Sometimes we get a little too tied up thinking about the ‘closed’ operating systems of Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Tomtom, Epson and others. One interesting chain of thought would be to debate if ANY of these can survive in the long term.
Garmin, Suunto and others realise that they can’t produce hardware/software for EVERY single sports use. So they create an environment in which others can do it. Garmin’s Connect IQ platform is still evolving and Suunto’s apps seem now to be back on course for the Spartan later in the year.
So a great example, or two, are STRYD and BSX who have specialist devices that are integrated with some Garmin devices and that integration will get deeper this year.
HOWEVER
Looking at your iOS device or your Android smartphone you quickly realise that there are WAY more apps on those platforms. WAY more.
So you think a bit further ahead and you see that the Apple Watch platform has some way to go in both the sports field and in the areas of many other apps too. Once Apple’s hardware is good enough it could be a ‘player’.
Then we look at Mr Google who has been busy beavering away with the AndroidWEAR equivalents. Most have them are largely under the media’s Apple-radar but the platform is continually evolving; growing and improving.
Android WEAR sports devices to date include Casio’s CES-launched and interesting WSD-F10, the Motorolla Moto 360, Tag’s Heuer’s CONNECTED and the Sony SmartWatch 3. There are lots more too from Huawei, LG, ASUS, Nixon, Fossil and even New Balance are supposedly jumping on the bandwagon this year based on Intel hardware (remember the Basis Peak…that’s by Intel) and further partnering with Strava for the accompanying app (we’ll see).
Anyway back to the opening. Will any of the likes of TomTom, Polar and co SURVIVE. and by that I mean survive in the current use of their proprietary OS.
I can say for certain that we will hear more from Androidwear fairly soon in the sports space. NEW NEWS. And news from an established player. New Balance? or new mover?
Who do you think?
Related reading: Intel's Basis PEAK Sales Halted.
Last Updated on 8 April 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
All articles are written by real people, fact-checked, and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
