TomTom’s Runner GPS Watch

The TomTom NV company was originally founded in the Netherlands in the early 1990s as a provider of business-to-business order entry systems and readers for meters and bar codes. By the mid-1990s, the company had moved into the then-popular personal digital assistant device (PDA) market and led the market in that field by the end of the twentieth century.

In 2002, TomTom released its first GPS navigation product, TomTom Navigator, and their first truly portal navigation device (aka PND), the TomTom GO, came out in 2004.

Since then, according to their website, TomTom has become “the world’s leading supplier of in-car location and navigation products and services.” GPS navigation products available from the company include vehicular navigation hardware (both portable and built-in); apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices; customized devices; and, most recently, sports watches enhanced with GPS technology (the TomTom Runner GPS Watch, the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch, and the Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom).

In August 2013, Mike Prospero of Tom’s Guide (www.tomsguide.com) published his review of the TomTom Runner GPS Watch. What did his findings reveal?

Of course, the watch provides GPS navigation while you run or cycle, plus an accelerometer and Bluetooth technology. It provides information on the user’s heart rate and calories burned and allows him to record information during his workout—and stores information from previous workouts that can be retrieved later. In addition, it can be synchronized to MapMyRun and other health-related sites.

The watch face shows not only the date and time but also information on battery life and data storage. The battery generally lasts from seven to ten hours if the GPS is turned on but lasts much longer if it is not activated.

In summary, Prospero praises the TomTom Runner GPS Watch as “a strong first effort, combining a light and water-resistant design with an intuitive interface.” The watch’s designers made sure the face was easy to read when running—a definite plus. Prospero suggests that it could be improved by having a better Bluetooth interface as well as allowing runners to have access to their split times.

TomTom continues to be headquartered in Amsterdam. The company sells its products in over 30 countries and employs well over 3,000 people. The company’s business units include Business Solutions, Automotive, Consumer, and Licensing.

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TomTom’s Runner GPS Watch