RunKeeper updated to use the GPS in Sony Smartwatch 3

Android Wear Runkeeper

RunKeeper, a popular exercise tracking app for Android and iOS, quietly announced in November it would support the dedicated GPS in Android Wear watches. After providing the function to beta testers for weeks, it appears to be ready for all as the latest update for RunKeeper can use the GPS inside the Sony Smartwatch 3 according to the Google Play Store.

RunKeeper Google Play

That means you don’t have to run, walk or bike with your phone in tow if you own Sony’s Android Wear watch.

Most watches that run on Google’s software have the same or very similar hardware but Sony stands out for including two radios that no other Android Wear watch has: GPS and Wi-Fi. Support for the latter hasn’t yet been added by Google, but the GPS does work. All Android Wear watches can play locally stored music, so you can exercise to tunes with wireless headphones.

Runkeeper on Android Wear
Until now, Android Wear owners who wanted to use RunKeeper needed to carry their phone with them when exercising. The app was extended to the watch as a second screen, showing pace, distance and other key metrics. All of that information, however, is based on the GPS inside the phone. With this update, the app can run independently on the Smartwatch 3 and then sync the data back to the handset after a workout.

It’s too cold outside today for me to test RunKeeper’s new update on the Smartwatch 3 I bought — the GPS radio was a key reason I chose this device — but I’ll give it a go in the next few days and report back. I noticed that the updated app also supports the SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds, which act as wireless headphones and a heart-rate monitor. That’s handy since Sony opted to skip the heart-rate sensor in the Smartwatch 3.

Comment
Community guidelines
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
you are commenting using your account. Sign out / Change

Or comment as a guest

Be sure to review our Community Guidelines. By continuing you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

loading