Yes, ScanWatch features GPS tracking capabilities, though it utilizes connected GPS through your smartphone rather than having a built-in GPS chip. This allows users to accurately track their outdoor activities and routes.
Understanding ScanWatch's GPS Functionality
ScanWatch is designed to provide comprehensive health and activity monitoring, and its GPS tracking feature is a key component for fitness enthusiasts. While it doesn't house an independent GPS receiver, it smartly leverages the power of your paired smartphone. This method is often referred to as "connected GPS" or "assisted GPS."
The device effectively offers GPS tracking for all distance-based outdoor activities. This includes popular activities such as:
- Walking
- Running
- Biking
- Canoeing
- And other similar outdoor pursuits where distance and route mapping are important.
To activate and utilize this feature, your ScanWatch needs to be actively connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Additionally, GPS tracking requires you to enable the location settings on your smartphone, ensuring the watch can access the necessary data.
How Connected GPS Works with ScanWatch
Connected GPS is a practical solution that allows a smartwatch without a built-in GPS to record location data. Here's a breakdown of how it functions with your ScanWatch:
- Bluetooth Connection: Your ScanWatch must maintain a stable Bluetooth connection with your smartphone.
- Smartphone as the GPS Receiver: When you start an outdoor activity on your ScanWatch, it sends a request to your paired smartphone to utilize its GPS sensor.
- Location Data Transmission: The smartphone's GPS chip then records your precise location data, which is continuously transmitted back to the ScanWatch and the accompanying Withings Health Mate app.
- Activity Metrics & Route Mapping: The app processes this data to provide detailed metrics such as distance, pace, speed, elevation changes, and a visual map of your route.
This approach means you'll need to carry your smartphone with you during GPS-tracked activities, but it also contributes to the ScanWatch's impressive battery life, as the watch isn't expending power on a dedicated GPS chip.
Benefits of ScanWatch's Connected GPS
Utilizing connected GPS offers several advantages for ScanWatch users:
- Accurate Data: By leveraging your smartphone's robust GPS, ScanWatch can capture highly accurate distance and route information.
- Extended Battery Life: Without an onboard GPS chip, the ScanWatch can dedicate its battery power to health monitoring and other smart features, leading to longer times between charges.
- Streamlined Design: Omitting a built-in GPS allows for a more compact and elegant design, maintaining its classic watch aesthetic.
- Comprehensive Activity Tracking: It empowers users to track a wide array of outdoor activities with essential data points.
ScanWatch GPS Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| GPS Type | Connected GPS (utilizes smartphone's GPS) |
| Requires | Smartphone (paired via Bluetooth, with location services enabled) |
| Supported Activities | Walking, Running, Biking, Canoeing, and other outdoor distance-based activities |
| Data Captured | Route map, Distance, Pace, Speed, Elevation |
| Primary Advantage | Enhanced battery life for the watch, accurate tracking via phone's GPS |
Maximizing Your ScanWatch GPS Experience
To ensure you get the most out of your ScanWatch's GPS tracking, consider these practical tips:
- Carry Your Smartphone: Always have your smartphone with you and ensure it's fully charged for longer activities.
- Enable Bluetooth & Location Services: Double-check that Bluetooth is active on both devices and your smartphone's location services are turned on for the Health Mate app.
- Open the Health Mate App: While not always strictly necessary, having the Health Mate app open in the background can sometimes help maintain a more stable connection.
- Ensure Good Signal: For best GPS accuracy, ensure your smartphone has a clear view of the sky, especially at the start of your activity.
By understanding how ScanWatch's connected GPS works, you can effectively use it to monitor and enhance your outdoor fitness journey.
