This actually has me a little concerned with what functionality we're going to get when these things show up at our doors and how fast we're going to start seeing things show up. There is very little information on details of the "Goshawk" features. Assuming they keep to their timeline, 6 weeks later we'll get updates to PM connectivity that really should be there in the initial realize and get stability and bug updates? That doesn't instill a lot of confidence in the initial stability in my mind.
What really gets me is "Late Spring, 2018", which is really making me feel it will be fall at this point...
So much cause for concern here. So many things I would expect to be there from the start. Power meter calibration, and balance? Seriously, that's not available from the start? Only 30 data types at start, and we'll get up to 150 based on customer feedback eventually? No real information on what Strava integration they will have. Will beacon work?GENET, and beyond
Late Spring, 2018
Features not included just yet, but in the works for implementation starting later in 2018, will include:
More Sensor Data Types
At first, Karoo won’t be able to tackle data for some types of sensors, like electronic drivetrain information, lighting, radar systems, or muscle oxygen. Power meter data will be limited to power only, but we’re working on calibration functionality and additional PM data sets, such as balance, torque efficiency, smoothness, etc.
More In-ride Data Fields
Of the 150 metrics Karoo will eventually host, we’ll be prioritizing the inclusion of new ones based on customer feedback, and every update will have a new subset.
Ride Data Analysis
At present, Karoo stores all the ride data it records in the “Activities” app. Your raw data auto-syncs as downloadable .FIT files to the Karoo Dashboard. You can export this data for analysis via other programs, but we are also working on on-device data analysis, and we expect this to be ready in the next few months.
Training/Workout Interface
Training features are of major importance to our customers – and as avid cyclists ourselves, we share this focus! Incremental introduction of these features will occur in conjunction with feedback we’ll be getting from our community. We are working hard on integrating the existing ecosystem of training tools with Karoo, including adaptive on-device training analysis, so that Karoo can tell you what changes you need to make in order to meet your training goals.
Mapping & Navigation Improvements
We are building the most capable route creation and route management dashboard that exists. It is excellent now, and will only get better with time, as we enable more powerful tools and more intricate cycling-specific data layers to the maps. And it will always seamlessly sync with your Karoo.
Social Connectivity
Karoo’s Android-based interface and 3G connectivity will enable several social features we’re developing, including new classes of live data, competitions, alerts, group ride visualizations, sharing capability, and integrations with other platforms.
Service Connectivity
We are working to make Karoo compatible with as many cycling-related services as possible. We have started with Strava, but this is only the beginning.
The Karoo App Store
On the horizon is the Karoo App Store, in which many of your favorite cycling brands and services will build their own software experiences for the device. While we can’t get into specifics just yet, we will share that since Karoo has been introduced, we’ve been approached by a wide variety of companies, from drivetrain, suspension, and bicycle manufacturers, to professional cycling teams, coaching systems, and touring organizations. Some of the ideas they’ve brought forth for development have been very, very cool, and we can’t wait to share them with you in due time.
I mean, I really like the idea of the Karoo, and I really don't want to ask for my money back, but we're up to about 6 months in delays just shipping and even then it doesn't sound like it's going to deliver on what they promised as far as functionality is concerned. It's really starting to sound like "we'll give you a Garmin Edge 20 with a really nice big screen and fix it as we go".
