Now, even Timex has a smartwatch
Smartwatches are gaining in popularity, and we’ve covered such releases as the Pebble Time, the Apple Watch (of course), and Swiss watchmakers’ entries into the market of wearable technology. Now, even Timex has a smartwatch in the Ironman One GPS+.
The fitness-centered smartwatch allows you to access a GPS, send text messages, listen to music, and even track where you or other Ironman One GPS+ wearers are.
The watch features InstaFix GPS, allowing you to get real-time pace and distance on your wrist. It also allows you to load up to 4 GB of music on your watch, connecting to the watch with Bluetooth headphones or a speaker. The watch also allows phone-free messaging, because it has built-in cellular data for sending and receiving text messages. Your first year’s data usage with AT&T is included when you buy the watch. After that, AT&T will bill you $40 for your second year of data service. Canadian customers will be billed by Timex Canada $40 for a second year of data service.
Finally, live tracking lets your friends track your workout or race, and you can send an SOS with your location if you get into trouble. You can set “Angels” in your contacts, people who are allowed to track the location of your smartwatch and find you in an emergency.
For keeping track of your runs, walks, and contacts, the watch will synchronize with your iPhone via the Timex Ironman One GPS+ app available for free on the App Store.
Is this a real threat to the Apple Watch? No, certainly not, because the Timex Ironman One GPS+ lacks many of the features of the Apple Watch. It is, however, an example of just how popular wearable technology has become.