Received this information from Epson. Did not realize that Epson actually design sports product. Epson has developed the world’s lightest GPS-enabled running monitor in the same of a wrist watch.
It is also water resistant up to 5 bar (or 50m) that is better than IPX7 standard. At 13mm in thickness, this monitor weighs around 50 grams. I think it is super light and the battery can last up to 12 hours. There is no mention of any pricing range. Let’s wait a little longer for more information.
Click below for Press Release.
Epson Enters Electronic Sporting Goods Market with World’s Lightest GPS Running Monitor
Monitor offers outstanding data accuracy, battery life, comfort, and water resistance
Singapore, February 22, 2012 – Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson,” TSE: 6724) has developed the world’s lightest1 GPS-enabled running monitor, which also boasts an extremely thin design. Designed to be worn on the wrist and equipped with long battery life2, the monitor uses GPS to provide runners with accurate distance, pace and other data. Epson plans to release a commercial version of the monitor in Japan in 2012 as the company’s first entry in the electronic sporting goods market.
Demand for running equipment has soared along with an escalating number of distance runners and races in Japan, Europe, America, and other developed economies. Looking to serve this demand, Epson developed a comfortable, unobtrusive GPS running monitor that provides long battery life, accurate running data, and excellent water resistance, ensuring maximum appeal to weekend joggers and serious racers alike.
Despite its compact size, the monitor has a remarkably accurate built-in GPS module. Strapped to a wrist, the monitor will provide runners with accurate performance data on the fly, including distance, pace, and speed, on any course, so that they can train with maximum effectiveness and enjoyment.
The running monitor can operate for up to 12 hours on a full charge with GPS tracking on – more than enough time for long-distance events, from full marathons to trail runs. The long battery life means the monitor will require less frequent recharging. So, for example, a runner who used it for five hours a week with GPS tracking on would not need to recharge the unit for a full two weeks.
Epson’s GPS running monitor is also incredibly lightweight – it tips the scales at no more than 50 grams, making it the world’s lightest GPS-enabled running monitor. And, despite the built-in GPS module, it is a sport wristwatch-like 13 mm thick. A comfortable and flexible strap will make runners forget they have it on.
Impressive water resistance will offer added peace of mind. Ordinary GPS running watches are rated to meet the IPX7 immersion protection standard, which means they can be fully submerged in water no deeper than one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. Epson’s running monitor, however, is water resistant up to 5 bars, or 50 meters of water. This level of protection means users can safely use the monitor not only in a downpour but even while showering or swimming.
To develop a thin, lightweight GPS running monitor capable of accurately measuring running data for a long period of time on a single charge, Epson drew on its extensive experience and technology in semiconductors and quartz sensing technology to develop a compact, new, high-accuracy, low-power GPS module.
Moving forward, Epson is looking to help people enjoy healthier, fuller lives by using its technologies and skills in sensing, low power, and device downsizing to provide wrist-wearable devices and web-based services for the growing electronic sporting goods and healthcare equipment markets.
References:
*1: The lightest wrist-wearable GPS running monitor as of February 21, 2012, according to Epson research
*2: Battery life is defined as the length of time the monitor is able to continuously measure distance in training mode (i.e., with the GPS function on) on a full charge.
About Epson
Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader that is dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product line-up ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for enterprise and the home, to sensors and other microdevices. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 78,000 employees in 99 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.
http://global.epson.com/
About Epson South & Southeast Asia
Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in South and Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson South and Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 18 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 400 service outlets, 4 Epson solution centres, and 8 manufacturing facilities. http://www.epson.com.sg
