Former Karoo user, just got my Karoo 2- impressions
Answered
I tried the Karoo before and was turned off by its massive size and lack of features versus Garmin. I decided to try the Karoo 2, which I will be using as a navigation only device as it still doesn't have many of the features that even my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro has (VO2Max, Training condition etc etc)
I think that the hardware is surely capable and that the screen is good, which is a good starting point. I can also see that the Hammerhead guys are proactive and always looking for ideas to improve, which is encouraging- not to mention the sprawling community.
I think that, based on my very limited experience so far, Karoo 2 still needs a lot of work. Correct me if I am wrong, but there is no option to control trainers such as my Wattbike Atom NG? I tried using the Karoo yesterday and didn't see any control options. In addition, the dashboards are super simple and only contain numerical data and no visualisations.
I could not find a way to come up with a graphical way of displaying HR or power since the session started- why not put the hardware to better use?
I will be sending lots more feedback in the coming days once I get a chance to use the device more but other things like not being able to calibrate altitude based on exactly where you are on the map seems like a big ommission- the maps surely contain DEM data already?
Finally, why not include a silicone case and a screen protector? Or at least give us the option to buy those along with the device itself?
All in all, I feel compelled to give Karoo a proper chance to prove its worth. I would really like to see a "what is coming in 2021" pipeline of features/improvements as the Hammerhead team still has a massive amount of catching up to do.
EDIT 1: I feel like the Karoo would really benefit from an Android/ios app. Even for simple things like configuration to begin with. Looking at the Hammerhead dashboard on a small screen is anything but practical.
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@Nick: As you said, our aim is to constantly improve and evolve and we are working hard to meet the expectations of our users.
I see that Ali has answered almost all your questions on the ticket but I am answering your questions again here for the benefit of the other users in the community.
1) Karoo 1 and Karoo 2 are compatible with Smart Trainers but not with Smart Bikes as of now. Wattbike Atom NG comes under the category of Smart Bikes.
2) You can add graphical data fields on Graphical Data card Layouts.
For complete details, please see: Profile Page Layout options on Karoo 23) As Ali stated, an internet connection is required to get the initial trigger to get the current elevation from google. It's just the first ping, that takes your GPS location and then the barometer takes over this function.
4) Unfortunately, we do not have immediate plans to manufacture Silicone cases but you may find the Silicone cases available on some third-party websites.
At the moment, we won't be able to publish a public-facing Roadmap but we do have some exciting features and integrations on our immediate Roadmap. We will reveal those to the community once they are ready.
Yes, as you said, our goal is to take advantage of the Android platform to the fullest and we are looking forward to it.
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Thanks for commenting.
1) Aware of that- hopefully this is being worked on as it is a rather big gap vs other cycling computers
2) Found out how, thanks
3) Why? Other cycling computers don't have internet access and can do this just based on location data, provided that the maps have DEM data
4) In that case, why don't you point people to a specific vendor, whose cases the team has tested? What about screen protectors?
5) Roadmap: why don't you, at the very least, have a most desired features list that people can vote on? You keep referring to what the community wants but we don't know that either
6) One additional point from my discussions with Ali: please, please, please add the option to discard a ride that was started by mistake. Every other bike computer on the planet has this and it takes 5 minutes to implement.
The prompt "are you sure you want to delete this" will prevent people from accidentally deleting an activity.
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