The kinds of extra data you want showing on the screen (bottom left and bottom right panel of the main running screen)

TomTom Spark 3 Music, compatibility, battery life and apps - TomTom Spark 3

Then there are the many different modes you can use to guide your run. You can plan interval sessions, or set the Spark 3 to buzz every time you stop running at a certain pace or exit a given heart rate zone. So if it looks and feels the same, why should you upgrade? Well, TomTom is hoping that you’re the kind of runner who likes exploring. The step counter, compass and nav features are nice to have I suppose but personally a cadence sensor would have been more useful for me, and other runners i assume. However, with the Spark 3, TomTom isn’t going after the smartwatch market, but rather staying focused on being a GPS watch. As such, the inclusion of a built-in music player and Bluetooth headphone connectivity means that there’s no need to take out a phone with you when you’re training. TomTom Spark 3 – Battery Life and Charging GO UP: Would take you to your history or if you arrive at this screen at the end of a session it would go up to show a summary of your session.

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As an existing TomTom Runner user I was disappointed that its successor the TomTom Runner Cardio was given a chunky makeover. Granted, it did make it more durable, but it didn’t feel as nice to wear if you were planning to wear it all day. If you’re upgrading from a running app, or this is your first fitness watch, you might find the number of options a bit daunting. You’ll also earn new Fitness Points based on your Fitness Age. The more intense your workouts, the more Fitness Points you’ll accrue. It’s designed to make you want to run more than just walk, as an example. Finally, there will be Personalised Workouts, covering running and cycling, available to follow from your wrist. The updates are expected to roll out in September and look to be welcome improvements. Once you’re running it’s nice to have some degree of confidence that what you are being shown is at least a vague reflection on reality. The Runner 3 / spark 3 is actually very good in this respect, in my opinion.

Specs, performance and fitness - TomTom Spark 3 review - Page

the arrow works based on gps when moving and on compass when stationary – it shows where you are moving or facing respectively. That said, on looking at the data when synced afterwards, it appeared to have recorded accurately. In fact, since most people are likely to train in zones, rather than looking at tiny heart rate detail variations, this shouldn’t be an issue; zone movements appeared to keep up. battery saving whilst hiking. it also has a slightly more rugged shell that protects the screen a little more. yes, availability is NOT now, rather October. Nto sure if buying a tomtom is easier in the US or Europe. TT are Dutch ie it might be released here at exact same time. So what this means in practice is that as soon as you start your run, a little icon appears on a blank screen saying “home” on it. A line is then drawn covering the directions you run in, with each twist and turn being shown on the screen like an etch-a-sketch drawing taking shape.[gallery:3] This is the area that will most likely benefit from new firmware updates throughout 2017. Such updates will also benefit the Runner/Spark’s new baby sister-watch – The Adventurer. They all have the same navigational functionality.Thanks for the advice – fortunately I found one on special. I am a bit worried about the impending wave of updated watches coming by (Polar in October?, possibly a new 920xt/Fenix, etc) and dropping prices of “older” watches, but some times you have to roll the dice. I need good navigation features, since taking a wrong turn on the mountain where I run can sometimes put you in a bit of danger.

TomTom Multisport Watch Strap (Orange) TomTom Multisport Watch Strap (Orange)

I can see where the TomTom Runner 3 / Spark 3 is coming from. It’s targeting a lot of people with a sound, and generally well-priced, series of offerings for all of them. For treadmill training, the Spark is pretty good at matching the totals you’ll see on the equipment and you can adjust distance easily afterwards. It offers most of the same workout options as when outdoors, so you can set up interval sessions and the like in the warmth of a gym come winter time. Once you’ve got your music on your watch though, the included headphones work great. In fact, they’re some of the best running headphones I’ve used. Optical HR will simply not be as accurate as a chest strap. That is true of EVERY single optical offering on a wrist watch on the market right now. There is simply too much going on with ‘motion artefacts’ and restrictions to blood flow. Smartphone notifications as of Sep 2016 are being worked on For Runner 2 & 3. Apparently it is complex to implement this over lots of smartphone types.Professional Tomtom Smart Watch services UK wide. …specialised in Spark 3 Seems to charge but then blank screen and no functions appear repair… Almost all of our Tomtom Spark 3 Seems to charge but then blank screen and no functions appear Repairs in Ripon are diagnosed and processed within 3-5 working days while also offering express services. If received, our Tomtom experts diagnose your Smart Watch, proceed and fix your Smart Watch Seems to charge but then blank screen and no functions appear once the repair cost is confirmed.

TomTom Spark 3 Multi Sport GPS Fitness Watch with Heart Rate

Less-normal but still real-life usage scenarios may significantly shorten it eg running with the light on If you’re upgrading from the original TomTom Spark the menu system is exactly the same, but anyone used to a traditional smartwatch-style menu system should probably get practicing before pulling on the trainers. The main reason you'd consider upgrading from the Spark to the Spark 3 is the new route exploration feature. This basically means you can now go out on a big run and the route will be mapped out on the watch screen, helping you navigate your way home a little easier. You can now add routes to the watch as well, which is handy if you want to run an approximate distance or just freshen up your running routes. It's a feature that usually crops up on more expensive sports watches, so it's definitely a positive to see it appear on the Spark 3. I reviewed the TomTom Runner 3 Cardio + Music. There is also a TomTom Spark Cardio + Music. From what I understand they are the same but the SPARK just has a more comfortable 24×7 strap.

TomTom’s software approach remains its most disappointing feature and pales in comparison to what its closest rivals have to offer. The watch isn’t touch-screen, so you interact with it using a four-direction button under the face. Each direction pushes you into a different feature — Up turns on bluetooth and controls music, Left shows you your day’s fitness readings (such as number of steps), Down goes to settings and Right starts your workout. If you have vibration alerts or audible beeps or buzzes on your current watch then TomTom’s Voice Coach is exactly the same except a piece of pre-recorded audio instruction is played to you though the headphone at the appropriate time. There are also a few ‘Get-Ready’ generic-type messages. When you return within range of your phone, you can sync up your activities to the TomTom MySports iOS or Android app, or PC or Mac software.