FORM, the direct-to-consumer sports technology company behind FORM Smart Swim Goggles, has today announced the upcoming release of a free firmware update. This will provide FORM goggles with open water features in the summer of 2020.
In addition to the standard performance metrics offered via FORM goggles in the pool, available now, when used with compatible Garmin smartwatches and Apple watches, the new 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 are something that we’ve seen enormous demand for 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 open water capabilities will come nearly one year after the launch of FORM goggles in summer 2019. Billed as the first premium swim goggles with a see-through, augmented-reality display, the FORM goggles have ‘provided the 240 million active pool swimmers across the world with an option to view performance metrics like split times, distance, stroke rate, pace per 100, and calories in real time, as they swim.’
Now, as of summer 2020, swimmers can enjoy the same benefits outside through GPS open water features. Open water 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.
He continued, “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 5S Plus and fēnix 6, and Apple Watch Series 5, 4 and 3. The FORM Smart Swim Goggles are available at formswim.com and on 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.
