Apple Watch Heads Up Display – Navigr8 and ActiveLook
Navigr8 is a highly featured sports app that works on iOS and the Apple Watch. Recently it announced Garmin Varia RADAR support and today we see support for the heads-up display from ActiveLook. OK, it’s not Vision Pro but it’s still a considerably more practical and cool way to get performance metrics beamed into your field of vision as you exercise.
Opinion
I’m not sure of the huge benefit of seeing performance metrics in your field of vision except maybe in a TT.
However, TBT directions are a great thing to have beamed into goggles. While you can take in the value of a single numeric metric in a split second, my opinion is that you often take a second or longer to process ever-changing directional information. If you are travelling over a dangerous route or following complex instructions it must be beneficial to have that info in your field of vision without being distracted from the way ahead by looking down at your bike computer or, worse still, the map on your Watch bouncing around
Similarly, a quick visual note about an approaching car or your direction of travel is also useful.
More: navigr8
More: Activelook
Last Updated on 28 January 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 — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. 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 Wahoo. 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.
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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
2016 Garmin Varia Vision still rules..
Such a pity Garmin never came up with a successor.
I have recently tested Navigr8 with activelook Engo2 Glases.
Basic question was: Is it worth the money.
My short conclusion: It depends.
As i know navigr8 ist, at the monent the only complete navigation tool with seamless integration in Avtivelook. In addition to the nice integration of varia radar.
If you are travelling a route that is less compex and road crossings for example do not need much of your your concentration . It may be enough to get turn by turn indications and radar warnings as accoustic signals and you are fine with your headphones only. If you are using open ear versions it is clear enough and you can still notice your traffic around you.
If you are locking for a very well “add hoc” navigation esspecially when you are travveling to new locations and are unaware about possible routes . The combination of activelook, varia and navigr8 are great. Yes all 3 components have their specific limitations. EXspecially navigr8 is very limited compared with other vav tools like bikemap,….
But in compination of all 3 , they simple do what they are made for, nothing more and nothing less.
Does this answer the question: Is this all woth the money ?
It is very expensive toolkit, ActiveLook Photocromatic and Varia(without camera and light) will cost ~500€
plus licence fee for navigr8
Because this package is unique on the market without usefull alternative: On A scale Between 0-10 i would say i give a fair : 5.
It can be very usefull time to time, for a daily use i don’t nedd until i became familiar with routes by myself.
thank you for the detailed opinion.
Value must depend on the individual.
For those of us who navigate regularly, a wrist watch can’t do the job properly when cycling. Or at least it can’t do it safely and at speed. Activelook’s HUD *DOES* improve those situations with simple TBT. But simple TBT also has failing when the visual context of your position can only be given with a map.