Partnering with AT&T, Timex has just released a sports watch that is directly connected to the outside world. Most of our devices can connect to things via Bluetooth, ANT+ or NFC, but that means you always have to carry your phone with you for the device to communicate through.
The Timex One GPS+ does all that, but without your phone. Pretty cool for sure, but primarily intended as a wearable for running or other on-your-feet sports, it leaves a wide open question. When do cyclists get the same? Check out what this thing can do, and what it could mean for your ride after the jump…
Timex has packed a lot into their new device. Starting with Bluetooth compatibility, automatic uploads to Strava, GPS and music players, it can do all of the major functions we want. This is pretty cool for only $399, and you can add a heart rate monitor for another $50. Where it really starts to depart from the crowd is that it comes with one year of wireless data through AT&T, and it can send and receive messages without having your phone nearby. For the intended user of this device, the added benefit of not having to carry a phone around is great because of how large and heavy our phones are becoming.
You can check out the Timex One GPS+ online. The video above does a great explanation of how this all works together.
There is a common evolution here. If you have looked through the device store of your phone service provider lately, you’ll notice there are a lot more connected devices available today than just phones. iPad paved the way for connected devices being more common, and for phone companies providing service to more than just phones. Its easy to forget, but the very first iPad was only released in 2010. This segment moves very, very fast.
There is a large door open here as these devices start to progress. Inevitable as it was, this paves the way to soon being able to leave your expensive and bulky phone behind when you go for a ride, but still have the peace of mind to contact someone in a pinch.
On a bike, the weight of a smart phone is not too big of an issue, however the concern of smashing a $600 phone in a crash is always there. GPS devices for bikes are typically a bit more durable than standard electronics since they are designed to be taken on a ride, plus they are almost always waterproof.
A Samsung GS4 can be a tight squeeze into the accessory pocket of hydration packs. A trip over the bars and that phone will be taking a direct hit with something. If we can move along to being able to ride connected without an actual phone, would you buy in?
