MOTOACTV - Like an iPod Nano Watch with GPS | Hacker News Reader

MOTOACTV - Like an iPod Nano Watch with GPS

mediacenter.motorola.com

11 pointsmarklabedz5 comments

It's a touchscreen watch with GPS fitness tracker software, MP3 player that analyzes which songs you work out hardest to, and bluetooth headphones that monitor your heart rate through your ear (no more chest straps). Very cool.

It's funny how fanboys like John Gruber can't see past the similarities with the iPod Nano and notice this product is much more than that. Every single company takes something that already exists and makes it better. Apple and Moto are no different.

I agree. I find it very frustrating to see Gruber and others say, "Oh, it looks like a nano -- ripoff" with no examination of the actual product beyond its appearance.

Given its price point and features, I don't even think it should even be compared to the nano. It combines an MP3 player with the capabilities of fitness watches such as Nike+ Sportwatch and Garmin Forerunner, and I would say it is more of a direct competitor to the latter category.

While the market for dedicated MP3 players is dwindling, they still make a lot of sense for fitness. Yet, Nike+ is too anemic for serious fitness buffs (simplistic web site, captures relatively little data, no GPS). I've seen many fellow runners abandon Nike+ sensors for Garmin Forerunner or similar GPS-enabled products.

I don't think its a nano-killer, but I think it may serve a certain audience much better than the nano does today, and its features demonstrate a much greater sense of purpose than the nano does with its complete stagnation in 2011.

Is that the first product of Motorola under Google's ownership? Seems a very convenient product for running. I don't think it will come cheap, though.

I answer my own question. Towards the final of the press release:

The MSRP for MOTOACTV 8G is $249 and $299 for 16G. Motorola SF700 and Motorola SF500 sports headphones are sold separately and will be $149 and $99 MSRP respectively.

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