Suunto launches a firmware update for its entire Spartan range, specifically 1.9.36. Several new features are added, as well as bug fixes that were present in the previous version. What is the highlight of this new version? I will detail it below
More comprehensive support for planned workouts
From this version on, you can add training targets by distance, by time or by time and distance from movescount web.
When the day arrives in which there is a planned training, when going to the exercise menu, before starting an activity, the training planned for today is shown as the first option, as well as the description that we have added to it.
Once the sport mode related to the calendar training has been chosen (by default the last type used for that sport mode will be shown), we can start the training.
If we have chosen an objective, a new screen will be shown where we will see an indicator for each of the objectives that we have established (time, distance or time and distance).
Also if we press down or scroll down we will see the description of the training.
Time targets also make use of the outer ring of data screens, which by the way are now more visible in the Claro theme. The color of the ring changes from light green to dark blue (click on the image and zoom in to see it better).
Find back in the navigation menu
As of this firmware, the find back option can be used at any time, which activates the navigation screen to a POI that coincides with the point of origin. Navigation is in a straight line and with a compass.
Step Goal Notification Achieved
When the Spartan detects that we have exceeded our step goal, it will send us a notification where this information is displayed. The data is shown broken down by hours visually in the form of a bar graph. This notification is not displayed if the goal is met in the middle of an activity, but in that case it will be displayed after the activity is finished. Also, on the last day of the week, a summary of the week will be shown regarding the steps taken each day. In future updates, these data screens can be consulted without waiting for the alert to go off.
Correction in height measurement on flat routes
The Spartan Ultra had an issue with altitude measurement on relatively flat routes during a foot race. On these types of routes, the Spartan Ultra’s altimeter was configured so sensitively that it registered false ascents and descents of one meter, which made the accumulated total much higher than the real one. Apparently, in the tests that I have done, this error is corrected or has ceased to be significant. In fact, in the photo that I show below, the Spartan data, according to Strava’s height correction, is closer to reality than that of the FR935.
Synchronization of the activity log with the last 30 days after updating the firmware
Finally, the data of our diary will no longer be lost when the firmware is updated. At that time, the activities carried out in the last 30 days will be added to the clock. Of these activities, only the summary of the same is passed, and the graph data that is done at the end of a training session is not shown. In addition, whenever the firmware is forced to be updated through Suuntolink, the journal will be regenerated 30 days backwards, so we can do it at any time.
Faster when synchronizing an activity through the mobile app
Much has been improved in this aspect, to such an extent that now the times are already “reasonable” and not the almost 10 minutes that we sometimes had to wait. As a reference, an activity lasting one hour is taking me one minute and 45 seconds.
Customizing data screens for Triathlon sport mode
Now we can configure the data screens for each of the sports that make up the triathlon. However, it is still pending to be able to add new personalized sports such as Duathlon or Aquathlon, which must continue to be registered as a multisport activity.
Do Not Disturb mode is added to the main menu
When activated, the screen turns off and notifications will no longer be received. This mode is made for those who sleep with the watch on their wrist. It does not affect the alarm clock, which will continue to work even if this mode is activated. If we press any button with this mode activated, the time and an indicator are displayed to press the upper button and return to normal mode. Personally I find it a simple option to implement and quite useful.
Change in the template that shows the summary of an activity
Some small font data has been removed and some data is now displayed in two columns
To end
Little by little Suunto is adding new functions, optimizing elements and correcting errors in its Spartan range. Many early buyers got tired of waiting (with every reason in the world) and have returned or sold their units. The most important thing for me is that although the brand has received a lot of slaps and criticism for the product, the platform is still alive and growing. The users of, for example, the Epix would like to be able to say the same…
Many kilometers to all!
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