Garmin Connect | Evolving Consumer

Water Power

Power meters are the new thing in cycling – well, maybe not the new thing but certainly the hot thing in tracking effort and energy spent. Now One Giant Leap is looking to do for kayakers what various companies have done for cyclists.

The company is introducing the world’s first Kayak Power Meter. This carbon fiber, adjustable, split-shaft can track power output, power balance (including left stroke vs. right stroke) and even stroke-rate. This unique paddle can sync – but hopefully not sink – via ANT+ and can used to record power, power balance, stroke-rate and even boat speed and heart rate. The Kayak Power Meter can be used with various software including Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.

Kayak Power Meter Official Website

The Touring Edge

Garmin has shown the way for many serious riders, but now the company is looking to help the touring riders find their way as well. Garmin is bringing out a full featured navigation model for bicycle touring.

The Garmin Edge Touring won’t offer such things as power data but instead will provide complete mapping tailored to those who want to get out and explore the world on their bike. This will include turn-by-turn directions, while the unit will come with preloaded routes and is compatible with Garmin Connect and Garmin Adventure.

[Via BikeRumor: GARMIN EDGE TOURING GPS BICYCLE COMPUTER SPOTTED]

Garmin To Watch Your Fitness

The fitness monitor market seems to be growing as Garmin announced the upcoming release of its FR70 fitness watch, which can tracks users’ time, heart rate, calories burned and when combined with one of Garmin’s accessories even track pace and speed. The FR70 is available in both a men’s and women’s version.

“A lightweight, comfortable and stylish watch that helps users accomplish their goals is what the FR70 is all about,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Wear it as an every day time piece and keep it on during walks, runs or fitness routines to monitor these activities and progress.”

The device is meant for indoor and outdoor training, and at the heart of its success is FR70’s wireless ANT+ technology, which allows FR70 to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, such as the included heart rate monitor, optional foot pod, speed and cadence sensor or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment like treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical trainers and more. Continue reading Garmin To Watch Your Fitness

New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona

Sports and GPS go hand-in-hand. That is unless you’re swimming or going off to remote areas where tracking often poses a challenge. Innovations in GPS technology now make it possible to track your workouts, and races, when swimming. Garmin is among the sport watch manufacturers to leverage this new technology.

The company’s new Forerunner 910XT is a multisport watch, an all-in-one GPS-enabled device that provides detailed swim metrics and tracks distance, speed/pace, elevation and heart rate for running and cycling. The 910XT has an on-board barometric altimeter for improved elevation data.

A smooth, low profile allows for athletes to slide tight-fitting wetsuits over the watch. This makes it possible for use with water sports. It also facilitates quick outfit changes necessary for triathletes competing in races where a wetsuit or other protective and warmth gear is necessary.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona