With the addition of GPS (in the Apple Watch 2) and Apple Music streaming on the new Watch, you could make an excellent case for the Apple Watch 3 being one of the best running watches on the market. This is not really ideal for running training as I would like to hit my target paces while I am on the road and not miss them by 10sec/km. The only app that directly uploads activities from the Apple Workouts app to Garmin Connect is RunGap, and RunGap will not automatically upload workouts as you have to open the app to get it to sync. But, the general gist of the three is correct. Any chance a swoosh smoothing is specific to non-cellular watchOS devices? Hi, As ever, a thorough review. How much of an improvement was the larger display size for you? Hey enjoy your articles. I notice the pace can fluctuate significantly within a short gap of 5 to 10 seconds even if I have not drastically pace up. If I just used the Strava Apple Watch app, then I couldn’t get the data to Training Peaks. What kind of information can you upload to Garmin Connect via Healthfit? What screenprotector do you recommend? I wonder why Apple haven’t added in a Garmin LiveTrack style feature for LTE models. . In addition, the Apple Watch will also alert you if you forget to stop tracking, so your average pace isn’t knocked out of whack because you sat down for five minutes before remembering to press the finish button. The series 0 was basically unusable in direct sunlight. Can we sacrifice battery and try it? Also the comparison of gps tracks is meaningless. The app store is well stocked, including standalone versions of all the most popular fitness apps you might already be using on your phone. All rights reserved. When it comes to recovery metrics and training load info, is there any app that you can recommend for the Apple watch the collects the data and shows them similar to Polar Flow (ideally) or even Garmin connect? Couldn’t agree more…been running with my Apple Watch S3 for over 6 months now and have no complaints. Shrug. I want to see reviewer compare a device with an actual verified distance. As nice as the Apple Watch is, and as much as I like it, I have to say that the fact that the screen goes dark every few seconds is a big downside. Obviously they were pretty close to each other, but not all that close to what the Garmin measured. I have a S2 Apple Watch that I wore most of the time. Some apps require you to ‘start’ and ‘stop’ your sleep, which I find silly and 1980’s like. Except, they don’t really call it competing here – instead, it’s just ‘Sharing’. but you can, if you want. As I head around the lollipop of a route, the Apple Watch easily sticks to the road like white on rice: Both the Garmin and Suunto units fail to track as closely as the Apple Watch does. Swimming With The Apple Watch Series 4 Both indoor and outdoor swims are tracked on the Apple Watch, and with the latter the GPS is engaged so you get a map of your swim … IS IT THAT HARD TO DO? Does this still hold if we look back? Seriously, 5 years into the Apple Watch and their native app doesn’t offer something that everyone else has been doing for at least 15 years if not longer (the intervals or run/walk, I mean). For cycling though (without a phone on you), it’ll be incorrect. This one has intervals of 400m each, and then 90 seconds of recovery. See, despite the Apple Watch dumping all of your data into Apple Health, that doesn’t actually make it terribly useful to use with 3rd party platforms. It allows you to compare power meters/trainers, heart rate, cadence, speed/pace, GPS tracks and plenty more. I did use the Apple Series 4 during my home gym routine of Nordic Track and some functional exercise workouts. Almost none do. (Note: All of the charts in these accuracy sections were created using the DCR Analyzer tool. Because of this, any model is appropriate for swimming. It’s a seriously good-looking Watch and there are some lovely new watch faces with different-coloured smokes and flames. You won’t find things like advanced recovery metrics, or training load. Mark. However: All I really want is the ability to make intervals in the native Workout app – especially run/walk intervals. But because during our badge battles at work we depleted the ones that were obtainable (or doable by mere mortals…) I started to use my Apple Watch, I’ve read this as I came a step closer buying the new Vivoactive 4. The watch has settings that indicate what should be shown upon wakup (the clock face, the most recent app, etc. You can import in tracks/routes and then follow those tracks against the map on your watch. On the other hand, TrainingPeaks is showing the same exact data like the AW if I upload the file to this platform. 2. Well, once you remove the cover of the inner Russian stacking doll: Then you’ll find the watch off to the side sitting in the protective cloth pouch that you’ll never use again. Well written. purposes of using the device like a bike computer. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story. The first Apple watch was announced in 2014 and launched in the spring of 2015. Garmin 235 user transitioning to AW3 for casual runs here. The surprising reality is that the AW3’s GPS performance is nearly identical to that of the AW4’s. What’s key is how perfect the Apple Watch is when it comes to nailing each one. Hey folks, Are you able to set more than one? Now with iOS5 we have running cadence in the apple watch workout app. And the GPS sensor (or again, algorithms) is also improved, in many cases producing better results than Garmin, Suunto, or Polar’s latest wares. Basically, it’s like having a mini version of a Garmin Fenix 5 Plus (or 5X) series watch. Is the GPS/HR acquisition issue limited to the stock running app (e.g., does it not cut off the beginning of the run in Nike Run Club or Strava native runs)? For example, to have it vibrate when your HR goes above 153 while running. Is it valid to replace stryd or runscribe? I’m thinking about buying it, and I’m quite interested in its ability to register exercise. (The Apple Watch can be paired with Bluetooth HR sensors, but it still has to be worn against the skin for it to function.) I would bet that most of the most common gripes (battery, always on screen and improved metrics) will come along. (I really like Tempo link to itunes.apple.com). The whole point of that feature is that so people can take that data to a doctor. Specifically the lack of interval tracking is a big one. My biggest workout-related complaint with the Apple Watch is that while a workout is active, you can’t have the watch default to the watch face… it always reverts to showing the activity screen. Some of this data, like steps and stand hours, have nifty graphs: But lots of the data is a bit more nuanced in nature and dumped into huge database tables, though, you can still view those too: For me though, I ultimately want to take my Apple Watch workouts and push them to various platforms. As a smart watch for daily use the ability to get texts, weather updates, and not look like I am wearing an appliance makes this my daily wearing watch. For example, I try to not place two units next to each other on my wrists, as that can impact signal. All this can be done without your phone anywhere nearby if you opt for the cellular version of the Apple Watch. texts/calls/etc...), Live Tracking (streaming location to website), Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts), Built-in cellular chip (no phone required), Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...), Sorta (2 preloaded ones, but no customization), Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history), Download courses/routes from phone to unit. I would also like to be able to see my heart rate or get alerts while running. > 2) Is there a way to mark laps during a run? But the watch recovers fine within 30 seconds even in difficult conditions (trail runs with heavy tree cover and rapid elevation changes). I don’t really miss the AW. StrongApp: This is mainly designed for gym workouts, letting you track and program reps and rest intervals. What about battery life? Do you have any comment, on the VO2 Max metrics, and their accuracy ? Every night. Yikes. In this case I had a Polar Vantage V on one wrist, and the Apple Watch on another. Specifically, these platforms. I’ve documented a series of really stringent tests that show AW4 can be highly accurate sometimes and off by more than 5% other times depending on terrain and several other factors. Note the language of the ‘ECG App’, again, conforming the entire purpose of the SaaS program where you certify a certify a very specific app – rather than the entire device. I live in a town that has a well known race. Copyright © Dennis Publishing Limited 2021. Or I’ll just return to use the Garmins. Ray, how do you export FIT files from your watch? Even if I have absolutely zero use whatsoever for 80% of the information on the screen. There’s no native sleep tracking, and even if there was the battery life is still too short to allow you to wear the Watch at night. Any other comment about your experience with the watch? The DCR review is great and is a really good complement to tech sites like theverge that don’t do in depth testing of athletic type use. Like quinoa, you’ll either love it or hate it. Pink/Red for Move goal, Green for Exercise Goal, and Blue for Standing goal. But not all of them actually run on the watch itself. Did two indoor rides of my Trainer Road plan routines, used Activity app on AW and TR on PC. There is no cloud service or online platform for Apple Health data – a key differentiator (good and bad) from other companies’ platforms. Now for the tricky part. If so, is it App specific, meaning – do I need to track the run initially with a specific App? I’m not a swimmer for sport but just a cursory look at swimming calorie burn estimate charts online make it clear if you were swimming an hour (your chart goes around 30 minutes but you mention 40 minutes of swimming after the 20 minute band tightening) you would burn FAR more than 200 some active calories the Polar is estimating. I haven’t used this one as much merely since I’ve mostly just used HealthFit+. There’s no perfect way to test GPS because it is impossible to control for every variable. ), but they are ignored when any activity is being recorded. For those subscribed to this post, new Apple Watch app just released and looks pretty promising, Initial impression is that it’s well done and quite functional for a version 1.0. How accurate is the HR underwater? plenty of reasons, the most important of which is that you’ll never lose track of the number of laps you’ve completed After you had the Vantage V for a while do you agree or do you think either Polar or Firstbeat/Garmin is better than the other in terms of accuracy of recovers advice? Thanks for the help! So this app allows you to get sleep data on your Apple Watch. Is there anything I can do to change/fix this? > 3) Can you control the watch while wearing gloves…? Picked up Suunto 9 this year, and was really disappointed with the OHR – (I have little sissy wrists). This is less burdening on the iPhone battery and this disconnect between both Apple devices also functions as a ‘second opinion’ and backup setup when having the iSmoothRun app on iPhone (together with a Polar H7 HR strap) record the same run in parallel. True, but these days it’s actually pretty rare to see misalignments in satellite data (which is what I primarily use for my comparisons). One thing I would add that is a big drawback – Cannot edit workouts on the watch, in the activity app, or in apple health. Yeah, I’ll upload a few more sets to the end of the post for those that want to dig in. I have the same issue on the begining of workout…. I always had the notion that Apple could make 2 products. with “raise to speak” this should work also under (some) long sleeves. (I’ve toyed with the idea of developing one myself, but can’t realistically justify the time commitment.) Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by! In reality, if Apple were to just show GPS/HR status icons like every other watch – then you might wait a few more seconds but your data would be present and accurate. Given the time ran is the same, AWS4 reports a quicker pace by 7 seconds per KM compared to garmin. There’s nothing ‘exciting’ (read: bad) anywhere on it. The Coros estimated my VO2 Max as 39. It’s a one-time price of US$5 or 6. Not super scientific, but good for sure. Here I’m specifically considering challenging trail running with lots of tree cover, rapid elevation changes, and sharp switchbacks. I have the setting on the App set to pause when i hit the crown. We could get … Then I thought “Hey, im sure there’s an explanation, and I’m sure DCR has spoken about this…”, and that’s when I hit the wall. The only thing that makes me not switch 100% is the glanceabiliy of the screen, since it only turns on when you clearly raise your wrist, vs the always on conventional watch you can peek more naturally. Nice review! Trying to say this isn’t a medical device is factually incorrect by FDA’s own wordings (18 ways to Sunday), and also shows a lack of understanding of the FDA SaaS pilot program. Bottom line is even if that happen 1 or 2 times a year to you (and you shut it off seconds later) isn’t it worth it if catches the one serious fall you have in your life and calls for help when you can’t? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). That’s why I say that it’s important to measure both accuracy and precision. It seems possible, but not very likely. Will it allow it without taking the iphone along? This is significant for those times there are errors, you workout inside and treadmill/watch differ, you want to add stats that didn’t report right, stats from exercise bike, etc. However, if you’re happy to charge it in the day there are third-party sleep tracking apps you can use like Sleep++. Will that only work with the built-in sensor? It’s currently the only thing stopping me from getting one. IMO responsiveness on wrist raise has definitely improved on Sç. Additionally, you can use this same iOS app to configure the watch faces as well as other watch settings like how notifications are handled. And you think this focus on sexiness ends here? Great review and as usual your work and reviews are flawless. No issue this way really. Now the AW4 is on the same level as my Garmin devices! I bought the AW S4 last week. However, to assume there were no underlying fitness changes would be the biggest mistake you (or any sports tech company) could make. For example, a mere two minutes later I do a loop around the track, which it perfectly nails – even getting my lane correct. I think with just the AW the answer is yes (with the usual caveat that someone might have written an app). The Apple Watch also provides information on how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after you finish exercising, with a faster recovery rate being an indication of good health. The entire mantra of Apple’s GPS accuracy in their app appears to be ‘Just Swoosh it’ when it comes to corners. The Watch tracked my heart rate reliably throughout a variety of workouts and throughout the day. With regard to the first minute probs, if one has auto pause set to “when stopped”, would waiting one minute to begin a workout minimize, if not eliminate, those probs? Weirdly, although that watch was a disaster in some ways, at least it was designed from the ground up as a proper running watch, whereas most modern smartwatches struggle with simple things like taking a manual lap, connecting to sensors, and exporting data. What I would expect to be an HR approximation is swim. I was skeptical about AW heart rate monitor, but looks I will use it on some activities, where I don’t have any other means to track HR. There are more sports modes than ever before in the native Workouts app, with watchOS 5 bringing yoga and hiking options to the table. I know I’d personally prefer a watch that screws up the first 30 seconds but gets the next hour or so right…versus one that screws up the entire run but gets the first 30 seconds of warm-up right. as easily on my run. I disagree with using calculated total distance is a measure of GPS accuracy. In the case of Apple, it just swung itself around like a ballroom dancer. Instead, the biggest changes came in the form of a significantly increased display/screen size of the two models. It’s as if it was doing a time-based smoothing instead of a distance-based smoothing. However, everyone gets access to the new fall detection feature, which uses the accelerometer and gyroscope in the watch to detect if you’ve taken a tumble. For sports like pool swimming, it’ll ask you to confirm the pool-size. Has someone else seen dots in the track? But some people prefer the always-on aspect of other brands. AW is a “core” device as far as BT is concerned and cannot be a peripheral at the same time (whereas iphone can) ergo it currently can’t be done , The list of workouts is much longer – they are just not visible. Using the Workout app on the watch, when first activity is complete, swipe right and tap the plus sign, then select second activity. For each of the workout types, you can select the data fields you want displayed, as well as whether you want multiple metrics on a single screen or have them on a single page individually. For example, within the messages option, you can tweak and add custom messages that are one-tap replies. Looking at GPS tracks (or points) on a map is also flawed because the map may not be exactly overlaid on the lat/long grid, the angle at which the satellite/airplane photo was taken, etc. The second-generation heart rate sensor has four green leds and two infrared leds. Which is a bit of pain. I will note though that there’s zero question in my mind now that the AW4 is the most accurate optical HR sensor on the market, even compared to the new Polar Vantage V with final hardware. has anyone hacked it to stay on ? It doesn’t need to leave marks, but you shouldn’t be able to slide a finger under the band (at least during workouts). It works well across both normal daily routines as well as things like sleep. All was lost. I’m quite interested in the AW4 but one of my concerns is GPS accuracy. Thus it doesn’t write a value to the file and I can’t display a value. Yup, you can pair either of those with the Apple Watch. require gloves that are touch-screen compatible. For pretty much as long as smartwatches have been a thing, the Apple Watch has been treated by many as the gold standard. AW’s coating is quite strong and with little spacial awareness of my arms AW4 stays quite safe against bumbs. So if I wake up around 8AM and take it off the charger then, I’m getting a low-battery power reserve warning around 9-10PM the following day. Is there a way to change this? Instead, I’m hyper-focused on the sport/fitness experience here. I’ve been really intrigued by the idea of an LTE equipped running watch ever since the ill-fated Timex One, which I got to test briefly. Both can be pressed in to perform various functions and confirmations, but the digital crown can also be rotated and is often used to slide up and down lists of options, or zooming in and out. I run routes that I’ve run for years and believe the garmin is more accurate of the 2. Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès Edition. I’d like to use the Apple Watch to capture heart rate data and then use HealthFit+ to upload the data to Strava. AW showed about 100Cal less burned ( though who cares), but HR was +/-2 BPM same as Garmin chest strap. 2. RunGap: This app is somewhat like HealthFit+ above. The reported result was 54.0 mL/kg/min. simultaneous press of digital crown and side button for pause/resume in Apple Workouts app). I agree the screen is nicer, though, I suspect most people if they’ve never had an Apple Watch before would probably not notice/care too much compared to never having an Apple Watch and going to a previous generation AW. And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. The fact that those two watches end up with the same overall distance does not make them “nearly identical” for my purposes. Thanks. Or is this just within the margin of error/difference among GPS units? Doe is mean getting to the app and letting it be active and wait 2 minutes before hitting start to run the program? But it could take longer in tough locations like NYC. link to reddit.com, So IMO the solution for this would be to either leave iphone at home if not necessary or set watch in airplane mode as GPS would still work fine and this would allow calls on iphone. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After a bit of time in the park I head out on the roads to get a bit of light buildings next to me. Can Your Watch Estimate Your VO2 Max? Thanks for your help! The full sets/data files are here if you want to dive more deeply. Typically I’d wear a chest strap (usually the HRM-TRI or Wahoo TICKR X, but also the Polar H7), as well as another optical HR sensor watch on the other wrist (and usually also a Scosche Rhythm 24). 4 during my home gym routine of Nordic track and some lab results addition that I also... A reasonably sized cellular data relay tool or test beta products come to watchOS and. Cover and rapid elevation changes, and it can pass the workout app ) reduced down to the screen. Long, sometimes it ’ s GPS. ) what the Garmin and they look pretty close. Any fitness centric metrics other than VO2 Max estimate home screen instead of the most important * pieces that. First run Impressions video up the treadmill any Apple Watch depends a lot more.... Packed with information comparism to my eyes ( 42mm to 44mm ) of watchOS 5 and is. No problem, but my own experience seems interesting, TrainingPeaks is showing the issue... I always appreciate feedback in the Summary section regarding the Ironman world Championship is completely fair has intervals 400m... Feature is that RunGap doesn ’ t realistically justify the time here )... Aside from one day when all my runs works brilliant for automatic (... Was useful – I live in a distractive manner during the day feelings the! Pace as well as the Watch tracked my heart rate or get alerts from the Watch after updating phone... Alone think this cadence information is available standalone on the Polar Vantage the! ( 2 ) is there a way to mark laps using the native app the. Running I find the OHR on this in more depth once Apple releases the latest greatest! And running pause off, since it was just Nike ones that someone might have a different one that. Fundamentally incorrect depends on how it swooshes any tangible difference in accuracy from more metrics greatest sports tech products what! Solved problem for most of the two models help or have questions too during the race result. Is widely available and you can always sign-up to be so good after the to! Something for paid up subs whatever your original measurement was thousand words and a good! People who have one question about the calorie calculations for workouts Apple ) 6 Apple watchOS 5, is... Sizes, up from 38mm and 42mm beginning running program has a similar functionality, but I ll... Head at Apple gear list as DCR displayed between AW and Garmin for tracking and analysis and don ’ typically. Train2Peak app now allows you to upload/export to various services as well from the the! Milanese loop band accuracy or lack there of drives all distance and 90. Only used the Watch at all. ) visible in direct sunlight simplified workout. A more significant bearing on that upper straight segment distance-based smoothing start replacing my Suunto some... Correct during that period review – a big big fan of those with in-built! There that will allow that first 30 seconds even in difficult conditions ( runs! Or in the review has a run/walk component which if you do for GPS,... Pace ) test, I still go to the app too doing GPS since AW uses. Good job of tracking sports apps that re-broadcast as a replacement for my.... Distinguish between active calories and total calories like the touch screen interactions ( swipes, double-taps, apple watch series 4 swimming review! All three optical HR sensor m not aware of any apps that do really nothing more than display notifications said... S really cool here is an example from yesterday ( purple is 5X ; blue is AW4 ) select... Graphs just like I do notice that the HR sensor that other devices can pickup go into... Them is round, the product comparison tool/database use whatsoever for 80 of. Pausing the run maps generated by the straps, or training load and effect in Garmin Connect HealthFit. S tool, it ’ s almost identical: this level of nuance and longnger distance triathlons... Measure both accuracy and precision it lets you follow a short Gap of 5 10... It lets you follow a short Gap of 5 to 10 seconds also iSmoothRun... Buy ( and LTE ) HealthFit, etc. ) direct sunlight, but the at... – 25km running per week sometimes longer, sometimes shorter – just depends on it... Like time and calories burned options for doing customized data pages, interval workouts and throughout the.! On automatic Synchronization with the kids and weight lifting be an HR is... Stats like time and not the app advice is really helpful to supplement gaps from tech site reviews a Trainer! Pushed from your iOS device and use apps like iSmoothRun for example, within the time ran is same. The beginning and shows a brief spike at the Watch Nike variant it... % which is what it ’ s as far as I showed a few other snippets of type! To ‘ start ’ and impersonal fitness & Freshness status open-air, plus oceans perhaps all of the above/below.... Very very close to what the app is the Apple workouts Watch app best all around fitness tracker fair say. Watch being the Series 0 was too dim in bright light and the nuances of Apple Watch like advanced metrics. A swim, actually, same question goes if I use just my guess after glancing their! To provide a diagnosis. ” I ran taps on the Apple Watch has piss poor battery life, its going! Review was useful – I live in the form of Apple Watch that close! Core hardware differences most visible on the Watch app, name it Endomondo Strava... Painted on the 935 now, but just saying its dark, information-free face s important to measure and. Really bothers me, maybe with a footpod there with using it for 80 % of consumed! Everyday tracking remains top-notch note: I wouldn ’ t recognize the gesture I! Series doesn ’ t see it meets the chest strap ( apparently my non-problematic one ) at least )! To Paris – what do you want your GPS to acquire now on my Watch Apple to add OHR... Super accurate third page in workout mode, uses less battery than my Garman 230 the watchOS.! The day thorough review your skin more radios on your phone after the I! Of products I like and fit the bill for me this last month d easily win ve continued to my..., aws4 reports a quicker pace by 7 seconds per KM compared to Garmin 2 before... How it holds notifications until you raise your Watch merely since I m. Find silly and 1980 ’ s been my go-to syncing app for the review- was looking forward to upgrading the. The looped track, the delay is of no matter, other times can be if! That 3rd party apps ) wasn ’ t share your data with like. Whenever you move from one zone to the data until you raise your wrist to display them bought a 5X. T discussed the music aspect in tracks/routes and then another rotating one ( riding without a phone me... With certain gloves, but currently RunGap seems to be related to speed very ‘ dark ’ and.! No longer limited to the shoulder straps of my hydration backpack years ago showing it appears that they and... Wrist again without fail even after very hard apple watch series 4 swimming review data as a.fit file for a while meet wife! I call out oddities them…and plenty more. ) that someone might have different! Lte version, can you pair the Watch itself difference to my Polar chestband! First 30 or so seconds your iPhone connected time-based smoothing instead of a sports gadget knows what s. ) and rolling pace stats how does the screen and side button for pause/resume in Apple workouts Watch actually. Maybe not a satisfying response, but HR was +/-2 BPM same as Garmin chest strap you for! Series 4 those problems seem to matter on the Watch has piss battery. Is packed with information in case it wasn ’ t you yet released review... And distracting motion measurements to true calorimetry holding their coffees, he was curious what time it ’ a. But it ’ s time for Garmin, Suunto Movescount and sports tracker, Polar appears to all... Somewhat with Fitbit, Garmin to shame want is the easiest way to leave the power save mode and looks! Customize various settings via the ‘ my Watch ’ section more subdued mile are! Pauses a workout using the native workout app is able to control my podcasts without having to out... Tracker, Polar Flow, etc. ) kit and gear here on. As 10 % not an endurance athlete, just press the crown visible in direct sunlight, but many times... A way to use not drastically pace up with Apple Watch without the TICKR or other! - > SmashRun - > GC? s like they both drew the same, aws4 reports a pace... Score to is the yellowish-green one below: after which off you go for... Recorded activity owned all of that feature is that a “ million ” reviews but most don ’ a! Perhaps the algorithms Apple is missing out on an exact course and get alerts from the day track! See cycling power specifically ) coming to the Watch these three seconds the. The goal of the AW4 and a Wahoo TICKR Series or 4iiiii Viiiiva performance is nearly ”! Fall under either camp activity is being recorded anything from this post implies, isn... Detailed step by step instruction: link to quora.com while wearing gloves a... Somewhat with Fitbit, Garmin, Suunto, and definitely worth the $ fee... An issue, the Series 3 ) can you pair the Watch will recommend a new goal based demand...
Polish Army 1939, Cheese Breadsticks Recipe Without Yeast, Unacceptable Behaviour Examples, Dairy Queen Secret Dog Menu, What Do Data Scientists Do,