The Motorola MOTOACTV is a iPod Nano sized device that can not only help track your workouts, but provide you with a link to your phone for text messages and phone call information, but also store your music on to listen to while you’re working. This versatile little device can also double as your watch, saving your from having multiple devices. Keep reading for the full review of the MOTOACTV by Motorola
OVERVIEW
The MOTOACTV comes in either an 8GB or 16GB version; the one used for testing is an 8GB version. This version holds plenty of music for training. The MOTOACTV only comes in black. The display is covered in gorilla glass to help you to keep from breaking it. It is sweat proof and rain resistance so there are no worries about shorting out during a heavy workout or while out training in the rain.
HOW IT WORKS
The MOTOACTV can track your training inside or out. For outside training the device has built in GPS that can track your route, speed, and elevation. The GPS information gathered during your training can be converted in the Training Portal and overlaid on Google maps to map your training. For indoor training they have “Accusense Technology” that can keep track of your distance, time, speed, calories burned and your heart rate.
Do you like to listen to music while you workout? MOTOACTV has you covered. With internal storage, Bluetooth connectivity and a 3.5mm headphone jack you can listen to your tunes while you work out with almost any type of headset that suits your needs. Motorola is even releasing a Bluetooth headset and wired headset, that tracks your heart rate while you work out.
The MOTOACTV even keeps track of your workout to song performance and can build custom playlists to help your get the most out of your workout. How does this work? The MOTOACTV can mark what songs you have you push yourself to or what songs may make you work out less, and make a play list based on these factors to give you an optimal work out pattern.
MOTOACTV
As I previously stated the MOTOACTV is roughly the size of an iPod Nano. The device has 5 buttons, a headphone jack, and a microUSB port. There is a power button, volume up and down, music, and a start button to mark the start of your workout logging.
There are 5 screens on the device. Settings, Workout, the Clock Face, Music, and Notifications. There are multiple setting for setting times, what look you would like for your clock, calibrating your GPS with walking, running, biking, and the like. There are also settings for your information such as height, weight, and age.
Under workouts you can check your recent workouts, or start a new workout. There is separate options for indoors or out, running or walking, cycling, elliptical, or a step machine. Like I said earlier, there are tons of options for this device.
Next is the clock screen. It does just that, shows you the time. It also shows you how many steps you have taken, and the amount of calories you have burned.
Next screen is the Music Screen, Here you can search through the music you have on the device, or change the radio station. It also has a section for your podcasts if that is what you want to listen to for your workout.
Finally the notifications screen. You can get all of your txt messages sent to your MOTOACTV so you never have to worry about pulling out your phone while working out. Keep up to date with your messages, just by looking at your wrist.
CONNECTIVITY
The MOTOACTV has multiple ways to monitor, track, and enhance your workout. There is Bluetooth 1.5, and Wi-Fi to connect to your phone and to the MOTOACTV Training Portal to log all of your data. Also Bluetooth for music listening through headphones. ANT+ Compatibility for external monitors to track your workout and vitals. Built in GPS for tracking workouts and routes. A 3.5mm jack for wired headphones and being able to use the built in FM radio. There is also a microUSB plug for charging and data.
BATTERY LIFE
On minimal use the battery would last about 2 days without a charge. Once you throw in music, data transfer, GPS tracking, and vitals monitoring your down to hours and at the most a day’s use. Not real bad unless you plan on running for over 24 hours. Just charge the MOTOACTV every night like you would your phone and you are good to go.
Motorola has said they have an update in the works to address the battery life.
CONCLUSION
The MOTOACV is a neat little device that fills a niche market. It replaces your watch and also tracks your workouts. Being near the start of the New Year and everyone making New Year’s resolutions, this may be the device that could help you keep your resolutions to lose a few pounds and get healthier.
One downside to this device is that it is only compatible with Motorola Phones. A search in the Android Market from my HTC shows now results. A search through the help files also showed that there were no plans as of now to expand to other Android Phones.
The folks over at xda delevelopers have tweaked the files for the MOTOACTV to be able to be installed on most if not all Android devices now.
There are also multiple add ons for the MOTOACTV also. There are headsets, heart monitors, bike mounts with sensors on it, armbands, belt clips, and a watch band.
Overall this is a nice device. While priced at $249 for the 8GB version and $299 for the 16GB version they are a great purchase if you have the money. They MOTOACTV can be purchased directly through Verizon Wireless
SOURCE: VERIZON WIRELESS
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- Motorola’s MotoActv will get you into shape (gadgetbox.msnbc.msn.com)
- Motorola announces Motoactv, ‘the ultimate fitness device’ (engadget.com)
- Motorola Motoactv (suburbanmen.com)
