Swimming Goggles Bring Underwater Data to Your Eyes
Canadian Tech Firm Enhances Smart Swimwear with Augmented Reality
Canadian tech innovator Form is pushing the boundaries of aquatic performance tracking with its updated Smart Swim 2 goggles. These advanced goggles offer swimmers an augmented reality display, projecting vital metrics directly into their field of vision, transforming how athletes train.
Augmented Reality Meets the Pool
The Form Smart Swim 2 goggles are designed to monitor a comprehensive range of performance data, including heart rate, pace, distance, calories burned, and stroke count. This information is presented in real-time via an augmented reality interface, allowing swimmers to stay informed without breaking their rhythm.
A key upgrade in the latest version is the incorporation of Gorilla Glass lenses. This enhances the durability of the goggles, making them more resistant to damage during rigorous training sessions.
Navigate Open Water with Confidence
Form has been refining its intelligent eyewear for approximately six years, building on previous iterations of augmented reality visors for wearables. The Smart Swim 2 measures multiple data points in both pools and open water environments.
An optical sensor positioned near the temple tracks heart rate, while other metrics like stroke cadence, time, distance, and calories are continuously recorded. The system can also display partial times, providing detailed insights into performance segments.
Beyond performance tracking, the goggles feature a digital compass to aid navigation in open water, preventing swimmers from getting lost. They can also connect with popular smartwatches from Apple and Garmin to integrate GPS data, such as pace per 100 meters.
A notable feature is the ability to convert paper training plans into visible, guided sessions within the goggles. Users can also sync their training data with platforms like Strava or utilize the Form Training Application for guided plans and technique analysis.
Extended Battery Life and Quick Charging
The Smart Swim 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 hours on a full charge. For times when a quick boost is needed, just 10 minutes of charging provides an additional 2 hours of use, ensuring readiness for extended training sessions.
Pricing and Subscription Model
The Smart Swim 2 is available with a base price of 279 euros. An upgraded “pro” version, which includes the durable Gorilla Glass lenses and an anti-fog solution, is priced at an additional 50 euros.
While the goggles offer considerable functionality out of the box, accessing many advanced features, including the training plans and the digital compass, requires a subscription. This comes at a cost of 15 euros per month or 99 euros annually.
Despite the subscription model, reviews generally praise the goggles’ accuracy and functionality for serious swimmers. The clarity and intuitive interface of the display are frequently highlighted as significant benefits, with customization handled through a user-friendly mobile app. In 2023, the global swimming apparel market was valued at approximately USD 1.8 billion, indicating a growing demand for advanced sports technology (Fortune Business Insights).
