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My 2013 Sports Gadgets Recommendations

www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/11/sports-gadgets-recommendations.html

Garmin listened when it came to waterproofing, connectivity via Bluetooth to your phone, and customization.

Magellan Echo In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/11/magellan-depth-review.html

The heart rate strap included is a Bluetooth Smart strap, which means it requires a Bluetooth 4.0 capable phone.

Quarq DZero Power Meter In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/04/quarq-dzero-power-meter-in-depth-review.html

Most visible to consumers though was the addition of Bluetooth Smart transmission, making for dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart capabilities.

TomTom Spark (Runner 2) In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/tomtom-spark-review.html

And all versions support connecting to Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Straps and Speed/Cadence sensors.

Garmin HRM-PRO Plus Heart Rate Strap In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/07/garmin-hrm-pro-plus-heart-rate-strap-in-depth-review.html

Now, while the HRM-PRO Plus is first and foremost a chest strap that transmits ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart data like any other chest strap, there are some specific items that differentiate the Garmin strap from other straps (at least, if you’re already a Garmin watch user).

Stages Bike (SB20) In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/07/stages-bike-sb20-smart-bike-in-depth-review.html

Now note that as of today, the Stages Bike only accepts one concurrent Bluetooth Smart connection.

Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer V6 (2022) In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/09/wahoo-kickr-smart-trainer-v6-2022-in-depth-review.html

With this WiFi connectivity the unit will now allow apps to connect via WiFi, potentially reducing/eliminating dropouts that can occur on ANT+/Bluetooth Smart in some high-RF environments (such as dense apartment buildings).

Stages Power Meter In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/01/stages-power-meter-in-depth-review.html

The unit is unique in that it’s the first non-trainer power meter on the market to include BOTH Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ in it.

Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/03/wahoo-elemnt-gps-bike-computer-in-depth-review.html

If I use Bluetooth Smart via my phone, as soon as it syncs to the phone it only takes a couple of seconds to show up on the 3rd party platforms.

The Tacx NEO Smart Trainer: Everything you ever wanted to know

www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/09/trainer-everything-wanted.html

That line-up included broadcasting on both open ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart channels of power, speed, and cadence.

Sports Technology Buyers Guide: Winter 2019-2020

www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/11/sports-technology-buyers.html

And if I want to do offline music, I can do that too – it can connect to Bluetooth Smart headphones and cache my Spotify playlists.

My Summer 2014 Sports Gadget Recommendations

www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/06/summer-sports-recommendations.html

Garmin listened when it came to waterproofing, connectivity via Bluetooth to your phone, and customization.

Sports Technology Buyers Guide: Winter 2020-2021

www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/11/sports-technology-buyers-recommendations-guide-2020-2021.html

And if I want to do offline music, I can do that too – it can connect to Bluetooth Smart headphones and cache my Spotify playlists.

Garmin Edge 530 Cycling GPS In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/04/garmin-edge-530-cycling-gps-in-depth-review.html

Today Garmin announced three new products, the Edge 530 (this review), the Edge 830 (that review), and new dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart Speed and Cadence sensors (that review coming up momentarily).

Hands-on: Polar’s new Android Wear based M600 GPS Sport Watch (with music!)

www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/08/hands-on-polars-new-android-wear-based-m600-gps-sport-watch-with-music.html

Via Android Wear (and if you have an Android phone) you can transfer music to the M600 and then play it back via Bluetooth headphones.

The Power Meters Buyer’s Guide–2016 Edition

www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/09/power-meters-buyers-guide2016-edition.html

Bluetooth Smart: Bluetooth Smart (or BLE/BTLE for short) has become a bit of a secondary standard in the power meter market.

First look at the new Garmin Edge 1000

www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/04/garmin-edge-1000.html

The unit adopts a new larger and higher resolution screen, first seen in other Garmin products over the past few months, as well as packs in communication technologies such as WiFi and full Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities.

Wahoo KICKR V5 (2020) Smart Trainer In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/08/wahoo-kickr-v5-2020-smart-trainer-in-depth-review.html

That’s because Wahoo has yet to implement the industry standard Bluetooth Smart FTMS trainer control protocol.

Power2Max NG ECO In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/08/power2max-ng-eco-in-depth-review.html

The ECO also supports pairing via Bluetooth Smart, though in my case that wasn’t enabled on my unit.

Minoura Kagura DT Smart Trainer In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/09/minoura-kagura-trainer.html

For example, Wahoo doesn’t support (yet) Bluetooth Smart FTMS control.

Polar Loop In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/12/polar-depth-review.html

Also, you can flip the unit into flight mode (turns off Bluetooth) by holding down the button for 10-seconds.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/01/garmin-venu-2-plus-in-depth-review.html

All of these details are then synced to Garmin Connect, using either Bluetooth to your phone or WiFi (or USB).

The Power Meter Buyer’s Guide – 2013 Edition

www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/09/power-buyers-edition.html

Bluetooth Smart: Bluetooth Smart (or BLE/BTLE for short) is the relative newcomer in the market.

Wahoo KICKR CORE Trainer In-Depth Review

www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/09/wahoo-kickr-core-trainer-in-depth-review-2.html

The KICKR CORE transmits data on both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart as well, allowing interactive resistance control across both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart.