Polar launches an entry level GPS runners watch
Polar has added to its range of wearables the M200, an entry-level GPS runners watch that doubles as an all-day activity tracker.
The stylish device will provide you with important running metrics such as pace and distance covered. It also offers the company’s unique Smart Coaching features, such as its Running Program – a personalized and adaptive training plan for events ranging from 5K to a marathon. Other Smart Coaching features include Training Benefit and Running Index, which offer motivating feedback and ways to monitor your running performance.
There is no need to take off the M200 when you finish your run, as the tracker is designed to monitor all your daily activity. The watch will keep tabs on your steps, burned calories, heart rate, sleep time and sleep quality. You will also get inactivity alerts to keep you moving throughout the day.
Like most activity trackers these days there are also find some non-fitness features. Polar’s latest wearable will keep you connected by vibrating to inform you of calls, messages, calendar alerts and social media notifications.
“Polar has a rich history of heart rate monitoring,” says Marco Suvilaakso, Chief Strategy Officer at Polar.
“We are continuously building on that heritage by developing new technology, such as our wrist-based heart rate measurement, which ultimately leads to new products like the M200. Runners will appreciate the simple transition to training that wrist-based heart rate offers, and when paired with Running Program, the M200 becomes a personal trainer, coaching you during runs, adapting to your performance and bringing you closer to your goals.”
The M200 is water-resistant down to 30 meters and can be worn in the shower and pool. Rather disappointingly, its battery only has enough juice for 6 hours with both GPS and optical heart rate switched on. In that sense, the watch does not compare favourably against the competition. The Garmin Forerunner 35, for example, allows for 13 hours of tracked running.
Essential reading: Top 10 GPS watches for running and training
This is a runners watch that offers all the basics at a budget price. The device will be sold in Charcoal Black and Bright Red colours when it becomes available later this year. You will be able to opt for changeable wristbands which will be sold separately in White, Fresh Blue, Mellow Yellow as well as Charcoal Black and Bright Red.
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