for Zwift riding.
Thanks
Phil
…and when is the Atom coming to the states? I’m keen on ordering one for my better half, but there seems to be no news on timing.
Thanks!
Unfortunately I’m not near a Wattbike Atom until early April (at best) being in Australia right now, so I can’t say for sure. But I’d drop a note on the Wattbike Atom review and ask the same question for how the changes impacted things, as others there often comment back on new firmware updates.
As for the Atom coming to the states, the last plan I heard was Fall 2018.
Any chance on reaching out to see Ironcloud… can’t find a website (super sketch seeming) or contact information without backing it (hmmmmm) about sensor support. It’s like they are trying to target triathletes… the single biggest consumer of powermeters and sensor data but no info on sensor support….. also, 10k flex… that sounds sketchy without a website
I can’t find any contact info either, but I know someone who makes their sensors…so, I just shot them an e-mail to see if they can make an intro.
Hi Ray, any reply? Ive backed the watch & am hoping it will eventually connect to pwoertap etc. Bit gutted there are no plans to connect to strava either. Why would you setup a new community when everyone already plays over there?
Nope, never heard back. :(
I give the Intel glasses about a year. It’s a bit strange really. They have an entire department for “new devices” and as far as i can tell, they haven’t gotten a single product out on the market that hasn’t been abandoned a year later. They have a lot of IP, but should probably stick to that and just sell the IP when developed.
well – apart from the NUC line of course.
The IronCloud seems very weird to me, too bad there is no way to ask questions without backing the project. There is not a single word about supported sensors. Neither bluetooth nor ant+?
Yeah, it’s definitely odd on the sensor front. Hoping to get some answers shortly.
Wasn’t there a DJI Mavic Air review on the site ? If so, has it been removed ? I can’t find it anymore …
No Mavic Air review published here yet, but, you can find two overly detailed videos I put together on it on YouTube up above.
Any thoughts on Humon now that they started shipping their muscle oxygen sensor?
I haven’t poked into it a ton. It’s tricky in that in general I haven’t seen a huge amount of interest in SMO2 sensors when I’ve posted about it in the past, relative to other things. :-/
One more vote for stratos review! Looks decent, especially in that price range.
For $150 (25% off with code SUMMER on their US site), I think the Stratos is definitely worth a review. More press, more sales could put more pressure on Xiaomi to up their game on the firmware side and quicken the pace to ironing out the kinks.