Timex Ironman One GPS+ Release Date, Specs & Features: Smartwatch Operates Phone-Free
The company recently announced its first standalone smartwatch geared towards athletes and fitness junkies.
In a press release, Timex made known the latest addition to its Ironman line of devices, the Ironman One GPS+. According to the statement, the device "gives consumers the freedom to remain connected during any activity while leaving their phones and music devices behind."
So what does Ironman One GPS+ have that other smartwatches don't? Not much really, but the fact that the wearable device is independent seems to be enough to generate buzz. The Timex smartwatch has the following features, as outlined in the press release statement:
Stand-alone wireless connectivity without a phone
Email-based messaging capabilities
Tracking capabilities that communicate the user's location to friends and family anytime, anywhere
Custom-built "Find Me Mode" safety solution, which allows users to send an alert with exact location in case of an emergency
Ability to track speed, distance and pace in real-time and instantaneously share performance metrics through your favorite social media and online fitness platforms
Water resistance up to 50 meters, an essential feature for water exposure, training in the rain or swimming
Built-in MP3 component with 4 GB of memory to play music via a Bluetooth headset
Always-on, sunlight-readable, high-resolution touch display
One year of data connectivity by AT&T included for U.S. and Canadian subscribers
The company credits its partners AT&T and Qualcomm in coming up with the standalone smarwatch. "Our collaboration with industry stalwarts Qualcomm and AT&T has enabled us to introduce the first smartwatch that offers stand-alone wireless connectivity without a phone and has great appeal to a broad range of fitness enthusiasts as well as tech-savvy individuals and those who simply wish to make a statement," Timex Group Chairman Anette Olsen said in the statement.
Qualcomm will supply the chipset for Timex Ironman One GPS+, Engadget reported. The said company is also responsible for the Brew platform and the 1.5-inch Mirasol display of the smartwatch.
The wearable device is tagged at $399 - quite a bit more, Engadget said, considering that most smartwatches available now costs an average of $200. The same smartwatch with a built-in heart rate monitor is priced at $499, Mashable said.
Timex has not confirmed the exact release date for the Ironman One GPS+ but the company said it "will be available for purchase this fall at timex.com, att.com, AT&T stores, att.com, sports specialty and electronic stores." Those who are interested can also pre-order the device now at timex.com.