New app for iPhone and Android allows work-out tracking and sharing with option to add more sophisticated data via ANT+
Garmin has launched Garmin Fit, an app for iPhone and Android platforms which allows users to track speed, pace, distance, time and calories during an outing or training session and, with a new Garmin adaptor, display and track heart rate and cadence.
Garmin says that the new app is 'ideal for users who are new to the fitness tracking landscape' and allows them, with the addition of the new ANT+ adapter for iPhone, to utilise compatible Garmin accessories to create quite a powerful fitness tool.
Garmin says that some Android phones are ANT+ compatible out of the box, so if you want to use Garmin's sensors with the app on Android, you'll need to check that your phone is suitable.
All of which sounds a bit gobbledeegooky, but actually means you can easily see where you've been and how far and how fast you've run, walked or biked and if you connect a compatible heart rate monitor sensor, footpod sensor or bike cadence meter will add even more data including your heart rate and running or cycling cadence.
Once you've completed a session, you name the activity and can input notes – 'I was blowing outta my, erm, ears... but the weather was lovely' – and then share the details at the Garmin Connect web site, so your mates can see what you've been up to with your work-out history conveniently stored on line.
There are plenty of apps out there which do the same basic work-out tracking gig and will also allow you to share the details, but the Garmin one does seem pretty user friendly and has some nice touches, like being able to select music options from within the app.
Where it really scores is in its ability to use Garmin's range of ANT+ compatible sensors to add more sophisticated data and in its compatibility with Garmin's established Garmin Connect web site and community. And at 69p for the iPhone version, it's not going to break the bank, though the ANT+ adapter is $49.99 in US money, we can't find a UK price.
You can find more exhaustive details and so on at garmin.blogs.com.
