Garmin Forerunner 230, 235, 630 GPS running watches announced

Garmin announced three new GPS running watches- the Forerunner 230, Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 630. Like various wearable fitness devices, the Forerunner 230, 235 and 630 can track distance, pace, time, heart rate and more. In addition it keeps runners on pace to achieve their next personal records.

The Forerunner 235 features a Garmin Elevate optical sensor, to measure heart rate at the wrist, giving runners the option to run without a strap. It displays heart rate and training zone directly onto the screen of the wearable, so runners can train more effectively. It offers a battery life of about 11 hours.

The Forerunner 230 dosen't have the Elevate optical sensor, so runners will have to use the strap around their chest, the ANT+ heart rate strap to get the data right on the watch.  It offers battery life of 16 hours.

Forerunner 630 is said to be the most advanced running smartwatch, and provides runners with some advanced running data. Runners would get stats like stride length, ground contact symmetry, vertical ratio, lactate threshold and performance readiness. These stats make runners aware of their bodies, before, during and after a run. To know the heart rate, users will have to use the ANT+ heart sensor strap. It also offers vibration alert to stay active all day. It is water resistant to 50 metres and boasts up to 16 hours of battery life in training mode and 4 weeks in watch mode with activity tracking and smart notifications.

All three watches run Connected IQ smartwatch platform, for the customization of watch faces, apps, widgets and other stuff. When connected to a compatible smartphone, the Forerunner 230, 235 and 630 offers smart notification for call, text and email alerts, music controls, and audio alerts for lap and lap times during a run. 

The data collected on the watch syncs with smartphone via Garmain Connect Mobile app, so users can check and view reports on activity progress, track sleep hours and more. The app can be linked to MyFitnessPal account sto sync  calorie and nutritional information, allowing users to view active and consumed calories, and remaining calories, based on goals set in MyFitnessPal

The Garmin 230, 235 and 630 are priced at $249, $329 and $399 accordingly. All three smartwatches will be available later this year.