Karoo 3
If Hammerhead needs to sell more units then it's time to start thinking about the Karoo 3.
So my question is, if Hammerhead offered the same trade-in deal as they did for the Karoo to Karoo 2 upgrade, what improvements would compel you to buy a Karoo 3??
(Assume that the already requested items have been fixed in the K2, such as Di2, disable rerouting, and my personal favorite distance to next POI, etc)
The biggest upgrade that would compel me to buy a K3 would be a major revamp of screen layout management. If I could design my own screens (even with a max of 2 columns x 5 rows) and arrange the 1/2 and full width fields in any order, and use any of the full width columns for graphics, and leave any of the fields blank,
.... And do it all with drag and drop, AND be able to do it on-the-fly during a ride, then I'm sold.
What big picture changes would tempt you to buy a Karoo 3?
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What I would like to see for the Karoo 3 would be a constant battery consumption, unlike now where the first 50% seems to last 'forever' and the second 50% drains the battery faster. And a working battery saver mode, because the current one is a bad joke in my eyes, draining the last 15% of the battery just as fast as if the mode wasn't activated. And that Hammerhead finds a way to make the display of radar messages (Garmin Varia Radar) less battery-draining.
As for battery life, I think that might be one of the reasons why a Karoo 3 is still not on the market, because there is more to lose than to gain in that respect at the moment. Everyone would expect at least 18 hours of battery life with navigation, but I doubt this is possible with this display and operating system. Even less if there was a larger display with a higher resolution in a slimmer body and so on. Just compare how long modern smartphones run as bike computers with GPS, all sensors and navigation, which is about the same range as the Karoo 2. Personally, I would be deeply impressed if they could get 2-3 hours more out of it and a Karoo 3 could last around 14-15 hours with normal use and 65-70% backlight. And yes, a backlight sensor should be a must, as well as a multi-band GNSS and a new barometer/altimeter/thermometer (or better placement of the old ones).
Would I be happy to give up the SIM card in exchange for a working Bluetooth connection to my phone? Absolutely, because I don't see the point of having to use a SIM card to create a route on the Karoo when all the information should already be on the device to calculate the route there (as is possible when you are routing to a POI). And it's easier and more functional to create a new route on the phone in a break (whether in the dashboard, Komoot, Strava or RWGPS) and then send it to the device, and I shouldn't have to use a SIM card or the phone as a hotspot for that, that's ridiculous in my eyes.
A sleeker look would also be appreciated, but I would prefer at least some sort of bezel, I find that a little safer than a screen from one end to the other. And although I've invested in a second Karoo mount, I'd also rather they went back to the Garmin mount. That's still the best and is much easier when you have different devices in use.
The rest of my wishes are on the software side and could, as someone has already written above, be implemented in Karoo 2 with a little willpower.
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It´s coming: https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/C9O-HKB1
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Yes, +2 mils in length and width, side bezzels look smaller now, both together could indicate a 3,5" display. Bezzels are ok, they should protect the display and provide room for a larger battery, would make sense if the display size increases. Personally, I'm fine with the 3.2" K2 display size.
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@Lee A Dorney, that's an interesting information, haven't realized this! Has this happened before that they declare the K2 as "Sold Out"? My replacement K2 is just on its way (was replaced on warranty).
But do we really think a K3 is imminent (given the registration at FCC has happened just recently)?
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specs from a tipster over on escape collective Discord server:
-Control Karoo your way no matter the conditions with a responsive touch screen and easy-to-use hardware buttons
-Spend less time waiting and more time riding thanks to 64GB of memory, 4GB of RAM, and extended battery life providing more maps, faster map rendering, and longer uptime
-Multi-band GNSS technology gives pin-point accuracy on any path, whether in crowded cities, tight singletrack, tree covered trails, or anywhere in between
-Choose your preferred surface-specific routing type (road, MTB, gravel) and explore new paths with our best-in-class maps and navigation, including free global maps, instant route syncing from connected accounts, and automatic climb detection with or without a route
-Unparalleled connectivity with SRAM AXS products allows for easier customization, better equipment awareness, and simple pairing with your groupsets, power meters, tire pressure sensors, and more. Karoo’s best-in-class support for ANT+ radars and lights make it easier than ever to be safe on the road in any riding condition
-Easily pair Karoo to your E-Bike and access LEV E-Bike data fields such as motor assist level, estimated range, E-Bike motor output, and E-Bike battery level
-Regular software updates introduce new features and improvements to Karoo, keeping it at the forefront of the cycling ecosystem to make every ride better than the lastTL;DR: claimed better battery life, 4x'ing of memory, 2x'ing of RAM, multi-band GNSS for better GPS accuracy in dense urban environments or tree canopy singletrack
all the things I wanted, will definitely be giving it a try
rumored to launch alongside new SRAM Red group. i have theories about what "unparalleled connectivity with sram axs products" could mean. New unreleased Red shifters each have an auxillary blip button on the inner hood. hoping for customizable shortcuts "double tap right blip for map", "double tap left blip for music", etc
Source: hcole623@reddit
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The Hammerhead website says "Something new is on the horizon", and today I read in a German bike magazine that a new Karoo is due out in May (apparently they were told this by the manufacturer).
Will be interesting to see how many of the few things that still bother me about the Karoo2 are solved with the new Karoo.
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Uh really exciting. Just got my "new" (replacement) K2 haha. That would be a pitty if now finally an updated one is being released... Of course, this does not make the existing one unusable but if you could then tackle the cons of the current one... quite tempting then. But let's see ;-)
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So basically the only improvement is the additional storage - which could be had with the previous models if only they included an SD slot instead of the useless SIM Slot (that would actually be useful if you had a way to use a phone app, music streaming etc.).
Maybe it would be more useful to offer the software as an android app with a BT button device of some sort.
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I don’t believe that only the storage will be changed. That would be ridiculous for a major upgrade and after so many years in the product lifecycle. But tbh I actually do not need that much more. Probably a better „iPhone like“ display and an improved battery. And drink/food reminders lol. And gymkit integration if they would add an NFC chip!
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I'm a MTB rider and Like and hate my karoo 2 at the Same time. I would upgrade if we get:
# proper waypoint Management
# more detailed Maps
# App that allows to send Tracks from the Phone without Internet Connection
# longer battery life
# trade in for karoo2The rest ist very good on the karoo 2 compared to the garmins I Had.
Lets See ....
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The K2 is a very heavy device, compared to the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 and Garmin Edge 540. The next version should be smaller/lighter.
Id also like to see a K3 that is better integrated as a phone (which given the SIM card seems to be a part of its original design objective, USP). This also means a proper app store instead of side loading apps. The need for the dashboard/companion web site should be made obsolete.
My single desirable is to leave home without my bulky smartphone flapping about in my pocket, soley reliant on a Karoo for calling/texting/music/maps/tinder etc
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The next karoo is in the oven. The requests will be for the 4th generation in 3 years.
For me there should be 2 models: 1 large and 1 small (like 840 - 1040 or S23 - S23+, or iphone 15 - 15 plus... etc...)
I used it to navigate tracks and the karoo2 and its screen are small compared to a 1040 or the new IGS800.
I hate giant bezzels on cycle computers. I see old Casio calculators from the 90s with toy hardware at the price of a mid-high-end mobile phone. Sometimes I think that it would be better to buy a €200-€400 mobile phone and use it as a cycle computer if there was an APK similar to karoo for sensors, etc......
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After such a long wait all this upgrades look very disappointing. Nothing there to justify buying k3 if you have k2 already .
Without having seen what the new OS will do, and how much will backport to K2, not sure how you can make such a statement?
i.e The iPhone 15, 14, 12, 11 Pro models are literally mm for mm exactly the same on the outside, but the features on iOS and some camera capabilities are the differentiating factors which only actual use will advise.
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Big bazzels, smaller screen (even if higher res still small), a bit better CPU and RAM (but let’s be honest android phone with such specs would still be considered v low end, and I do get that it’s not a phone just saying this hardware costs like 100e maybe). not much new otherwise. True let’s wait for OS but so far nothing there to get excited about.
I’d expect at least 50% improvement in battery life to consider it a significant improvement.So far disappointed as karoo 2 was a v impressive device at its time. I agree let’s wait and see but bazzels and screen won’t change…
As for iPhone that’s a poor example internals changed quite a bit on SOC, camera and other levels, also they are v close but not mm for mm (you’ve ever tried using iPhone cover from previous model?)
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If on paper we are already starting from a mediocre base, I doubt we will be surprised. Having reduced bezzels and stretched them to 3.5", it would have been a good start. For me we are going to find a revised karoo2 .1. I doubt we will have 50% more autonomy without any software tricks...
Garmin has like +5 ranges, edge 130, explore, 540, 840, 1040, plus, non-plus, solar, non-solar... and karoo is the only device that wants to please the entire public... something is wrong.
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That the greatest innovation of a device is greater autonomy is very sad.
And we still don't know how much it will be. They may have improved by 20-30%, which will continue to be a problem.
For me If autonomy is a problem in ultra-distance as is my case, with a €20 powerbank you triple the autonomy... And not pay €499 for the same thing
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Wait is over, guys! Hammerhead just dropped the new Karoo 3, and it looks impressive!
The Karoo 3 takes care of the main issues people had with the Karoo 2's hardware, which is great. It's also the starting point for future updates, so while the Karoo 2 will still get some love, the Karoo 3 will be getting all the latest and greatest features down the line.
Oh, and if you were thinking about getting a Karoo 2, good luck - they've been sold out pretty much everywhere. Hammerhead stopped making them a while back and has been focusing on the Karoo 3 for months now.
Moving forward, Hammerhead needs to put some work into their companion app and structured workout player to make them as good as what the other guys are offering. They should also spend some serious time making the Karoo 3 faster and more responsive, given the better hardware it's packing.
All in all, Hammerhead has really proved itself as a legit option for cyclists who want a top-notch bike computer. They've come a long way from being just another startup, and I'm excited to see what cool new features they'll come up with next.
If you want to dive into all the juicy details and see how the Karoo 3 stacks up against its predecessor, I highly recommend reading this comparison: https://thewearify.com/hammerhead-karoo-3-vs-karoo-2/
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Significantly better screen to surface ratio, battery closer to 4000mah, couple other small improvements like programmable button. Also I see no reason for price hike (other than HH profits), this hardware for android device costs almost nothing, if it was a phone it would be at very bottom (apart from storage size)
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The best thing about the Karoo 3 is usually not even mentioned, and that is the display. It has an anti-reflective coating and ensures significantly less reflections when exposed to sunlight outdoors. No comparison with the 1040 or other displays.
Many people are upset about the battery life, but you have to remember that this display technology consumes more power than a mip display, but of course it looks much better.
If 12 hours of battery life is not enough for you, you are better off with other devices.
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