My garmin watch has a crack on the screen and I thought I give the CMF Watch 3 a try, the one feature that strike me the most was the AI running coach. But as soon as I did my first run, I noticed the cons, one by one, as a Garmin watch user for the last 4 years. So, here are disadvantages - and why I would consider going back to Garmin very soon, and yes I know, the price brackets are really different and for different user groups
The AI running coach sessions won’t link to Strava (normal run would sync just fine)
The Watch name won’t come up in Strava (I know it’s minor) but if can be sync, it’s a half step to officially be a recognised brand by Strava
There is no offline music playback (bluetooth connection from watch to headphones are non existent) I know this is detailed in the product FAQ, but to advertise an AI running coach, but no music playback is just insane - you telling me I need my phone with me while running? - next, how would I take queues on what to do or hear running info laps/ average pace from my AI coach - if it’s not thru listening - by tilting my head down to check my progress on screen, really?
Can’t display an image (would be useful if you a Parkrun runner to display barcode etc)
the custom watch face is not quite cutting it
My take is really, if you put an AI coach on your watch - be prepared to be compared to other sport focussed watches out there, otherwise it doesn’t hold a candle to big brands. And last but not least, although minor, take out the pro out of the name, for real. If you’re not gonna release a standard or non pro model why bother putting a pro in the name and this is for all the product lines, be it a phone, watch or earbuds, and be consistent with the naming scheme too. Pro 2 followed by 3 Pro naming scheme is not it. Cheers!
