December 29, 2006

Garmin Training Center For Mac OS X Tiger Edition

Garmin announced the Garmin Training Center software is now compatible with Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger." Garmin Training Center software is used with Garmin's Forerunner and Edge series fitness products. Garmin announced last year that they would move towards offering their software on Mac in the future. This is good news for those of us who use Macs.

"This is a great day for Garmin and Mac customers because it is the first time a major GPS manufacturer has offered direct Mac support," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "With this new Mac compatible software, Mac owners will have our popular training tools at their fingertips."

Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger" users will now be able to download information directly from their Forerunner or Edge fitness device to the Garmin Training Center software. While using the software, fitness enthusiasts can create, analyze and store data from their fitness activities directly on their computer. The software also offers tools to record pace, speed, heart rate, and elevation based on time and distance. In addition, users can categorize the information based on the type of activity, such as walking, running, biking, or kayaking.

In addition to the Garmin Training Center, Mac users have come to rely on Garmin's web application -- MotionBased.com -- which has been supporting the Mac since March 2006. This internet based platform translates GPS data into performance analysis, online mapping and route sharing. MotionBased utilizes a web plug-in that allows customers to upload data directly from a Garmin fitness device through the Safari web browser. Data recorded by the GPS device is stored at MotionBased.com where time, distance, speed, elevation, cadence, grade, and heart rate analysis is displayed. The MotionBased.com site also includes charts, reports, historical weather, split analysis, interactive maps and one-click export to Google Earth.

Garmin will distribute complimentary Mac compatible Garmin Training Center software CDs at Macworld, January 8-12, 2007. Those unable to attend Macworld will be able to download the Mac compatible software for free in late January 2007 at http://www.garmin.com/products/trainingcenter.