Garmin announces the new vÃvomove, an analogue watch/activity tracker that imbues quality and goes against the ‘traditional’ smartwatch.
The vÃvomove is an analogue watch that doubles as an activity tracker, with a year’s worth of battery life, and waterproofing up to 50 metres. Garmin are going for the classic wristwatch look here evident with variety of case colours: black, white, rose gold-tone, stainless steel, and gold-tone.
The standard activity tracker traits come in the form of a sleep tracker and a step counter. Just like Garmin’s previous entries, the vÃvomove will connect to to the Garmin mobile app on Android, iOS and Windows Phone. There are two bars on the watch face to show steps and inactivity.
Garmin has made digital watches that can be put into analogue watch face mode, but this is their first actual analogue watch. We’ve seen smart analogue watches before from Withings, Fossil and Runtastic.
So why make an analogue watch instead of a typical touchscreen, OLED display, Apple Watch competitor?
Garmin UK fitness and wellness manager, Shane Harman told What Mobile: “increasing amounts of consumers are becoming more and more interested in their active lifestyle. We therefore wanted to create a product that could help customers track and improve their activity level, while still offering the style and familiarity that only a classic timepiece can offer.”
There’s a battle going on between classic timepieces and smart watches. Europe’s big four markets the UK, Germany, France and Italy are seeing 39% of smartwatches purchased to replace a timepiece, according to analyst site Kantar Worldpanel.
The vÃvomove is Garmin’s attempt at attracting the casual smartwatch wearer with it’s vÃvofit and vÃvoactive range designed specifically for sports and outdoor activity. Will it actually get people to carry on wearing their wearable? It remains to be seen.
The vÃvomove will begin shipping in May and will be available in sport (black or white) for £139.99, classic (black with leather band or rose gold-tone with leather band) for £179.99, and premium (stainless steel with leather band or gold-tone steel with leather band) for £239.99.
Accessory sport bands will be available in white and black for £22.99. Those that like the traditional look, the leather accessory bands will be available in black, rose gold/white, dark brown, and light brown for £45.99 available from Hublot.
For more on accessories, visit What Mobile’s dedicated accessories page.
