When you think of Garmin, you immediately think of satellite navigation, but, not this time, as you're about to learn about Garmin's latest fitness watch, the FR60, which sets the standard for wireless connectivity. The latest breakthrough in Garmin’s expansive outdoor recreation and fitness line, the stylish and intuitive FR60 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 ISPO Winter trade show in Munich.

“Indoors or out, it’s easier than ever to set fitness goals and track your progress with the fashionable yet affordable FR60,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “While you exercise, the easy-to-use FR60 accurately tracks your time, calories burned, heart rate and other data from linked fitness equipment. Once you’re done and within range of your computer, that information is wirelessly transferred and stored for later analysis.”

 

The fitness watch interfaces wirelessly with another ANT+ compatible fitness device, such as a heart rate monitor, or a foot pod that monitors speed and distance or third-party fitness equipment at the gym or at home. It comes with a wireless USB ANT Stick that plugs into the user’s PC or Mac and automatically downloads workout data stored on the watch to a personal computer. No cables are necessary, as the FR60 quickly synchronizes with the computer once it is in close proximity.

 

 

The workouts themselves are made easier with the FR60, as its robust heart rate monitor and slimmed-down foot pod transmit data wirelessly and activate automatically upon movement, removing the need to turn the lightweight accessories on and off. The FR60 fitness watch is available in both men and women's versions, in red, lilac and black colors.

 

The FR60 can track and record up to 15 hours and 100 laps of detailed exercise data. And because the FR60 records its data from the heart rate monitor, foot pod and ANT+ compatible fitness equipment, users can exercise indoors too. Moreover, the device is even swim-friendly and cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the versatile options of adding a bike speed and cadence sensor and a handy bike mount.

 

The men’s version of the FR60 weighs just 44 grams, the women’s model weighs 41 grams, and each has a user-replaceable battery with a one-year life. No word on the pricing yet, though.

 

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