Sweating it out
While Facecrack and other message notifications were a feature I took full advantage of, the Actv is focused on a fitness quest. Programming your gender, height and weight is easy to configure along with the Motoactv on-line user account. This uploads activity results directly over Wi-Fi without the need to hook up the device through a computer.
The range of activities it monitors expands with each update
UI is basic and easy to navigate using the touchscreen, with workout, clock, music and notifications all accessed on the carousel menu. The display is customisable too, not as much as the iPod Nano, but enough to homescreen whichever workout factors appeal the most.
Users can keep tabs on running, walking, cycling and other sweat-fests, so long as you program it first. Using the GPS functionality, the Motoactv calculates elements such as distance travelled and average speed. With this in mind I found myself hitting the kerbs for a spot of jogging
Beat your best times and challenge others
It's über accurate and there is added encouragement to push harder each workout. For instance, you can set goals for each training session or even race yourself based on previous times. The Actv will also give spoken commands through a headset, letting you know when you enter your target zones.
This month Motorola introduced an update bringing a further 40 custom functionalities to the Actv including activities such as yoga and skiing. A nice touch (or not as it happens) is the ability to activate the screen with a wrist-flick rather than having to rely on prodding the power button.
Next page: Walk the line
COMMENTS
"Mushroom cloud, because that's what molotov cocktails do."
Except they don't.
Why bother?
This doesn't seem to do anything that I cannot do with my £99 Orange San Francisco, and the free version of Endomondo.
"For people who are saying that their iPhone/Android strapped to their arm is just as good, maybe for you it is, but I don't want to carry that weight and a transflective screen on my wrist is a lot easier to read when I want to see my pace/speed."
Many people would take their phones anyway - so no weight penalty (for them).
Why, particularly is 9h not long enough? That is time actively recording, not just passive on your wrist, even for ultra marathons that's more than long enough.
I moved to the motoactv from a phone but I know from experience that you aren't always going to be able to hear your phone speaker in a crowd of runners (let alone if cycling) and many races ban headphones.
I'm not saying this is the most amazing device ever and that everyone should buy one but you're looking at it in the wrong market. For people who are looking to buy a GPS sports watch its feature set and price are competitive.
I saw that as
Motorola Molotov.
And then promptly wonder what kind of name is that for a GPS device before realizing that I've somehow got myself hit with dyslexia and read that wrong.
Mushroom cloud, because that's what molotov cocktails do.
