May 18, 2020 – FORM, the sports technology company behind the FORM Smart Swim Goggles, has recently announced the upcoming summer 2020 release of a free firmware update that will provide open water features for its augmented reality swim goggles. In addition to the standard performance metrics that are currently offered through the FORM goggles in the pool, when used with compatible Garmin smartwatches and Apple watches, the update will give swimmers the ability to view GPS performance metrics and heart rate in real-time while swimming outdoors in open water.
“Open water capabilities is something that we’ve seen enormous demand ever since we launched the FORM goggles last year,” said FORM founder and CEO Dan Eisenhardt. “Giving swimmers the ability to access performance metrics in both the pool and open water really completes the experience that we’re providing with the goggles. And as we look forward to the loosening of restrictions surrounding COVID-19, the timing for open water capabilities seemed right. For many of us, swimming outdoors is a highlight of the summer. We hope this will enable our customers to make the very most out of their swim, and their time in nature.”
The availability of the new open water capabilities comes nearly one year after the launch of the FORM goggles in August of 2019. The goggles, which include a see-through augmented-reality display, provide pool swimmers with the option to view performance metrics like split times, distance, stroke rate, pace per 100, and calories in real-time, as they swim. As a result of the upcoming firmware update, swimmers will be able to enjoy the same benefits outside of the pool through GPS open water features. The new features can be accessed following a firmware update by connecting the FORM goggles to either Garmin smartwatches or Apple watches, to see GPS metrics and heart rate in real-time.
“Whether you’re training or racing in open water, there’s always been a fundamental lack of real-time information in the moment that you’re looking for the data most,” said professional triathlete and Ironman Champion, Lionel Sanders. “The launch of open water features on the FORM goggles will give swimmers the ability to understand their pacing in real-time, utilize heart rate data to gauge effort and track efficiency and see their distance tick up while swimming in the ocean or lakes. This is truly a game-changer for casual and competitive swimmers alike.”
Open water capabilities will be compatible with Garmin Forerunner 945, Garmin fēnix 5 Plus and fēnix 6 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 5, 4 and 3. The FORM goggles are available at formswim.com and from Amazon in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia and Japan. The FORM Swim App is available as a free download from the App Store and from Google Play.
For more information on the upcoming open water update, click here.
Video credit: FORM
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.