MOTOACTV 16 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player

• Precisely track your running and biking outside and in the gym; wireless upload of your workout data to MOTOACTV.com.
• MOTOACTV 16GB smart music player learns what songs motivate you.
• Set goals and start racing against them; audio coach gives you updates and keeps you going.
• MOTOACTV is sweatproof, rain resistant, scratch resistant with intuitive controls. Touchscreen display adjusts to sunlight.
• Included in the Motorola Retail Packaging: MOTOACTV 16GB, Motorola SF200 Sports Headphones, MOTOACTV Clip, Wall Charger with Data Cable, Quick Start Guide.

I purchased an 8GB MOTOACTV the day it was released from a local "big box" chain, and my first impressions are that Motorola has created a device with great potential, but one that needs work to smooth out a few rough edges. First, a bit about why this was purchased...

I''m a long-time casual runner who is gearing up for longer races (half marathons) next year. While I usually love to run in silence, my longer training runs are getting a bit monotonous, so I was on the hunt for an MP3 player that could add some spice to my workouts. I''ve been using different GPS watches over the years, primarily Garmins (305, 405) and, more recently, the Nike+ Sportswatch, and the thought of having both an MP3 player AND a GPS unit rolled into one seemed like a masterstroke. When I read about the MOTOACTV in October, I thought "voila!" the perfect fitness accessory. And on paper, it seems perfect. Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities. Heart-rate monitoring through wireless headphones. Use of ANT+ technology. What''s not to love?

Well, a couple of major things come to mind after having used the unit for a few days now. First, is my fear that the MOTOACTV isn''t built for real-world use. Motorola claims this device is water-resistant, but the USB port on the left side of the unit is protected by a flimsy port cover that doesn''t stay in place during runs, leaving a gaping hole for sweat and rain to enter. I suspect we''ll see lots of these devices needing repairs for water/sweat damage. Secondly, and even more damning, is battery life. I''ve taken this device on three hour-long runs now, each time fully-charged. I''ve returned home with the unit down to less than 25% power level. This was using the MP3 features, Bluetooth on to wireless headsets, and GPS tracking. Given this rate of battery burn, I doubt the device would last more than 1:30-2:00 which, in the world of marathon-training (and even half-marathons), just isn''t enough. This is a serious issue which Motorola may be able to address with software updates but, for now, it''s a deal-breaker.

There''s great potential here. The software/OS is easy to use and powerful. I love the display and overall build of the device (USB port not withstanding). And the MOTOACTV website seems solid for a 1st Gen effort. If Motorola can address my two concerns better water resistance and much better battery life they''ll have a winner. For now, though, I''d take a wait-and-see approach: wait for updates and see if things improve.

My two cents...

Buy MOTOACTV 16 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player Now

I got the 16GB model. Motorola released a firmware update a few days ago that greatly increased the battery life. As far as I''m concerned, it could still be a little bit better, but overall, they have listened to the complaints and for the most part, fixed the problem. I was worried about getting this unit after reading the reviews on the net. I can happily say that I am very satisfied with the product, with a couple small exceptions.

I use this strictly for running so my review can only speak to that functionality. Up until I got this, I ran with my Iphone strapped to my upper arm. It was a bulky solution, but it had everything I needed nice, robust, running app, all my music, Bluetooth, maps, GPS, 3G data connection, and of course, it''s a phone, so ability to take/make calls (which worked nicely with stereo bluetooth headphones). So did I lose some functionality by moving to this MOTOACTV? Well, yes, some. No 3G data, so music-wise I get what I have loaded on the unit, or whatever is on FM radio I used Pandora or Rhapsody sometimes on my iphone, but not often. And I''ve lost the ability to use a phone, in case of emergency. Even if I had a Moto Droid, I''m not going to double-up on the crap I''m running with, I would just stick with the phone as it does everything the MOTOACTV does. My Iphone had to be within 2 feet of my Bluetooth headphones for it to never cut out. Not the case with the MOTOACTV I got the wrist strap to run with it. And with the unit down on my wrist and my arms flailing about, never was there a hint of cut-out. Speaking of, for the price of this unit, the wrist strap and armband should have been included instead of each being an extra 30 bucks. I do understand Motorola''s thinking behind selling accessories separately knowing that likely different users will likely choose one of the many accessories available to fit their needs. But 30 bucks each is too much they are worth 10 bucks each at most. The unit does come with a clip that will suffice for most uses if you don''t want to spring the extra cash for any accessories. All in all, I don''t miss running with my iphone at all. I like the small, light form factor, the convenience, the sound quality, and the overall functionality. And I have not tested it with any sensors or monitors it can use, which I''m sure would only add positive functionality to it. Yes it is a bit bigger than an ipod nano, but WAY smaller than an iphone or ipod touch. Read the Pros and Cons for more...

PROS:

-Nice bright screen

-Responsive touchscreen (I disagree completely with the people who say the touchscreen has a hard time interpreting touch vs. slide).

-Easy to use and learn interface

-Maps built right into the watch (but also could be seen as a con, read on...)

-Bluetooth range and quality is great

-Wi-Fi Sync of workout data is a fantastic feature (read cons for a gripe about Wi-Fi networks though).

Much improved battery life with firmware update

Sweat-proof and water resistant (Smartphones, are not, as you know).

-MOTOACTV.com website has some nice features for people with fitness goals.

-One-button music functionality one button on the unit for play/pause/forward/back nice to not have to even look at the unit for these functions. Great for if you''re using wired headphones if using BT headphones, all that functionality should also be available on those.

CONS:

-Very expensive

-Phone Notification functionality only works with one Motorola phone since the device itself is Android, it should at LEAST work with all Android phones

-Important accessories are not included and are overpriced

-Maps while it''s listed as a Pro above that maps are built-in, it does use 1.5 gb of space couple that with the fact that you''re not really getting 8 or 16 gb of space, more like 85% of that, you have to take all that into consideration when thinking about how much music you want to fit on your unit.

-WiFi functionality is extremely basic as far as networks that it can connect to it can not connect to hidden SSID''s, or to Wi-Fi networks that require a user/password sign-in. My home wireless has a hidden SSID, and my work wireless requires a sign-in so MOTOACTV won''t connect to either (I had to unhide my SSID to test the Wi-Fi Sync functionality). So I have to sync over USB.

-Syncing one session over Wi-Fi takes a long time (5 minutes or more).

-Included headphones are cheap-sounding (but seem sweatproof).

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I have exhausted all efforts to obtain proper support from Moto on this product. I have basically thrown it in the garbage. The final response was that the unit has been tampered with and had water damage. Be aware this unit comes with an exposed jack for headphones with NO protection. Even though i ordered separately the plug immediately upon buying it and used it, this unit still had moisture damage per Motorola.

I never ran with this unit in the rain and only cleaned it off as ANYONE would do with a sweaty dirty device. wet cloth and then dried.

Therefore if you sweat, don''t run in the rain, but do clean your devices with a wet rag or towel, you will end up with a product that stops working.

Motorola support is absolutely horrible. The return process did not even clearly state why the unit failed but in fact showed a Cell Phone error reference. I had to escalate the return of the device to me to second level support who after five days, called me back, left a message, and said the unit was damaged by me and it was my fault. They would do nothing else.

I have used Suunto, Polar, Garmin, and now Moto. I will NEVER purchase a Moto fitness product again. I wasted nearly 300 USD in the unit and accessories for what was clearly a poorly designed product. Motorola has no business being in this fitness business. Stick with your Garmins and Polar and Suunto devices and carry a mp3 player. The Motoactv is garbage. go to the Moto forums and you will see similar complaints by others of this same problem. the rest of it is just gimmicky software for music and fitness.

I bought it because the concept is a GREAT one by combining both music and fitness in one device and incorporating social networking.

BTW I will not even begin to go into all of the webportal issues, the workout bugs, battery life issues generally, and overall technically buggy nature of the device. If you are considering the device you should stop now, soley because the device WILL cease to function with normal everyday use and it will be considered YOUR fault. Bugs in software are tolerable so long as the company is actively releasing firmware to correct.

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UPDATE 8/25/2012, upon finishing my first ever 10 mile run, with the Motoactv.

The gist: The Motoactv (MA) device is an amazing piece of hardware that has transformed me from an occasional runner to a running fanatic. The Motoactv web portal is basically useless when it does work, which is pretty rare these days.

(I only use the Motoactv for running, and was not an avid runner prior to using it, and never used any electronics or software while running other than a 2nd gen ipod nano)

Long version:

Prior to buying the MA, I used to go running two to four times a week for a maximum of 30 minutes, and no method for tracking distance, time, or performance improvements, other than how I felt.

Since getting the device about three months ago I have faithfully gone running four days a week, increased my max distance from 2.5 miles to 10, and shaved a full minute off my mile time. I ran a 10k and placed fourth in my age group. I''ve subscribed to running blogs and magazines, and for the first time in my life researched a pair of running shoes rather than just going out and buying the cheapest pair I could stand to buy.

Here''s some highlights and features:

1. Race yourself: I run the same three mile course two or three times a week, and the "race yourself" feature helps me to pace myself throughout the course so that I can always shave a few seconds off my time.

2. Music: I''m pretty anal about my running playlists so I don''t use the MAs "smart" features, but one thing that is neat is that your average step rate is tracked, so you can compare it to the BPM of the songs in your playlist. I use this to create a playlist that helps me achieve the pace I''m looking for. (Search for Mixmeister BPM analyzer for a pretty reliable program to fill in the BPM information of your music.)

3. Coaching: the MA will tell you audibly when you''re 50% and 85% done with a planned course. There are a whole lot of other options too for what it can tell you. Speed, pace, lap time, average pace, etc.

4. Setting targets: You can set time and distance targets for runs (or both at the same time if you want to keep a certain pace) and the device keeps you updated on your progress. If I wanted to run a certain distance before, I either had to run in a circle (boring) or spend a while on Google earth measuring a course and make sure I didn''t make any wrong turns. With the ability to set targets, I just put in my target distance and start running. Once I''m halfway done I turn around and head back, usually taking a different route. Also great because you can go for a run to figure out a new course and still achieve your goal.

5. Form factor: I sweat a lot and have had no problems. Ran through rain some too, and no problems. However I''ve heard it''s very important to keep the headphone jack plugged (it comes with a small rubber plug) if you''re not using headphones. Touchscreen is pretty simple to navigate while you''re running. There are a lot of buttons on the outside, but once you get comfortable you realize they''re all pretty useful.

Now, on to the portal.

At least 30% of the time I can''t log in due to some error. At least 30% of the time when I am logged in, it''s horribly slow, there''s some bug, or it stops working. Despite the fact that these problems have been going on for months, there''s no status landing page for Motorola to tell you "hey we know there''s a problem, we''ll be back in a few hours."

Features which are good:

1. After each run, you can see your route on a map and chart statistics such as pace, steps per minute, and elevation. You can mouse over the chart to see where each point is on the route. You can also see which songs you were listening to at each point.

Features which aren''t there:

1. Charting performance across runs.

2. Analyzing multiple runs to see how time of day, weather, elevation, etc, affect your performance.

3. Keeping track of how many miles you''ve put on your shoes.

4. Showing all runs on one map.

5. Search! You can journal about runs, but you can''t search what''s in the journal!

There is an option to export data, which I''m planning to start using. There are lots of websites which would do the features that the MA portal is lacking I''m just trying to figure out which one I want to use. Of course, if they ever do get the portal to be useful, all of my data would still be there, so I could always switch back.

Personally, I am very pleased with my purchase. Just don''t buy it if you think the website is the most enticing feature.

UPDATE there are two big issues everyone on the forum is talking about.

1 warranty doesn''t cover water damage, and a lot of people are experiencing water damage. Personally, I am an extreme sweater. When I take my MA off the wristbrand is slick with sweat. But I''ve had no problems. Personally, I think there must be some QA issues in the sealing process meaning that when it works right, it works great, but sometimes it doesn''t work at all.

2 the portal is still broken. That''s all I can say about that. Kind of embarrassing if you''re Motorola.

I got the MotoACTV 16GB to help get myself into shape. I love the online Portal service, since it lets me track all my progress as well as plan my workouts. I normally just do a running workout at the gym while listening to music and battery lasts me around 2-3 days before I need to recharge it. On top of that, the device itself looks pretty cool and I''ve even received a few compliments from my coworkers on my "nice watch". It is also nice that I can leave my phone in my bag while at the gym and still get notifications of text messages and phone calls, it''s one less thing I need to keep track of while working out. All in all, I''m loving the device, and would definitely recommend it for people trying to get in shape or who just like working out.