Apple Watch 3 - $179

So it isn't the best running watch, but I'd love to have some of the other features, so I'm tempted by the $179 Apple Watch Series 3 for daily wear.

Half Marathon, Hams, and APRS

I ran the Strawberry Plains Half Marathon this week-end. The METERS group was out in force. They even had a big display showing the APRS data. Thanks to all the volunteers!

Garmin Fenix 5

It's CES time and DCRainmaker has the scoop on the latest watches from Garmin.

The mapping feature looks very cool, but I don't know how much I'd use it.

Strava and Hams

I've mentioned many times before that I use the Garmin devices for my activity tracker and running. Not all of my friends are Garmin users, so I can't see their runs. That's where Strava comes in:

Strava | Run and Cycling Tracking on the Social Network for AthletesDesigned by athletes, for athletes, Strava's mobile app and website connect millions of runners and cyclists through the sports they love.

So no matter what device they use, we can use Strava to keep up with one another. Strava also allows you to create segments, so you can compete asynchronously with your friends. If you have the fasted time, you get "King of the Mountain" bragging rights. It will also let you compete with yourself on these segments and let you know how a recent run stacked up with your previous attempts.

That's a long way for me to get around to... hams using Strava.

DC Rainmaker's 2016 Recommendations

If you need a fitness gadget, I'd start with DC Rainmaker's 2016 recommendations.

Garmin TrueUp

Garmin released a new feature called TrueUp that will sync the data between various devices.

I just checked my Vivosmart HR and, sure enough, it includes all my steps from my 12 mile run this morning that was recorded on my Forerunner 235.

Check DC Rainmaker for all the details.

(He generally recommends that you stick with an ecosystem. So if you have Garmin watch, get a Garmin activity tracker. This feature is a great example of that advice paying off.)

Garmin Vivosmart HR Deal

So I generally like my Garmin Vivosmart HR. I'm surprised that I don't look at the data (sleep and heart rate) as much as I thought I would. I really like the smart phone notifications.

But, if you are interested, this is a great deal. I paid $130 for mine, so this saves you $30.

The links above is for the non-GPS version. For a running/GPS solution, I must say I am extremely happy with my Garmin 235 GPS watch. It would be close to being my single device solution except I don't think it would be as comfortable to sleep in.

Vivosmart HR Plus GPS

Timing...

So, I just bought the Vivosmart HR and today they announce the Vivosmart HR+ - basically the same fitness tracker, but now with a built-in GPS. I'm not sure if I would want to spend the extra $100 to get the GPS functionality. I'd have to think about it, but, shooting from the hip, I'd save that money to spend on the Forerunner 235.

If you want the Vivosmart HR+, you can pre-order it at Amazon.

Garmin 220

Despite the fact that GPS always overestimates the distance, I still wouldn't run without it. I linked to the Garmin 620 on Friday, but if $200 is too much for your budget, you can try the Garmin 220 for $166.

DC Rainmaker review of the 220 and 620.

Garmin 620

I've enjoyed my Garmin 610 for years now. It's had a few hiccups, but it works and the battery is still going strong, so I'm not inclined to shell out for an upgrade. If I was in the market, I'd definitely grab the Garmin 620, since it is discounted to $200 now.

Via The Wirecutter

GPS vs. Certified Course

An infograph:

I see the difference even on short courses. I have a goal of breaking 20 minutes for a 5k. I've come within three seconds of doing that - except for one race, my time was 19:40 for the course. I don't think I magically gained 20 seconds - and my watch that normally reads high for distances, only reported 3.03 miles.

IoT: Honeywell Lyric Thermostat

Forget the NSA, your thermostat is watching you.

"The Lyric has a motion sensor, too–one which it uses to put itself into an interactive mode when it notices you’ve approached. But for monitoring whether you’re at home at all, Honeywell’s thermostat leverages its iOS and Android apps. Your phone tracks your location via GPS and reports it back to the thermostat, so the Lyric knows if you’re around the house or at a distant location. And if it notices that you’re headed home, it can begin to adjust itself so that the temperature is ideal by the time you arrive."

Garmin 610

A few months ago, I mentioned I was tempted by the Garmin 610 GPS watch for capturing my run data. I broke down and got one off eBay. One big reason is my Android phone is having lots of problems and I did not think I could count on it to work for 4+ hours while I run the marathon next week. I like the watch so far, but I normally wear my watches with the face on the inside of my wrist. The watch is so bulky I really cannot do that with this one.

MEGA-Watch

What do you call a watch that combines my smartphone, my GPS run tracker, and a Surefire flashlight?

MEGA-Watch!!!

Okay, it doesn't really exist, but just looking at the size of the Surefire alone suggests it would be a large clock, err lantern, err watch. Convergence has its limits today.

Surefire Watch via Says Uncle

Form Factor and Integration

We want to do more and more with our personal computing devices - smart phones, GPS watches, tablets, etc. We've seen new smart phones get larger, so that we can have bigger screens. The GPS watches are not exactly tiny. Tablets come in a variety of sizes, too.

I think this really is the future - wearable computing. The key will be the integration of these devices in a personal area network (PAN). I'm sure the internal electronics will continue to get smaller, but if the devices can leverage each other, so there isn't so much redundancy, there is a real opportunity do more with less.

Improve Your Android GPS Performance

I've not had any real problems with using RunKeeper on my Android phone, but it usually exaggerates the distance somewhat as it depends on the phone's GPS. For people that are having a lot of problems, Lifehacker has some suggestions to improve the GPS performance.

Heads Up Display

Puts my RunKeeper and all the running watches/apps to shame. The cool factor is off the charts.


Recon Instruments Fall 2011 Product Lineup from Recon Instruments on Vimeo.

"Recon Instruments passionately leads the innovation of customized solutions for direct-to-eye communications. We integrate Micro Optics Display systems with state-of-the-art sensors and GPS technology, providing real-time access to navigation, communication, and performance-based information. From Skiing to Moto…Trust Your Instruments.

MOD & MOD Live are the world’s first GPS enabled head mounted displays for alpine use. Track Speed, Altimeter, Jump Analytics, Distance, Vertical, Odometer and Temperature stats in real-time.

MOD LIVE also connects with Android smart phones to bring buddy tracking, MP3 playlists, navigation, wireless camera connectivity, SMS and caller ID apps to the dashboard. MOD and MOD Live can be snap-fit into any Recon-Ready goggles using the simple snap-fit process. Goggles not included."

I just need a Storm Trooper outfit to go with it.

Via Adventure Capitalist and Uncrate.

Tempted - Garmin Forerunner 610

So I've been running a bit - even completing a half-marathon recently. As with any hobby, you have to get the toys. I'm so tempted by the Garmin Forerunner 610. I've been using RunKeeper on my Android phone. I really like RunKeeper, but the phone isn't the best solution. However, the Android/RunKeeper solution is free. The watch is $350.

The Virtual Racer feature would be a good training tool.

GPS with Repeaters as Points of Interest

You can load a list of repeaters into your GPS. The list is available from the Point of Interest Factory including bonus items like a repeater icon. Now, if they'd just import the frequencies to the radio.