Tag: no GPS

  • Garmin CIRQA Certification Reveals Disappointing Whoop Rival Detail

    Garmin CIRQA Certification Reveals Disappointing Whoop Rival Detail

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin CIRQA certified in Singapore exclusively with Bluetooth, no GPS, Ant+, Wi-Fi, or cellular.
    – Device is dependent on a smartphone for distance tracking during runs or cycles.
    – May be marketed as a companion band for Garmin smartwatch users to improve workout precision and automatic recognition.
    – Intended to compete with fitness bands like Polar Loop, Whoop 5.0, and Fitbit Luxe.
    – Known sensors include heart rate, SpO2, and motion sensors; full capabilities remain unconfirmed.


    So, after Garmin CIRQA was already seen in the Garmin Connect app code and at a shop back in May, a Garmin fitness tracker with the model number A0P3039 has now gotten certified by the IRIS system in Singapore. According to the5krunner, this here is the long-awaited fitness band from Garmin.

    Specifications and Bluetooth-Only Operation

    No GPS or Wi-Fi

    The certification reveals one new detail in particular, namely the fact that Garmin CIRQA transmits exclusively via Bluetooth. Because neither Ant+ nor GPS are listed under “Equipment Description”, as is the case with Garmin smartwatches, Garmin CIRQA apparently does without Wi-Fi, a cellular modem and a GPS module. This means that the wristband is inevitably dependent on a smartphone within Bluetooth range if, for example, the distance covered while running or cycling is to be recorded.

    This is not unusual for this product category – Polar Loop, Whoop 5.0 and Fitibt Air also don’t offer a GPS module, but Garmin is missing an opportunity to differentiate itself from the competition. According to earlier rumors, Garmin CIRQA could be marketed primarily to users of a Garmin smartwatch, as those who wear a smartwatch on one wrist and CIRQA on the other should benefit from more precise workout tracking and, above all, from significantly more reliable automatic workout recognition. It is not yet known whether Garmin CIRQA can record other data apart from a heart rate and SpO2 sensor and motion sensors.

    About the Certification Source

    Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS), via the5krunner.


    Sources

  • Haylou Watch 3: $44 AMOLED Smartwatch, 45-Day Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – Low price of $44, but delivery not until mid-July
    – Large 1.85-inch AMOLED display with 1,000 nits brightness
    – No GPS module, limiting its use for outdoor endurance training
    – Water resistance rated at 1 ATM, not suitable for swimming
    – Claimed battery life up to 45 days, likely only with light use


    Affordable Smartwatch from a Rising Brand

    The manufacturer Haylou may no longer be entirely unknown to attentive readers, as the company mainly sells smartwatches at low prices. The Haylou Watch 3 is a new smartwatch that is being offered on Banggood for $44. Shipping and possible import fees are added on top. However, buyers will still have to wait a little, as delivery is not expected until mid-July. Products from the manufacturer are also listed on price comparison sites, but availability in Germany is not especially broad.

    What You Get for $44

    For this price, customers are likely to get a companion for everyday use in particular, rather than a real training computer for the wrist. The smartwatch comes with a 1.85-inch display, which is still relatively large, and has a resolution of 390 x 450 pixels. It is an AMOLED display, which should generally provide decent color reproduction. The maximum brightness is listed at 1,000 nits, while other smartwatches, such as the Amazfit Active 2 we tested, are sometimes significantly brighter.

    Limitations and Features to Consider

    Sports activities can be recorded, and heart rate can be measured, for example. There is no GPS module, which should be a clear limitation for outdoor endurance sessions. The smartwatch offers calling features and then works as a Bluetooth hands-free device for a paired smartphone. Water resistance is rated up to a test pressure of 1 ATM. Accordingly, Haylou refers to protection against accidental submersion and states that the watch is not suitable for swimming. Battery life is listed at up to 45 days, although that is likely only achievable with lighter use.


    Sources

  • Best Budget Drone with Display Controller

    Best Budget Drone with Display Controller

    Key Takeaway

    – Affordable drone priced around $70 but only available as direct import with possible extra shipping and import fees
    – Severe limitations: control range of 330 feet, WiFi transmission, and 720p HD camera
    – Lightweight at 190g, avoiding 250g legal limit, with optical flow positioning but no GPS
    – Flight time of ~12 minutes with 60-minute charge; toy-like aerial roll feature
    – Supports smartphone connection (Android/iOS) and basic flight planning via display


    Affordable Drones and Their Limits

    There is a large selection of affordable drones, many of which are only available as direct imports. The YL01 is one such cheaper drone, with a current price of around $70. That gets customers the model with one battery. Additional shipping costs are charged. Import fees may apply depending on the buyer’s location. At first glance, the specifications are fairly decent. For this comparatively low price, customers get the drone itself and a remote control with a display.

    Transmission and Camera Constraints

    However, the transmission distance for both the control signals and the live video feed is severely limited. The specified 330 feet for the control signals is not comparable to higher-quality drones, such as those from DJI. Data transmission takes place via WiFi. According to the manufacturer, the camera offers HD resolution, meaning 720p rather than 1,080p. The takeoff weight is listed at 190 grams, so the gadget remains below the legal 250-gram limit in some regions. Optical flow positioning is supported. Accordingly, the camera’s image signals are processed for positioning.

    No GPS but Smartphone Compatability

    There is no GPS module, although this would probably not be particularly useful anyway given the short range. In practice, the drone would no longer be reachable for control signals. However, it should still be possible to draw a flight plan on the display, which the drone then follows. The drone can roll in the air, which is more of a toy feature. Flight time is listed at around 12 minutes, with charging taking 60 minutes. Accordingly, even two batteries would not allow continuous operation. A smartphone connection is possible. Both Android and iOS devices are supported.

    Battery and Pricing Details

    This drone is avalible from retailers like Banggood, with a current price of around $70 for the single battery version. Extra shipping charges may apply, and import fees can vary depending on your location. The takeoff weight is 190 grams, so it remains under the 250-gram limit in many regions. The specified 330 feet for control signals is quite short, and the WiFi based video feed is limited to 720p HD resolution. Optical flow positioning is supported, but there is no GPS module, which makes sense given the short range. The drone can perform aerial rolls, which is a fun toy feature, but flight time is only about 12 minutes with a 60 minute charge time. A smartphone connection is possible, supporting both Android and iOS devices, and you can draw a flight plan on the display for the drone to follow.


    Sources