Tag: polar

  • Polar and Garmin Lock Smartwatch Features Behind Paywall

    Polar and Garmin Lock Smartwatch Features Behind Paywall

    Key Takeaways

    1. Polar has introduced a subscription model for certain fitness features on its smartwatches, costing €9.99 per month after a 14-day free trial.
    2. The “Polar Fitness Program” is currently available only to users in Europe with Android devices, with iOS compatibility expected soon.
    3. The program personalizes training plans based on individual goals and workout responses, adjusting over a four-week period for optimal recovery and performance.
    4. It offers 20 different fitness levels and customizes to individual habits, but primarily focuses on endurance sports.
    5. The program has limitations, as it primarily optimizes endurance training and cannot accurately assess muscle fatigue during strength training.

    We’ve previously discussed Garmin’s controversial choice to place certain features of their smartwatches behind a paywall, and now another brand has made a similar move. Polar provides smartwatches that deliver standard functions like displaying notifications from a linked smartphone, but the company has also focused heavily on sports-related features.

    Subscription Model

    A few fitness features are now locked behind a paid subscription model, which includes a free trial period of 14 days and then costs €9.99 per month afterward. At this time, this new service called “Polar Fitness Program” is only accessible to users in Europe with an Android device, though compatibility with iOS is expected to come later this year. This fitness program aims to be a helpful tool for athletes and those who are active often.

    Personalized Training

    More specifically, it adjusts to personal goals and lifestyles by utilizing data gathered from a Polar smartwatch. It is said to be capable of recognizing how users respond to workouts and can devise a training schedule for four weeks that automatically changes if the user requires extra time for recovery. These data-driven changes are designed to make workouts more efficient and help reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue, all while ensuring that users continue to enhance their performance.

    Limitations of the Program

    Additionally, the program customizes itself to fit individual habits and offers 20 different fitness levels. However, Polar’s new subscription service has a drawback that is also seen in other smartwatches: all the training plans primarily focus on endurance sports. While optional strength and mobility workouts can be added to the plan, current wearable devices can only accurately optimize the intensity of endurance workouts using heart rate data. Unfortunately, Polar smartwatches are unable to detect muscle fatigue that may occur during strength training, for instance.

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  • Polar Introduces TrainingPeaks Integration for Smartwatches

    Polar Introduces TrainingPeaks Integration for Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Polar has launched a beta version of its integration with TrainingPeaks, connecting Polar Flow and TrainingPeaks applications.
    2. The integration allows users to sync structured workouts and training plans automatically between TrainingPeaks and Polar fitness devices.
    3. Users can access real-time feedback on metrics like heart rate zones and power levels directly from their Polar sports watches.
    4. The integration intelligently aligns TrainingPeaks’ five training zones with Polar’s five-zone system and supports all Polar sports watches.
    5. Users can connect their Polar watch to TrainingPeaks via the Polar Flow app, and new Polar watch purchases will include a 30-day free trial of TrainingPeaks Premium.

    Polar has introduced a beta version of its integration with TrainingPeaks. This link between the Polar Flow and TrainingPeaks applications was first revealed last year alongside the launch of the Vantage M3 smartwatch. This is Polar’s most recent official integration, which already includes connections to Strava, komoot, adidas Running, and other platforms.

    About TrainingPeaks

    TrainingPeaks serves as a fitness application aimed at helping endurance athletes achieve their objectives. Coaches frequently use it, and it provides numerous pre-made workouts and training schedules. Thanks to this integration, structured workouts and plans, along with targets, can sync automatically between the TrainingPeaks app and Polar’s fitness devices. As a result, users of Polar sports watches can access these workouts directly on their wrists, receiving real-time feedback connected to metrics such as heart rate zones or power levels.

    Features of the Integration

    Polar states that users who have five or more training zones in TrainingPeaks will find these zones intelligently aligned with its five-zone system. After completing a workout, the data gathered is sent directly to the TrainingPeaks app for additional analysis. This integration is available to both basic and premium subscribers of TrainingPeaks and can be utilized with all Polar sports watches, including the Polar Vantage V and Polar Pacer models (current pricing starts at $220.22 on Amazon).

    To link your Polar watch with TrainingPeaks, you can do so through the Polar Flow app by navigating to Settings > Partners > Connect > TrainingPeaks. It’s not clear when the beta phase for the TrainingPeaks and Polar integration will conclude; users who are among the first to try it are encouraged to provide feedback about their experiences. Additionally, Polar mentions that future purchases of its sports watches will include a 30-day free trial of TrainingPeaks Premium.

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    Polar Introduces TrainingPeaks Integration for Smartwatches

     

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  • Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition Launches Worldwide for $340

    Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition Launches Worldwide for $340

    Polar has launched the Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition smartwatch worldwide. This new version swaps the original silicone band for a woven fiber strap, which is designed to be light and soft, enhancing comfort for users.

    Strap Options

    The strap comes in two widths of 20 mm. The black strap showcases a zig-zag design and is currently available for purchase, while a Bold Red strap with a colorful pattern has been announced but isn’t up for sale yet.

    Features of the Ignite 3

    This smartwatch boasts a 1.28-inch AMOLED screen with a 416 x 416 pixel resolution, providing clearer visuals. It also has an ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness automatically. The case is 43mm in diameter and 9.5mm thick, weighing 21 grams without the strap and 35 grams when the strap is attached.

    The Ignite 3 monitors sleep, heart rate, calorie burn, and a variety of activities. Its Nightly Recharge feature gives users insights into their energy levels, while SleepWise evaluates sleep habits and suggests ways to improve rest. The watch includes more than 150 sports modes, guided breathing exercises, and audio feedback during training. Additionally, Polar Fitness Tests allow users to assess their fitness levels before exercising.

    Battery Life

    The smartwatch’s 215mAh battery lasts up to 120 hours in watch mode, 30 hours when using GPS and heart rate tracking, and 100 hours in power-saving mode.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition is priced at £294.00 in the UK and €339.90 in the EU. In the US, its retail price is set at $340. Presently, the product is out of stock on Polar’s website in the US, and there is no confirmed date for its release.

    Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition Launches Worldwide for $340Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn Edition Launches Worldwide for $340
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  • Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design

    Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design

    Polar has raised the bar in the realm of sport smartwatches with the unveiling of the Polar Vantage V3. This advanced wearable is not merely a timepiece, but a companion tailored for athletes, aimed at optimizing performance and monitoring vital health metrics. Here’s a delve into the hallmark features and what makes the Vantage V3 a notable contender in the bustling market of sport smartwatches.

    Advanced Health Monitoring

    Central to the Vantage V3 is its advanced health monitoring feature spearheaded by the Polar Elixir biosensing technology. This technology facilitates accurate measurement of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2), and body temperature during sleep. Moreover, it enables Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements without the previously required chest strap, a leap from its predecessor, the V2. This feature aids athletes in striking a balance between training and recovery by assessing heart rate variability and heart rate measurements​1​.

    Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design

    Enhanced Performance and Usability

    The Vantage V3 has undergone a significant facelift from its predecessor, boasting a refined design coupled with a more robust processor. Its AMOLED display, measuring 1.39 inches with a resolution of 462ppi, ensures crisp visibility even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the re-engineered strap mechanism now accommodates any 22mm strap, enhancing its versatility. Under the hood, the V3 houses a new generation of sensors that seamlessly work together under the ‘Polar Elixir’ banner to provide precise health and activity monitoring. The implemented dual-frequency GPS supports over 150 workout profiles, catering to a wide range of physical activities. Offline maps, a new addition, are bound to resonate well with outdoor enthusiasts, providing topographic views for better navigation even in visually challenging areas​2​.

    Prolonged Battery Life and Robust Build

    Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design
    Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design
    Unveiling the Polar Vantage V3: A Fusion of Cutting-edge Technology and Athlete-centric Design

    The Vantage V3 is designed to endure intensive use, offering up to 140 hours of training time with energy-saving mode or 50 hours with heart rate monitoring and dual GPS activated. In typical smartwatch mode, the battery life extends up to eight days before necessitating a recharge. Its aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 3 protected display attest to its robust build, ready to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The Vantage V3 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a testament to Polar’s commitment to marrying robust design with cutting-edge technology, ensuring athletes have a reliable companion on their wrist​3​.

    In a world where the line between smartwatches and fitness trackers is increasingly blurring, the Polar Vantage V3 sets itself apart with a clear focus on aiding athletes to achieve their best performance while keeping a close eye on their health metrics. Its blend of advanced features and athlete-friendly design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking to elevate their training regimen.

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