News: TomTom Runner 2 (Spark) Running Watch

TomTom have updated their running/triathlon watches – the cardio and non-cardio versions adding a music option to an updated watch with fitness tracking.

Edit: 1 minute review (here), detailed hands-on review (here)

It seems also that multisport functionality is also included in this watch, perhaps suggesting that separating out running and triathlon into two different watches didn’t get a big enough market. Of course there is the ubiquitous activity included too – of specific interest with that is the possibility to do proper activity/inactivity/sleep tracking as the device is intended to be 24/7.

The sound options are interesting (competing obviously with the smartphone market although hopefully with a better battery). The truth will be in how easy it is to get music onto the device USING THE METHOD YOU already use (which of course is different for everyone). I have seen some info suggesting that TomTom have a cunning (and implemented) plan for this but I have not yet seen the functionality.

And there appears to be a new optical HR sensor. Presumably more accurate, although the previous one was generally fine. I understand this sensor is NOT a MIO optical HR. The lights look fairly close together (bad) but there are two colours of light (good) and the raised/bevelled area should be good too. (Edit: it’s a bit more complex than that!).

It’s a fine looking watch. Fairly distinctive looking. Can’t wait to have a more detailed look. This one looks promising!

The TomTom Runner 2 (aka Spark) GPS Watch range will include the following models:

• TomTom Runner 2 GPS Watch
• TomTom Runner 2 Cardio GPS Watch
• TomTom Runner 2 Music GPS Watch
• TomTom Runner 2 Cardio + Music GPS Watch (£189.99)
• TomTom Runner 2 Music GPS Watch + Bluetooth®  Headphones
• TomTom Runner 2 Cardio + Music GPS Watch + Bluetooth® Headphones

Here are some of the features:

• Heart-Rate Training Zones
• GPS Tracking
• Smartphone Notifications
• Perfect Fit & Customisable Straps
• Preloaded Music
• Audio Performance Feedback
• Wireless Syncing
• Water resistant up to 40m/5ATM
• Indoor Training Mode
• Race Mode
• Interval Training
• Continuous heart rate tracking

—Press Release Follows ——————-

Work out to music on your wrist with the new TomTom Spark

~Fitness enthusiasts can now work out to music and track activities 24/7 through their GPS fitness watch~

IFA, Berlin, 3 September 2015 – TomTom (TOM2) today launches the all-new TomTom Spark GPS Fitness Watch with integrated music player, making it easier for fitness enthusiasts to boost their training. Now users no longer have to strap a phone to their arm or worry about wires getting in the way during their workout. TomTom Spark gives them everything they need in one easy-to-use device on their wrist.

3GB of music storage on the TomTom Spark means users can now leave their smartphone at home while listening to over 500 songs* directly from their watch. The fitness watch streams music to a wide range of Bluetooth® headphones, and comes preloaded with Running Trax, a bespoke thirty minute mix of motivating, high energy, upbeat dance anthems from some of the world’s best DJs, curated by Ministry of Sound. Playlists can also be easily downloaded to TomTom Spark from iTunes or Windows Media® Player.

“We know that music plays an important role when it comes to motivating and improving sports performance, but relying on a smartphone is all too often an uncomfortable experience,” says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director, TomTom.  “The unique combination of an integrated music player, built-in heart rate monitor, 24/7 activity tracking, multi-sport functionality and GPS in TomTom Spark makes it easier than ever for people to get more from their workout, and improve their overall fitness level.”

Steps, active minutes, distance, calories burned and sleep duration are tracked by the 24/7 activity tracking feature in the TomTom Spark. Users can set and track daily and weekly goals and follow progress on their watch or via the TomTom MySports app.

The built-in heart rate monitor accurately tracks heart rate, without the need for a chest strap. The multi-sport mode means that users can track all of their indoor and outdoor sporting activity including running, cycling, swimming, treadmill and gym workouts.

TomTom Spark also includes highly accurate GPS tracking to provide real-time information including time, distance, speed and pace.

Users can upload their stats via the MySports app and review their stats wirelessly on multiple platforms including TomTom MySports, RunKeeper, Nike+ and more.

The TomTom Spark Fitness GPS Watch range will include the following models:

• TomTom Spark GPS Fitness Watch
• TomTom Spark Cardio GPS Fitness Watch
• TomTom Spark Music GPS Fitness Watch
• TomTom Spark Cardio + Music GPS Fitness Watch
• TomTom Spark Music GPS Fitness Watch + Bluetooth®  Headphones
• TomTom Spark Cardio + Music GPS Fitness Watch + Bluetooth® Headphones

TomTom Spark Cardio +Music is available for pre-order from September 3 on www.tomtom.com/fitness and costs 249 euros.  The full range will be available in stores in October.