A velocity sensor
The Apple Watch has a brand new function in watchOS 10 that allows direct pairing of velocity and cadence sensors for extra nuanced bike journey monitoring. We go hands-on with the function.
Pace and cadence monitoring is not a brand new idea for avid bike riders. Many Bluetooth sensors have existed for years that allow easy information gathering, however they require awkward third-party apps and well being integrations.
With watchOS 10, customers can pair suitable sensors on to their Apple Watch. This eliminates the necessity for third-party shoppers and integrates straight with the Exercises, Health, and Well being app options.
Varied well being sensors may be paired to Apple Look ahead to further monitoring metrics akin to cadence, velocity, and energy sensors. We examined the velocity and cadence sensors from Moofit.
The sensors are small and comparatively straightforward to connect with the included rubber bands. They run on CR2032 batteries that final about 9 to 12 months.
The velocity sensor attaches to the wheel hub, whereas the cadence sensor attaches to the bike’s crank arm. As soon as the sensor batteries are inserted, they’re lively and able to pair.
A cadence sensor
The Apple Watch Bluetooth settings surfaced the sensors straight away. The sensor names are largely gibberish, akin to CS8L-C or related, however that does not matter so long as they each seem and pair.
As soon as paired, all we needed to do was begin driving and start a biking exercise. The velocity and cadence metrics confirmed up within the tracked exercise.
Apple Watch Bluetooth settings
The brand new Stay Exercise for biking exercises on iPhone can even show velocity and cadence information. One view has an lively speedometer, however Bluetooth has a momentary lag, so speeds had been correct if a second behind the e-bike’s speedometer.
These seeking to get extra out of their biking exercise monitoring get a straightforward enhance from watchOS 10. We suggest one thing just like the Moofit sensors we examined, which are available a pack of two for $32.99 on Amazon.