Polar have just announced a new HRM. The H10.
This is probably a renamed H7i ie the late-2016 model we were expecting. Indeed this may well dash hopes of what the H7i might have been. however it does have an inbuilt but currently inactive accelerometer (Source: FCC) and maybe it could have a bridging function (unknown). The implications of the H10 are that really it will only suggest a V800 replacement if there is BRIDGING functionality – we do not know if that is the case (probably not).
The H10 is all about multi-channel Bluetooth , initially, supporting Polar’s links to GoPro (also announced today, below) as well as caching and supporting a T-shirt/wearable (below)
It looks to be a thinner profile (possibly handy for lane swimming) and the 5KHz band is the one that will transmit underwater I seem to remember. From the image at the top it looks like a better adhering strap as well, apparently ‘silicon rubber dots’
The device is stated to reduce interference. Perhaps this is where sometimes static is thought to cause spikes and dropouts in HR readings? Although I’ve never had that problem with Polar HRMs myself.
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- 5 kHz transmission frequency (the underwater one)
- Firmware updateable
- Waterproof 30 m, suitable for swimming. Possibly the grippier strap design and streamlined profile of the pod will make pool swimming easier.
- Built-in memory with Polar Beat for one training session
- User replaceable battery CR2025
- Compatible with dozens of leading fitness apps, including Polar Beat (handy for out-of-range gym use with the caching)
- Compatible with old and new Polar products (that use either BLE or 5kHz)
- Compatible with indoor gym equipment and Polar Club/Team Solutions
- Available in Q1 2017 for $89.90 /89,90 €
Slowtwitch and others show that, like the later Garmin HRM straps there are 4x sensor pads. Also this is a caching HRM that can form two Bluetooth connections (provided one is GoPro). Caching is not especially useful for swimming IN THIS CASE as Polar already handle that with the 5KHz signal – it’s more likely aimed at team sports, hence the sensing shirt will likely use this device/pod too in some modified form. Having said that, caching could be useful for Polar users who use an app (Polar Beat, maybe) rather than a watch, although you would have thought Polar would be more keen to encourage watch purchases.
Have a read of the GoPro info, below, if that’s your thing.
Announced a few days ago, the Polar Shirt also seems like a red herring for endurance athletes (that’s why I hadn’t mentioned it). A good idea. But only available as part of Polar’s offering for the rough and tumble of team sports.
—————- Press Release ———————————–
What’s new | Polar H10 + GoPro connectivity
This year’s CES, the global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow in Las Vegas, is in full swing. As always, it’s full of exciting launches and product news. We are proud to announce the new Polar H10 heart rate sensor and more details about our GoPro connectivity.
What’s new in a nutshell
- New Polar H10 heart rate sensor available during Q1 2017 for $89.90 /89,90 €
- GoPro connectivity with Polar V800 in January and Polar M600 early this year
- Polar Team Pro Shirt for professional teams
The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor
The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor provides advanced heart rate monitoring and features an entirely new measuring algorithm. Polar H10 is the newest evolution of Polar heart rate sensors that are known as the industry standard for heart rate tracking.
The new chest strap includes extra interference-preventing electrodes to ensure heart rate is captured accurately and without interference.
Polar H10 compatibility
- Compatible with dozens of leading fitness apps, including Polar Beat
- Compatible with old and new Polar products (that use either BLE or 5kHz)
- Compatible with indoor gym equipment and Polar Club and Polar Team solutions
Polar H10 technical specifications
- Bluetooth Low Energy
- 5 kHz transmission frequency
- Waterproof 30 m
- Replaceable battery: CR2025
Availability of Polar H10
The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor will be available for purchase during the first quarter of 2017 for $89.90 / 89,90 €.
Capturing vivid memories with Polar and GoPro
Soon adventure-loving explorers can use the new Polar H10 heart rate sensor, Polar M600 and Polar V800 to capture vivid memories with GoPro.
Overlay heart rate data with Polar H10
Users can connect the Polar H10 heart rate sensor to GoPro HERO4 and HERO5 cameras via Bluetooth and overlay heart rate data directly onto their GoPro videos.
The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor sends heart rate data to the GoPro HERO5.“Adding heart rate data over action videos not only enhances the Polar experience for adventurers, but also enables them to truly showcase and relive their athletic accomplishments”, says Marco Suvilaakso, Chief Strategy Officer at Polar.
GoPro connectivity for Polar V800 and Polar M600
Athletes can also use the Polar V800 and Polar M600 to operate basic commands on their GoPro, such as
- operate the camera
- see whether the camera is recording and
- view remaining battery life on the camera.
“Together with GoPro, we’ve created a streamlined experience that enables Polar athletes to combine our world-leading heart rate tracking and GPS technology with best-in-class video capture from GoPro devices,” says Marco Suvilaakso.
Availability
- Support for the GoPro HERO4 remote control on Polar V800 is coming this January.
- Support for Polar M600 and GoPro’s HERO5 line-up will come early this year.
- Polar H10 functionality for both GoPro HERO4 and HERO5 devices will be available during the first quarter of 2017.
Polar Team Pro Shirt for professional teams
We’re also introducing an entirely new wearable sports technology product for us: the Polar Team Pro Shirt.
Optimized for professional athletes, Polar Team Pro Shirt is a sleeveless, base-layer shirt that replaces the need for a chest strap monitor. Polar Team Pro Shirt men’s base layer comes with seamlessly integrated sensors to monitor heart rate and sensor pocket located on the upper back for optimal GPS reception.
Availability
The Polar Team Pro Shirt will be available in March 2017. It will only be available as a part of the Polar Team Pro solution and cannot be bought separately.
GOPRO® and HERO® are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
The post What’s new | Polar H10 + GoPro connectivity appeared first on Polar Blog.
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No mention on the h10 blurb of an accelerometer? The FCC application for the h7i included one, can you dig and see if that’s still to launch or something hidden in the h10 for later activation?
Polar UK are not a prime tier release site and so I deal with their Pr who knows only the official line. (I had already asked btw)
apparently the H10 has an accelerometer but it is not yet turned on