Hoping not to be relegated simply to in-car navigation, TomTom has launched their own line of GPS Sports Watches to better compete with Garmin, Suunto, Polar, and others. Two ultra slim designs, the Runner and Multi-Sport, will be available for runners and triathletes starting sometime this summer.
Both the Runner and Multi-Sport GPS watches enable you to see your distance, time, pace, and other stats at a glance on the extra-large, high-resolution and high-contrast display. Three graphical training modes are used to frame your real time performance statistics. You can either race against your PB or a recent run, set a distance, time, or calorie goal to achieve during your workout, or set a pace and heart rate zone you wish to match.
Unlike most GPS watches, the TomTom watches use a single button to control all features, similar to the toggle button found on the original iPods. Weather and waterproof up to 50 meters, the GPS Sports watches run on rechargeable batteries that will last for up to 10 hours.
Using Bluetooth Smart, you can connect your TomTom GPS Sports watch to compatible accessories such as the TomTom Heart Rate Monitor. The Runner watch will also accurately track your indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that you are able to monitor your pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.
The TomTom Multi-Sport watch includes all the features packed into the TomTom Runner, but also allows you to track all your key metrics as you cycle or swim. The watch comes with a dedicated bike mount, optional cadence sensor, and built-in barometric altimeter to track your elevation, ascent and descent rates, as well as climb grades. The swimming motion sensor measures your laps, strokes, time, and speed.
No word yet on price or exact release date for the TomTom Multi-Sport and Runner GPS watches other than that they will be available sometime this summer.
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