Navigation expert TomTom has continued its foray into fitness wear with the launch of the new Runner Cardio GPS sport watch yesterday.
The Runner Cardio features a built-in heart rate monitor which eliminates the need for a separate chest strap. Heart rate is measured with a Mio optical sensor, which monitors changes in blood flow by shining light through the skin.
Another new feature is the option of training in five intensity zones —sprint, speed, endure, fat burn and easy — runners can keep their heart rate in the optimal zone with alerts telling them to slow down or speed up.
Winnie Kwan, senior marketing manager of TomTom Asia Pacific said, “Heart rate monitoring is the single most accurate way to understand how the body is responding to exercise. Now, with the launch of the Runner Cardio, all runners can easily use heart rate training to improve their performance.”
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The large, high resolution display shows real-time heart rate, distance and pace at a glance while running, and runners can analyse their results after their workout. The display is also scratch resistant and waterproof up 50 metres and has up to eight hours of battery life.
The new model is an evolution of the TomTom Runner launched last year alongside the TomTom Multi-Sport.
The TomTom Runner Cardio and Multi-Sport Cardio GPS watches include features such as a single button to navigate through menus, a sensor to track strides (useful for treadmill workouts), and Bluetooth connectivity. The watches can be easily synced with fitness apps and websites such as TomTom Mysports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPeaks and Strava.
The pricing for the watches is not yet known but will be available in early May 2014, when the products will be in stores.
TomTom will be competing in the fitness market with Samsung’s new Gear Fit, a slimmer design which also features a built-in heart rate monitor and will be available to purchase on April 11 for RRP $249.
