The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!
So with that, let’s get into the action!
DCRAINMAKER.COM Posts in the Past Week:
Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page this past week:
Also, check back mid-week for another minor single item sale being announced. Well, it’s a moderately big item, but it never goes on sale. A minor sale. Movin’ along…
FIT File Podcast This Week:
Episode 5 (aka Episode 69) of the podcast is up, on the show this week:
– We’ve completed our name selection and renaming – The .FIT File!
– Some funny discussion of my trip back from Mallorca
– Stalking each other mid-Zwift workout
– Magene’s Direct Drive trainer, what we do think after both completing reviews?
– CompuTrainer, the new ANT+ FE-C software option, plus who the heck bought CompuTrainer?
– Update and thoughts on IQ2 power meter
– inPeak power meter update
– Road Grand Tours rebrands as RGT, plus Apple TV app rollout
– Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Review Discussion
– Thought’s on Garmin’s upcoming Connect IQ summit this week, as well as Sea Otter
Listen here, or four options for where to find the podcast:
A) iTunes: If you’ve got an Apple device, we’re there!
B) Google Play Music: Yup, we’re here too (and on Google Podcasts app)
C) Spotify: Of course we’re on Spotify now – you can even cache it on your wearable too!
D) RSS Feed: Follow along using the direct RSS feed
Stuff that I found interesting around the interwebs:
Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet.
1) Solid effort into Netflix app for Garmin Watches: While I generally avoid the interwebs on April 1st, I’ll give Nakan a pass for putting some serious effort into this. While the article is in French, you don’t really need to speak any French to see what’s going on. Well done…well done indeed.
2) Bragi sells of wearables hardware business: Interesting move. I’m sure they’ve got all the data in the world to know that it’s hard to compete with the likes of Apple and other major wearable audio players. However, I also think selling software-only solutions in a market like this might be even more difficult. Though, they had begun pivoting towards more of the hearing-assistance realm a few years back, so this might be a logical gateway towards that as well.
6) ZADA (sorta) returns to Zwift: This piece expands on some of the new limited scope aspects of the platform’s renamed Zwift Accuracy and Data Analysis program which I discussed back in the cheating post a bit more than a month ago.
7) Content aware for Adobe After Effects will be super cool for sports: This item is showing my geeky side, but I’m super excited to get a spare few hours to start playing with this on some of my older footage – especially drone footage. So much neat potential here (when used properly) for getting solo shots where someone/something might be hosing it up.
8) Road Grand Tours rolls out Apple TV app: Also, they’ve rebranded to RGT instead. While I was super excited about the Apple TV app – unfortunately, it requires you use the phone app concurrently. You *must* use the two together. Same goes for the new desktop apps. It’s all really wonky. Lama and I chat about it in the podcast episode as well. I was so excited to write a post and put together a video on the Apple TV app…until I tried to get it working. Then it was like someone popped my balloon.
Sports Technology Software/Firmware Updates This Week:
Each week I quickly highlight some of the new firmware, app, software and website service updates that I see go out. If you’re a sports technology company and release an update – shoot me a quick note (just one-liners are perfect, or Tweet it at me is even better) and I’ll make mention of it here. If I don’t know about it, I won’t be able to post about it. Sound good? Oh – and if you want to get a head start on things, this page is a great resource for watching Garmin and a few other firmware updates.
First off, I must point out my favorite firmware update release notes line item of this week, from the Edge 1030 firmware update page:
“Fixed a crash that could occur when riding with a cadence sensor.”
Yikes – I hope they aren’t talking about crashing the bike! That’s one serious bug if so! ;)
Hopefully, you found this post useful. The website is really a labor of love, so please consider becoming a DC RAINMAKER Supporter. This gets you an ad-free experience, and access to our (mostly) bi-monthly behind-the-scenes video series of “Shed Talkin’”.
Otherwise, perhaps consider using the below link if shopping on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot. It could simply be buying toilet paper, or this pizza oven we use and love.
I can’t wait for all the new Garmin Forerunner announcements and your first hands-on coverage this week!
I assume Garmin will present all the new 945/245 features to the developers during the CIQ Summit this week (April 9-11) but also hopefully have some units on display during the Boston Marathon Expo this weekend (April 12-14)!
Hi Ray,
Can I ask to transcript your podcast?
I mean, an automated process of course, because even if will be not perfect at all , is better than understand 2 word every ten ;-)
Thank you
ANdrea
We tried transcription services in the past, and for the technical topics we discuss, we found that the quality of the transcription was really really bad. We’d end up spending more time to fix all the errors than it probably would have been to just write it out manually. :-/
My hearing has deteriorated to the point that I can no longer listen to podcasts when driving. There are some new technologies out there, but like Ray says, the quality is pretty poor. When he has a good clear mic, the autocaptions on his YouTube videos are decent. When there’s wind, airplanes, crowd noise, etc., the quality quickly sinks. The next thing I plan to try is Google’s “Transcribe Live”. It’s still in beta, but is pretty good at transcribing a person talking in a relatively clear background. Hoping it will work when playing one of his podcasts of interest. It won’t save the transcription though, so you have to use it while listening over speakers. (and yes, this precludes “listening” while driving!! The good ole days.)
Hopefully technology continues to move on so we can get better results.
My Suunto API access was only approved last week, having applied on launch day so hopefully that will start to ramp up more quickly now that they’ve opened the gates. I always thought their 2 week estimate was a bit hopeful for launch day!
Along the lines of (but probably with less impact) the Microsoft HeathVault shutdown, Zone Five Software has sent an EOL notification for SportTracks 3, its Windows desktop app. Last-time buy is end June 2019, end of support is end of March 2020 (which includes “provide any support infrastructure for online services related to the ST3 Windows PC application operation”, so presumably that includes the connection to sync with the could-based SportTracks app. Presumably it will still be possible to bring data into the Win app past the EOL, as long as you can bring activity files to it.
I hope the “fix for crash with cadence sensor” is what’s been wonky with my 1030 since the 7.2 update.
Xert ERG workouts on their IQ app have randomly been cut short — after months of working just fine.
The crash in this case is the app closes suddenly and Garmin Connect ends the workout prematurely.
Pretty frustrating since you can’t resume the workout where the crash occurred.
Is there any update on the Avio PM, they’re been on sale a while now? I tried one a few months ago with mixed results so it would be good to know if it’s improved at all.
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Check out
my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Hi Ray – the firmware update is to the Edge Explore 1000. No updates right now to the regular 1000.
That said, thanks for posting these each week. Very helpful!
Ahh, thanks!
I can’t wait for all the new Garmin Forerunner announcements and your first hands-on coverage this week!
I assume Garmin will present all the new 945/245 features to the developers during the CIQ Summit this week (April 9-11) but also hopefully have some units on display during the Boston Marathon Expo this weekend (April 12-14)!
Also, the Beta update for the Vivoactive 3 is for the Music version.
I’ll find out if the VA3 non-M is getting one too, I suspect so as they almost always release concurrently.
Amazon UK deal of the day, forerunners 235, 735, fenix 5, and one fenix 5 plus
A Lezyne GPS update was expected end of last week, I’m hoping they roll that out in the next day or so.
Hi Ray,
Can I ask to transcript your podcast?
I mean, an automated process of course, because even if will be not perfect at all , is better than understand 2 word every ten ;-)
Thank you
ANdrea
It’s honestly tough.
We tried transcription services in the past, and for the technical topics we discuss, we found that the quality of the transcription was really really bad. We’d end up spending more time to fix all the errors than it probably would have been to just write it out manually. :-/
My hearing has deteriorated to the point that I can no longer listen to podcasts when driving. There are some new technologies out there, but like Ray says, the quality is pretty poor. When he has a good clear mic, the autocaptions on his YouTube videos are decent. When there’s wind, airplanes, crowd noise, etc., the quality quickly sinks. The next thing I plan to try is Google’s “Transcribe Live”. It’s still in beta, but is pretty good at transcribing a person talking in a relatively clear background. Hoping it will work when playing one of his podcasts of interest. It won’t save the transcription though, so you have to use it while listening over speakers. (and yes, this precludes “listening” while driving!! The good ole days.)
Hopefully technology continues to move on so we can get better results.
My Suunto API access was only approved last week, having applied on launch day so hopefully that will start to ramp up more quickly now that they’ve opened the gates. I always thought their 2 week estimate was a bit hopeful for launch day!
Sweet! Let me know when you’ve got that Dropbox app I was asking for all completed. ;)
Still waiting for the actual invite to gain access unfortunately. Once I’m in it ought to be easy but getting access is a toughie :)
Is it Garmin Vivofit Jr. III coming?
You going to Sea Otter? If so…what are you going to be looking for?
Yup, will be there Fri/Sat/Sun.
I’ll be looking for great trails to ride. :)
Along the lines of (but probably with less impact) the Microsoft HeathVault shutdown, Zone Five Software has sent an EOL notification for SportTracks 3, its Windows desktop app. Last-time buy is end June 2019, end of support is end of March 2020 (which includes “provide any support infrastructure for online services related to the ST3 Windows PC application operation”, so presumably that includes the connection to sync with the could-based SportTracks app. Presumably it will still be possible to bring data into the Win app past the EOL, as long as you can bring activity files to it.
I hope the “fix for crash with cadence sensor” is what’s been wonky with my 1030 since the 7.2 update.
Xert ERG workouts on their IQ app have randomly been cut short — after months of working just fine.
The crash in this case is the app closes suddenly and Garmin Connect ends the workout prematurely.
Pretty frustrating since you can’t resume the workout where the crash occurred.
Is there any update on the Avio PM, they’re been on sale a while now? I tried one a few months ago with mixed results so it would be good to know if it’s improved at all.
Aerofly is back link to kickstarter.com
Still not sure how it calculates power but….