Garmin Introduces the FR-15 GPS Watch and Fitness Tracker

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Garmin FR-15 GPS Watch and Fitness Tracker

In fall 2012, Garmin introduced the FR-10 GPS Watch. I did a quick preview,  took it on a marathon two days after it arrived, and then did a follow-up after several months of use. I still use the FR-10, and now Garmin has introduced the FR-15 GPS Watch, combining the FR-10 GPS and elements of the VivoFit fitness band.

I actually bought my wife the VivoFit for Mother’s Day, and she is loving everything about it so far — tracking is accurate, sync is simple, the display is clear and easy to read, and sleep-monitoring is an interesting addition. Adding those features to the already well-established FR-10, increasing the battery life, and adding ANT+ support for foot pods and heart-rate monitors, the FR-15 GPS Watch seems like a sure-thing for $169.99!

Here are a few of the details:

•Tracks distance, pace, heart rate¹ and calories
•Activity tracking counts steps and calories and reminds you when it’s time to move
•Compatible with foot pod² for recording distance indoors
•Up to 8 hours of battery life with GPS on or 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode
•Save, plan and share your activities at Garmin Connect™

One notable difference from the VivoFit is the lack of Bluetooth support; at night Lisa can just press the sync button, and the band and app will sync up quickly and easily. The FR-15 GPS Watch continues to require the USB cradle of the FR-10. That is fine for the GPS, but seems an added burden for the fitness tracker.

Head to Garmin’s site to get all of the details or to pre-order the FR-15.

So what do you think about the FR-15 GPS Watch? Does the combined GPS watch and activity tracker interest you?

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!