Feature Request: Better Visual, Vibration and Audio Cues for Interval Training

[lukaskejha]

Hi everyone,

I would like to suggest a few improvements to interval training on the Suunto Vertical 2.

I recently started using the built-in interval feature for run/walk sessions, and while the functionality itself works well, I find the current user experience unnecessarily confusing.

The main issue is that both the active interval and recovery phase look almost identical on the interval screen, using the same orange color.

When running, it is not always easy to tell which phase is currently active, especially if I miss the brief notification announcing the transition.

The watch also produces several different alerts during exercise, including lap notifications and interval transitions. Since these alerts are difficult to distinguish, I sometimes have to stop and look carefully at the watch to figure out whether I should be running or recovering.

I found the option to disable automatic lap notifications, which helps a little, but it doesn’t really solve the underlying problem.

My suggestions:

1. Different colors for interval phases: For example, green for active intervals and orange for recovery. Even a colored progress indicator or background would make a huge difference.
2. Distinct vibration and sound patterns: Different signals for starting an active interval, starting recovery, and completing a lap.
3. Persistent phase identification: A clearly visible RUN / RECOVERY label on the interval screen, rather than relying on a temporary notification.
4. Optional voice guidance through connected headphones: Simple announcements such as “Run” and “Recover” would be extremely useful. The Suunto app already provides some voice feedback, but it would be much more valuable if it could announce interval transitions as well.

I believe these relatively small user interface improvements could significantly improve the experience for runners, beginners using run/walk intervals, and athletes performing structured workouts.

The Vertical 2 has a beautiful AMOLED display, and using color to communicate workout phases seems like a natural way to take advantage of it.

I would love to see these options introduced in a future firmware update, ideally with customizable settings.

Does anyone else find the current interval notifications difficult to distinguish?

Thanks for considering this feedback!

[Victor Hugo Santoyo]

Hola, totalmente de acuerdo contigo, adicional yo incluiría las alertas sonoras 5 segundos antes del inicio o fin de la actividad o 50 metros antes si el intervalo es por distancia (COROS tiene esto), mis intervalos los creo en Intervals.icu y se integran muy bien pero la alarma solo te avisa cuando debes iniciar o detenerte y es molesto estar revisando el reloj para no pasarte, la alarma es muy baja y a veces no se escucha.

[isazi]

@lukaskejha they look good

[MarTej_cz]

@Victor-Hugo-Santoyo Apart from the color display, it works as you expect. There is a sound signal and vibration before the interval starts. Created a workout on your phone.

[Victor Hugo Santoyo]

MarTej_cz Esto es creando el intervalo desde la App de Suunto, ¿cierto? lo voy a probar así el miércoles que me toca entrenar esto, me esta gustando programar mis entrenos desde Intervals.icu y automáticamente las guías se crean en mi reloj pero si trae algunas limitantes, lo pruebo y te digo, muchas gracias!

[MarTej_cz]

@Victor-Hugo-Santoyo Pay attention to the settings on your watch, the notification may be turned off. I don’t know how Intervals.icu works… I only use Suunto and Strava for data, no other add-ons.