Garmin have announced yet another addition to their wearable tech family, a family that has zero rivals in terms of size. Just in the last few months many wrist-worn Garmin younglings have been born. their names are:
Kinda reminds me of the Corleone family of wearable tech, i.e., Don’t mess!
The newest member of the world’s strongest wearable family is the Garmin Vivosmart HR+. Anyone who keeps up with the wearables scene will recognise that a + has been added to the Vivosmart HR, which itself is relatively new as it was only released about 5 months ago.
It did occur to us when reviewing the Vivosmart HR that a wearable with so many features made by the world’s leading GPS firm should logically include a GPS. It hasn’t, but saying that, it does have one of the most accurate heart rate monitors available, wrist-based anyway.
The New Garmin Vivosmart HR+ also packs the HRM, but with the addition of a built-in GPS, outdoor sports goers can track speed and, accurately track distance and pace, and map and review routes.
If you already own a Vivosmart HR, and you’re thinking it’s a bit below the belt to release a new model within half a year of its initial release, you have a valid point. However, rather than a case of impertinent business practice, I’m reckoning the addition of the new Move IQ – automatic exercise detection technology has a lot to do with it, as Move IQ was still in the womb when the original Vivosmart HR was released.
What’s New With The Vivosmart HR+
• Built-in GPS
• Running Features – walk/run mode, auto lap, auto pause, virtual pacer and personal records.
• Move IQ – automatic exercise recognition (walking, running, biking, swimming and elliptical)
• New Colors – purple and blue
In terms of design the new model is almost identical to the non-GPS version; apart from a different texture on the band and a slightly reduced frame around the display. The display itself is the same monochrome 1 inch 160 x 168 LCD touchscreen as the original.
The Garmin Vivosmart HR is probably the best all-round fitness tracker on the market. As the new GPS version boasts the same features plus more, it will surely knock its older bro off the podium.
It tracks steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, floors climbed, activity intensity, active minutes, continuous heart rate, plus the new features mentioned above.
It will automatically monitor your sleep patterns and wake you up in the morning; control your music player, radio, video player, voice recorder, etc; find your phone if you misplace it, and it’s 5 ATM water-resistant so you can use it to count your calorie output while you’re swimming.
I almost forgot, it will buzz you and display incoming calls, texts, emails, social media, and calendar notifications.
Compatibility
The Garmin Connect app is compatible with Android 4.3 + / iOS iPhone 4S + / Windows 10 + and Your dashboard can be accessed via desktop/laptop for even more features with the GPS maps. There’s no sign of Garmin Connect IQ compatibility with the Vivosmart HR+.
Battery Life
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ offers the same battery life of up to 5 days, but this is reduced in GPS mode to around 8 hours.
Release Date and Price
Some sources are saying that the new wearable is shipping now, but as far as I know, it will be available soon. At $219.99 USD, the Vivosmart HR+ costs around $70 more than the original.
• The Vivosmart HR+ is Available Now
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