Runkeeper is an app designed for runners that has been around for smartphones for a while now. With the release of smartwatches, Runkeeper has since transitioned into offering an app for wearables too, like the Apple Watch. However because of the fact that the Apple Watch does not have GPS, the app still required you to bring your phone with you.
However that has changed. The company has recently issued an update to the app for the Apple Watch. However this is no mere update. According to the company, they claim that this is an app that has been rebuilt from the ground up, so much so that the company believes that it is powerful enough where you can actually leave your phone at home when you’re on a run.
That being said, this does not give the app or the Apple Watch magical GPS properties, so how does it work? Runkeeper wasn’t too specific on the details, but it has been speculated that it is a combination of WiFi and the use of the M8 motion co-processor found on the Apple Watch. The company had also stated that accuracy will also depend largely on the location and environment, but it is expected to become more accurate over time the more you use it.
We can’t be sure of how accurate this new system is, but if you’d rather not bring your phone out with you on your run, this might be worth looking into. Even if the GPS tracking isn’t too accurate, fret not because at the very least, details like heart rate, time, distance, and average pace will see be shown on your watch.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Watch, Apps and Fitness.