Polar: New update adds new functions to several smartwatches and improves navigation

Polar has announced a new update, namely "Software Release 3.0", which will be initially rolled out to the Polar Grit X2 Pro and Polar Vantage V3. The Polar Vantage M3 and Polar Ignite 3 will also benefit from the update, but not until the second quarter of this year. 

Software Release 3.0 not only brings various minor improvements and bug fixes, but also adds new functions. One example is "Points-of-Interest", which enhances navigation by allowing users to easily locate key landmarks such as supermarkets, cafés and so on. However, this function will not be available on the Polar Ignite 3. Another new feature, "Find My Phone", is intended to prevent smartphone loss: the feature displays the last synced location of your smartphone on your watch map, and can be used to trigger a sound on the smartphone when in Bluetooth range.

Information on swimming styles is also included in Software Release 3.0, and charging is now possible during training sessions, although this function is unlikely to be all that useful during certain types of activities. Users will also be able to see the route covered after an outdoor workout for post-workout navigation analysis. Furthermore, Polar has added two new analog and three new digital layouts for personalization, and these layouts include unique "capsule" or "pill-shaped" widgets for quick access.

Last but not least, the update brings a whole range of minor improvements and bug fixes. These include heart rate measurement during training, which is now said to be more accurate, as well as improved "route guidance start logic": if a route is started in the middle, the route is recalculated from your current location instead of returning to the original starting point. Other adjustments have also been made to the display brightness, 3D speed calculation, compass calibration and more.