Polar's Whoop Competitor, Wahoo GoPro Integration, Apple WWDC Predictions and More!
Jun 9, 2024
auto_awesome
Polar's Whoop-like band, Garmin's firmware update, Fitbit Ace LTE tracker, Wahoo's GoPro integration, CaveWorks Rivet indoor bike frame, and Apple WWDC predictions are discussed in this episode.
Polar focuses on corporate health programs with the Polar 360 Band, veering away from consumer market.
Garmin's firmware updates for top devices enhance features like 'find my phone' and heart rate accuracy.
Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch offers gamified tracking, voice calling, and Pixel watch integration for kids.
Deep dives
Polar's Polar 360 Band Innovation
Polar introduced the Polar 360 Band, resembling a whoop strap but with unique qualities. Unlike other fitness trackers, Polar aims to target businesses for health programs. This innovation integrates with the Polar Flow platform, offering precise metrics trusted in the industry. Despite its potential for consumers, Polar plans to focus on corporate and OEM sales.
Garmin's Latest Firmware Updates
Garmin unveiled new firmware updates across various top-tier devices like Phoenix 7, Enduro 2, and Forerunners. Standout features include a 'find my phone' function using GPS for lost phones and a pin-drop navigation system from Apple maps to the Garmin devices. These updates also introduce automatic heart rate source switching for enhanced data accuracy during activities.
Fitbit's Ace Kids Smartwatch Offering
Fitbit released the Ace Kids Smartwatch, a sleek LTE-connected device with a focus on activity tracking gamification for kids aged 7 to 12. Priced at $229 with a $120 annual subscription, it includes unique features like live voice calling and integration with the Pixel watch hardware. Fitbit's play-focused approach aims to strike a balance between fitness tracking and connectivity for younger users.
Challenges with Wahoo-Gopro Interaction
The podcast delves into the connectivity challenges faced with Wahoo devices when interfacing with GoPro cameras. Despite the various connection options available, like the Quick App, reliability issues persist across different GoPro versions. The discussion highlights the historical neglect of GoPro's API for camera control, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to improve compatibility with external devices like Wahoo. The complexities encountered suggest a need for GoPro to enhance their API for seamless third-party camera control.
Concept of Indoor Bike Frame 'The Rivet'
The episode introduces 'The Rivet,' an innovative indoor bike frame concept developed by Caveworks. This frame offers a dedicated solution for indoor cycling, eliminating the need to constantly mount and dismount bikes on trainers. The Rivet aims to provide an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional bikes used for indoor training. Its adjustable design accommodates various body heights, offering configurations for both single-speed and geared setups. The discussion emphasizes how this novel concept could address the challenges faced by individuals seeking a permanent indoor cycling solution.
In this week's episode, Ray and Des talk about Polar's Whoop-like band, Ray visiting Garmin, Fitbit Ace LTE tracker, Wahoo's GoPro integration, CaveWorks Rivet Indoor Bike Frame, and Apple WWDC Predictions.
0:00 Des & Ray Adventures 3:50 DC Rainmaker Open house! 7:30 Polar’s Whoop-like Band 18:06 Garmin’s Big Firmware Update 26:05 Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch 34:20 Wahoo’s GoPro Control 38:25 CaveWorks Rivet 45:57 Apple WWDC Thoughts & Predictions
