1. When will the climbing feature without route files be available?
This is probably the feature that existing users are looking forward to the most. I heard it was scheduled for a March upgrade, but it seems to have been postponed. Currently, the feature is being tested through some beta testers, and the schedule has reportedly changed somewhat to allow for inspection and supplementation.
The goal is the spring season, but I'm not sure exactly when it will be. If I get any information, I'll let you know.
2. New firmware released for some products
Following the recently released speedometer firmware, new firmware for lights, rear radar, and other product categories has also been released.
In the case of the VS1800S, minor parts such as errors when changing modes have been fixed, and the changes for the widely-used SR mini are as follows.
* Integration feature with iGPSPORT front lights added
Now you can connect the SR mini radar with iGPSPORT brand front lights and control them together.
* Optimized cycling computer light switch sync feature
Response speed and connection stability when turning the tail light on and off from the speedometer have been improved.
* Auto start-stop feature optimized
The function that automatically turns on or off by detecting bike movement has been improved to work more accurately.
* Known bug fixes
Other minor errors to improve system stability have been resolved.
3. New product news
iGPSPORT has launched the BSC500 and VeRun in China.
Fortunately, I was able to receive sample products in advance and am testing them. This article is separate from a review, and I am sharing my impressions from testing for information purposes without any conditions or compensation before official launch, but since free sample rental can also be considered a benefit, I'm mentioning this fact first.
First, the BSC500 is an entry-level speedometer characterized by a 3.3-inch LCD display, external speaker, and electronic bell.
Although it's an entry-level model, it's the top model in that line positioned above the BSC300, and if we compare it to Garmin, I think it corresponds exactly to the Explorer series.
The BSC500 had issues with touch control in the development firmware, and the newly released beta firmware reportedly improved touch. However, according to test results, it's better than before, but by my standards, it still feels a bit inconvenient. Like the Vianavi Air that had the same issue, I hope it continues to be improved before official launch.
Besides, I confirmed that data field bugs that I reported to the development team, some font sizes, dropdown menu bugs, color bugs depending on the theme, and e-shift related bugs have been fixed. I'm satisfied with this part.
The product located third from the left is the BSC500.
Unlike previous models that used transflective displays, it is equipped with a transmissive 3.3-inch LCD display, greatly improving visibility. In terms of visibility, it clearly surpasses existing higher-end models.
The change in display method significantly increased power consumption, but the battery was increased more than twice that of Vianavi to achieve a maximum of 25 hours spec. Like any product, in real environments with sensors or radars connected, usage time is reduced, so I think you can expect around 20 hours.
Initial boot speed is similar with no significant difference.
Existing products also display well like this in bright conditions. (Brightness setting: Auto)
When conditions are poor visibility, you can see that the difference is quite noticeable. (Brightness setting: Auto)
Dark mode doesn't have much difference, but BSC500 is the clearest. (Brightness setting: Automatic)
This is a comparison of Bryton and BSC500 outdoors. (Brightness setting: Automatic)
This is a comparison with Bryton Air. (Brightness setting: Automatic)
Bryton Air uses a BOE display, and it's a bit darker than Bryton, possibly due to the settings. I requested improvements for Bryton Air's brightness, so hopefully the next firmware will set the default value brighter.
Here you can also see BSC500's shortcomings: since it's an entry-level model (iGS800/Bryton = high-end position, BSC = entry-level position), the climb function is applied as version 2.0 even though it's a new product. Bryton Air and Bryton on the right side use version 3.0 with maps.
However, it supports its own segment function (not Strava Live Segments - probably not available due to usage fees).
BSC300/T originally didn't support the segment function as a differentiator, but it was released last year.
Bryton and iGS800 offer training or fitness features like Garmin or Lezyne.
However, Bryton Air and BSC500 lack these functions.
The voice guidance is a bit quieter than the warning sound (it's linked to the volume control so it adjusts together), but I requested an improvement, so it will be improved, right???
In addition to navigation, it supports voice guidance for segments, uphill, start/end and other statuses. (Selectable from the menu)
The electronic bell works by double-tapping the screen or tapping the bell button in the menu that appears after touching.
It works best if you double-tap the same part of the screen without moving, and there's a slight delay between tapping and operation. The electronic bell supports Di2 control function, so you can set it up using the hidden button. (Do I have to switch to Di2... -_-)
The rear radar used SR mini, and there was no difference from previous products. The warning color and sound change according to distance.
Originally, iGPSPORT products supported Garmin-style warnings, but because many people, including myself, requested a "Wahoo-style" warning, it was changed to push the screen to the left or right (selectable in the menu; I usually set it to the left since cars tend to overtake from the left).
Personally, I think BSC500 meets most of the needs of users. However, since it's still using the older version 2.0, there's a good chance that free climb will be applied in the future. If this is done, it would lose its differentiation from existing high-end products.
Bryton:
All iGPSPORT functions are available.
However, there are no new features such as voice and electronic bell.
Bryton Air:
A smaller and lighter model of Bryton.
Some functions, such as cycling dynamics, fitness, and customization, are removed.
(It may be possible to add them through firmware updates.)
BSC500:
New display + voice guidance + electronic bell applied.
Some functions are further removed from Bryton Air.
Reduced physical buttons (3).
From a consumer's perspective, it would be nice if the price was lower, but with the current exchange rate in shambles, I wonder how the domestic price will be set.
Next, VeRun is a sports watch benchmarked against Garmin Forerunner 265.
I was confused between Verun and Beren, but it seems they decided to spell it as Beren in Korea.
Previously, LW10 was an everyday watch that could be used for checking calls or messages and used as a heart rate monitor by turning on the heart rate transmission function. However, this product is launched as a professional sports watch and can connect to a speedometer automatically through iGPLink without separate operation.
Since it was made referring to Forerunner 265, the menu structure and functions are similar.
You can set up to a maximum of 6 data fields.
Unlike the previous model LW10, which was an everyday watch, running dynamics are supported like Forerunner, providing a variety of information.
Of course, cycling functions are also supported, with ANT+ and Bluetooth sensor connection functionality, so it can be used like a speedometer.
Also, rear radar support was added in this firmware update, further upgrading the features.
It provides cycling functions at the level of a speedometer.
Cycling functions are supported, and running functions have been added.
It seems like Garmin was heavily referenced.
Navigation only displays the route, and offline maps are not provided.
It's helpful, but it can be confusing if there are many forks in the road, which is a shame.
Another drawback is that while media control functionality exists, the watch itself cannot store music.
Since I don't usually carry my phone when running, I was disappointed that I couldn't listen to music with Vare.
I wonder if an upgraded model like Forerunner 165 Music, which adds music playback functionality, will be released... -_-;;
Heart rate was 2-3 lower than Kuspo and 5-6 lower than Forerunner 265.
Charging uses a pogo pin adapter. It was more convenient than Forerunner 265, which requires plugging in a cable.
This product has the same launch price as Venu Air in China, but it was priced at 320,000 won in Korea.
Venu Air was launched at 280,000 won, but it seems that the recent import exchange rate has been reflected...
I'm worried that other imported products will also see price increases. Sigh...
