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?