Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

Here's an assemblage of things I wish I had known but I didn't see in reviews elsewhere.
It comes with the clip. The band is extra.
Motorola advertises that the face is "Corningware Guerrilla Glass". I got this right before a four day hike, not for the hike, but thinking that I could spend some time with it and get a feel for it. I attached the band to the top of my pack. The next morning, I noticed a deep scratch on the face. I had no idea how it happened. That was quite upsetting. I started wondering if I should take it back before it got really bad. The next day, I noticed a new mess of scuffs on the screen. It spent the rest of the trip wrapped in a sock. I've owned numerous inexpensive (but fantastic) Casio watches. It takes something just short of an industrial accident to scratch the face of one of those. If you buy this thing, keep it in a velvet lined pouch when you aren't "working out".
Motorola decided to go after Garmin with this device, but when they streamlined it, they took out the GPS features, not the workout features. This watch is a pedometer/bike computer first and a GPS second. You do not get to see the GPS unless you pick "workout" from the main menu and then tell it that you're walking, running, or cycling. It wants to read you your steps and calories every moment that it's on, and then upload your "workouts" online. If you happen to be active and want a tiny wrist mounted GPS, all of this workout stuff is awkward. I am not on a diet. I am not trying to lose weight. 90% of the menu options, about workout plans, workout reminders, fitness goals and so forth, do not apply to me. This thing is like having Gene Simmons strapped to your wrist, except without the cheer or sense of humor.
The GPS software is extremely limited. The furthest you can zoom out is to a neighborhood of about a mile. Trying to zoom out further will zoom you back in. This made for an upsetting fifteen minutes or so while I tried to figure out if the touch screen wasn't reading my press correctly or if it was silently doing the opposite of what I was telling it to do. Eventually I established it was a case of the latter. This device will not help you navigate, even by seeing a map. The map is strictly a visual progress meter for outdoor workouts that involve laps. If you search the support site for "gpx" or "google maps", you'll get essentially nothing. That's frustrating as the screen has about the same number of pixels on it as my old hiking GPS which eats batteries and takes forever to get a fix. I read somewhere that you can pan the map, but after installing the software, having it update itself, I got no offer to update the firmware on the MOTOACTV, and no instructions included with it or online will tell me how to update the device's firmware or how to pan the map.
People who buy devices like this, besides just being dieters, not really athletes or weekend athletes, also seem to have a huge amount of free time for futzing with devices. The interface of the device itself, besides bogging you down in a diet program you didn't sign up for, is smooth, easy, and spiffy, but the computer software side of things is a maze. You need to use two different Motorola websites, motoactv.com and mymotocast.com to use the device. Supposedly, according to the support forums, Motorola had added Google Maps integration to their website, but I can't find it on mymotocast.com. There's no link to sign up on motoactv.com and the login the included software set up doesn't work there. The "help" link on top takes you to the general help site that's a mix of Motorola cell phone related content and MOTOACTV content. The 1. 2. 3. step red blocks at the bottom will sell you a MOTOACTV, but the 2 step, of creating an account, isn't a hyper link and can't be clicked on. Changing the password on the other site and trying the same login info again on motoactv.com still results in failure. The mymotocast.com portal only lets you change the password for that site, and upload music, videos and text files. Relatedly, Google Chrome searched my machine for mp3s and is showing them all to me. I didn't know this was possible, and it's kind of upsetting. I expected this would be implemented in the included software, not in a web page. I'm not sure I wanted to disclose all of the files on my computer to Motorola. The included software seems to do nothing but send your web browser to those two sites and serve files from your computer to the device.
This is a device you'll want to love. It's a hardware marvel, except for the glass on the screen, but, unless your one and only goal is counting calories, the software will almost certainly leave you disappointed.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I have been a long time user of the Garmin Forerunner series of watches. I also use the WahooFitness key to connect my Garmin ANT+ sensors to my iPhone. Up until now, I have been using a combination of iPhone and Garmin to record my training data and listen to music for activities such as Running, Cycling, Rowing, & Strength Training. I also use Bluetooth Headphones (when appropriate). The MOTOACTV is an incredible device that combines everything that I need into one compact sleek package! There is nothing else on the market. The WahooFitness Key + iPhone comes close, but then you have a bulkier package that you have to carry with you on your workout. The MOTOACTV just mounts to your arm or wrist. I purchased a $10 generic velcro watch strap at REI and am using it as a wrist strap along with the included device clip. I am thrilled with it. I connect the MOTOACTV to my ANT+ sensors (Garmin Speed/Cadence, HeartRate, and Footpod) and off I go. I don't usually use GPS, nor have I tried to use it on the MOTOACTV yet. I have seen people complain about battery life on the device, but without use of GPS, I can go for several hours before I have to recharge - actually I haven't run out of battery yet. I spent 6 hours just listening to music the other day. I have been recharging the device after my workouts anyway. The device is simple to use - I transferred music to it (playlists from itunes), connected my bluetooth headphones without a hitch. I like how it remembers the songs that you played during your workout for view online. Improvements to the device could be made, however. The calorie computation seems to be a bit over the top. I doubt I burned 900+ calories on my indoor cycling session! Also, there are only 5 or 6 workout types to choose from - Strength Training nor Rowing are options. Adding a generic cardio or strength training workout type would be nice so that I could use this a general heart rate monitor. I also wish that I could customize the training pages a little more maybe show fewer than 4 fields (but there are plenty of metrics to see as is). About the website - it is still in beta, looks promising - but still needs a little work. The features that work look great - especially the graphing of metrics. I'm hopeful that in time - things will be polished off. The wifi sync works flawlessly. Overall, I'd recommend this device. For [$] you get so much more than you'd get in any other device. Buy the ANT+ sensors and you'll have a sweet setup. I haven't tried the pulse monitoring earbuds that came with the device since I use my HR strap. So, I can't comment on those. Sounds neat though.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I've used just about every GPS fitness watch for running that exists. I was pretty excited about the Motoactv more for the touch screen and wifi sync than for the music feature. Boy was I disappointed....I returned mine the same week I bought it.

Battery life without GPS may be decent, but isn't the GPS tracking why someone would buy this device? It is completely worthless for marathon runners (and even some half marathon runners). Using GPS, but without music or bluetooth, I couldn't get more than 3 hours of battery life out of it while running. Motorola claims a minimum of 5 hours....which is simply false advertising.

The GPS was also far less accurate than my Garmin 610.

The wifi sync is pretty cool and worked well. I also thought it was extremely easy to pair with other ANT+ devices such as heart rate straps or speed/cadence sensors. Mine paired right up with my Garmin ANT+ heart rate strap.

If you're a casual short distance runner/cyclist looking for an iPod that also measures speed/distance then maybe this will work for you. If you're training for longer distances and used to a Garmin, you will be extremely disappointed.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I am a runner: outdoors wherever possible, and indoors if the weather doesn't permit an outdoor run. I run to stay fit only, not looking to race. Run between 3-6 mile runs.

I bought the Motoactv, a heart rate chest strap and a Bluetooth headset. Love the freedom of not having wires.

Found the GPS tracker does okay with pace, though I saw a little more variation in pace than I would like. GPS distance for outdoor run came in around 2% below the course market distance (saw 4.92m on a 5m course that I run regularly). Heart rate monitor worked fine.

I found the user interface a delight. Have used Garmin 405. Touch screen, color display and sunlight viewability worked great.

Indoor accuracy needs work. It asked you to run for a couple of minutes at two paces and then enter the pace to calibrate the device. Even with the calibration indoor run on the treadmill read longer than I had run. After the 3rd run, I realized that I could actually enter the correct distance to over-ride the Motoactv calculated distance. Cool! I did. The next time the error was smaller, but may be after a few times it will dial it in.

The wireless upload is a blast. I think the website is awesome.

I use both bluetooth headset and HR chest strap, and for me the battery lasts fine for a run and whole day of step/calorie tracking (oh, yes, it tracks your steps and calorie all day, and uploads it to the website also). I plug motoactv every night. Seems to work fine.

I bought the 16GB version.

It is so much better than anything I have had. Amazing.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

This watch/gps/music player is perfect for most athletes that are looking for a multifunctional device to augment their exercise regimen.
The battery lasts over a full day (7am to 9pm) and used for a 30 minute run, 15 minute Stair Stepper workout, and listening to music most of the rest of the day while synced to my droid x. Neither device suffered significant battery drain, however this is an accessory that needs to be charged every day or two. Luckily, they included a dual USB wall adaptor so you can charge your phone and watch from the same outlet.
Things that are awesome:
-fitness music, website for reviewing exercise/ performance during each song
-GPS tracking (very accurate)
-construction- it's unbelievably lightweight, comfortable, and robust.
-Phone notifications/ calling
Things that need work:
-battery life
Recommendations for future development:
-Add the option of a "Lifting" workout so that the user can review the songs heard during the workout to optimize the playlist/keep track. (also will help with calorie tracking)
-Add more watch/time display screens. I like the default screen, but don't care/want to see steps taken and calories under the time. Maybe switch those out for the name of the song playing.
-Improve the headphone sound quality- I'm probably going to replace the ones that came with it in favor of the Bose Mobile In Ear 2 headphones.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

THE GOOD:

First, to dispel the lingering issue about the battery. With the new firmware upgrade, the battery life is good. I will run 2+ hours regularly (with GPS) and have many times forgotten to charge the watch afterwards (kept it running but with GPS off), it will make it through the night and through another run without dying. However I've only made it days 2 before it has to be recharged.

USB connection - I read a lot about how the rubber guard was loose. I had no trouble with mine, it fits tightly and is secure.

The GPS is good, as good as any other watch I've used (Garmin). Not a lot of big buildings or high trees in my area and connection to the satellite was simple and fast.

I've not used the included headphones so I cannot comment on those but I do use my old Garmin HR chest strap (the old one with the big plastic front). It linked very easily and was as accurate as my Garmin watch so there is no issue there. It stayed connected throughout all my workouts.

Being able to sync with my iTunes library is really cool. I have numerous playlists (based on BPM depending on the type of run/bike I'm doing) and putting those on this watch was very easy.

The screen is great and easy to read.

THE BAD:

Navigating through the screens can be a hassle, especially while running or biking. While training I like to watch my distance/time/heart-rate (from the workout screen) and listen to music. Sometimes there is a song in the playlist that you don't feel like listening to, so trying to skip it is next to impossible. You have to back out of the workout screen, swipe over to the music screen, scroll to the playlist, open the playlist, scroll to the song you want to listen to and then press it. A lot of work to change songs.

Workout stats - I am fanatical about my stats and like to keep every bit of data I can. However if you don't use the watch for the workout, there is no way to manually enter the workout in the Motoactv website. So you have to keep 2 sets of books if you keep stats. Maybe there is a workaround to this but I didn't find it.

Concern about durability - Now, I want to state that the watch is still in excellent working order with no scratches, however I am concerned about durability, the design is cool looking but I'm afraid that it could be easily scratched or cracked and because of that I'm very cautious while wearing it. Simple workaround for this would be cutting a screen protector to fit the face and/or Motorola creating a watchband that has a rubber guard that the watch will fit in (like a rubber otter box shell).

Obviously it isn't waterproof and that would be something I would like to see.

CONCLUSION: Overall I think it is a great start by Motorola to get into the workout/training market however there are still some bugs to workout before it will replace my 310xt and iPod

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I have been running for over 10 years and have tried a number of different products (everything from a Nike+ to a Garmin 410).

This item was given to me as a gift because I love to listen to music when I run, and this was the first MP3 device to really have an accurate GPS system. With the Motoactv I don't have to strap on my Ipod and bulky GPS watch...it is all in one small device on my arm.

The device is very light, simple to use, and has great software online to help you train. I think one of the coolest features is the wireless sync of your workouts...just finish your run and hit sync and the workout is quickly uploaded to your account. Also, the device gets AM/FM channels! (I know its simple, but its a nice touch)

I have read people that say the battery life is too short. This could be, but so far I have run for 2 hours and not drained the battery life. If you plan to be running for over 4 hours often, this might not be the device for you. Maybe wait until the second generation when the battery life is improved.

Overall, this is a great product! I am excited to try out the wireless headphones and/or the in-ear heart rate monitor soon.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I run with this watch and my bluetooth ear buds.
Battery life is short. Everything on it will last two hours no problem. Lots of functions; The elevation is not correct. I will have to call about an adjustment. Distance is off .18 in ten miles, which is not much. Holds a good signal.
FM radio & MP3 work great. Having a good time with
it.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

Probably not quite as polished as the Forerunner series but you get much more function for your dollar. Probably one of the best features is the bluetooth pairing capability. When I'm on a long bike ride, I don't have to constantly stop and look at my phone to make sure i'm not missing calls. They've issued several software updates and the battery life has increase substantially. I wear the ACTV all day and workout for at least an hour each day and can go at least 2-3 days without charging (probably longer, that's just as long as i've gone). Wireless sync is very easy, as well.

Kind of disappointed REI doesn't sell the motorola heart rate strap or cadence sensor, I had to go elsewhere for that. But the ACTV does have ANT+ technology so if you have previous heart rate straps you can use that.

Set up has been pretty smooth although I kind of wish the MotoACTV website guided you through all the features a bit more thoroughly. There is so much packed in there that it takes awhile to customize the whole system exactly as you want it. Also, some of the menus can be a bit cavernous. While the touch screen is much more responsive than other devices, making a trip through the menus quick, it'd be nice if they streamlined some of the in-unit features and left some of the more complicated items to the MotoACTV website. The GPS receiver can be spotty in urban areas but if you can see a decent amount of sky, you're going to get an accurate, quick fix.

Other than that, if you're looking for an all-in-one fitness device, this is it.

Comments about Motorola MOTOACTV GPS Fitness Monitor and Smart Music Player - 8GB:

I use the MOTOACTV 8GB practically every day and I love it! I've never had a GPS Heart Rate Monitor before, but this little device has really motivated me to be more consistent at working out and I love being able to see my progress. I used to hate running - now I have started running fairly consistently and it is great to have a little device that can help measure my progress. The MP3 player is very handy - only one device needed for music and tracking. It is very easy to use, and I even got a heart rate monitor for it, which connected with no problem. When I get home from my run, it syncs on my network automatically before I even get showered up! I've run with it in pouring rain and it seems to hold up fine in it. The only thing I didn't like about the device at first was the fact it only came with the little clip when I bought it. The newer models come with a wrist strap, so that's nice. I called up Motorola and asked if they could send me a strap and they not only sent me a strap but some new grommets as well. Great product and great customer service! I admit I'm a bit of a newbie both to running and to GPS devices, but I am really enjoying using this little machine. Looking forward to using it even more on some good bikes and hikes!! :)

Service and delivery comments:

I thought Motorola Customer Service did an outstanding job. I had to go through a few different reps to get to the right person, but when I did they were very helpful. The reason I contacted Motorola was that when I bought my Motoactv it didn't come with a wrist strap or anything. The clip works fine when clipped onto a wrist sweat-band or on your shirt, but I would prefer a strap that's actually built for it. When I went back to REI the fella there advised that the MOTOACTV now comes with a wrist strap. I contacted Motorola about it and they agreed to send me a strap free of charge. And they threw in some new style grommets to help keep it more moisture resistant. Thank you Motorola!