We’ve already seen the announcements from the very busy TomTom R&D department with the new Runner3/SPARK3, The Adventurer and the Touch. But what has changed from last year’s Runner2/SPARK?
The Touch is obviously a new product entirely. So that’s 100% new.
The Adventurer and Runner3/Spark3 both LOOK like the same hardware/form as the previous iteration.
But are they?
A: No
Here’s what is different
- The Adventurer boasts a new barometric/pressure sensor for a more accurate elevation change reading than one obtained from GPS satellites alone.
- The compass is also new.
- The GPS is new.
ESSENTIAL READING: TomTom Spark 3/Runner 3 review
NB the optical HR is the same as previously. The new hardware components may or may not have some impact on battery even though battery life is quoted as unchanged. For example, an improved GPS chip will likely improve the battery life to ‘some degree’ although the GPS chip could merely be to accommodate the Adventurer’s ability to turn itself on less frequently in hiking mode to prolong battery life in hiking mode.
i like the adventurer, looks promising
it’s an interesting take. tomTom seem very good at targeting relatively lower priced (in general) running needs. they seem to find markets that no-one else does….which is a bit strange!! but good for them
Is it possible to create sport profiles? as far as i´ve seen mainly running and cycling profiles are by default added. i do lots of cross country skiing and stuff. Would be awesome to create sport profiles online with differnt watch faces.
where did you hear the GPS chipset changed/improved?
TomTom
Awesome. Is it changed for both the Spark3 and the Adventurer? Do you know if either can be charged while in use?
I have just got the spark 20 minutes ago 🙂 and get my hands on the adventurer on Thursday. yes I believe it is the same for both.ooh and you’ve made me do my first test. unfortunately the SPARK3 CANNOT be charged whilst in use – it basically reverts back to the home/time screen. of course the adventurer may be different and I understand why you ask the question. remember the adventurer has amended gps usage to make battery last longer in hike monde