Application My Tracks, developed by Google (something not many people know about), is a perfect creation for those who are thinking about or already do sports, specifically walking or running. Aside from the program's various options, one of its biggest draws is its use of technology. Maps, so the routes it offers are very accurate and can be viewed with different layers. In addition, other compatible tools are Fusion Tables y Docs.
Other interesting details about this app are that the requirements, which aren't precise as they depend on each device, are quite low, and My Tracks can be used on any model that can run the GPS mapping app. By the way, is free, one more addition to being a good choice and, at least, trying it out. If you want to get it, you can access this link from Google Play.
Options of all kinds
To adapt to the needs of each user, the My Tracks program offers interesting options in the configuration section. Settings You can access it by pressing the usual Android Menu button. Once inside, the available sections are as follows (and we'll tell you how to use them):
- Map- Some specific parameters of the map displayed in the application interface are configured here. Variations such as the color of the route can be modified here. It is also advisable to switch between layers (road, satellite, terrain) to adapt the display to your activity. In current ecosystems it is common to have heat maps personal information that shows where you've trained most frequently; by combining My Tracks with external services, you can get a snapshot of all your rides.
- Graphic: Here you configure the options that will be displayed on the chart. These are numerous and range from power, going through the cadence from the race, until the speed. You can switch between graphics of rhythm/speed y altitude, and in complementary tools it is possible to generate advanced graphics with time windows, moving averages, and even highlights to create short videos of your best stretches.
- Global Data: the usual settings are established, such as the units that will be used and also what you want to display in real time. In addition to Speed, Distance and Time, it is now common to incorporate data such as medium pace, estimated calories, cumulative gradient and comparisons by lap or segment, very useful for those who train with objectives.
- Recording: is essential in the program. The largest number of options are here and a large number of parameters can be set, such as the type of activity that is performed, the frequency of the voice prompts (distance and speed) and also the GPS refresh interval.
In modern training apps it is common to have automatic pause when you stop, resumption from the log if you closed the app by accident, control of GPS accuracy and minimum distance between points to balance accuracy and batteryThese settings help you record clean, skip-free rides, especially in the city or mountains.
- Share: Here you can set the data that will be shared on social networks if you wish. Current connections make it easier automatic posts when starting and stopping activities, option of live follow-up for family and friends to see your progress, and a Training Room online where the historical record is kept. In addition, you can customize privacy by activity (public, friends only, or private).
- Sensor: Indicates whether you want to connect a device to the terminal. Compatible devices include heart rate bands. Bluetooth (e.g. Zephyr HxM or Polar WearLink) and, on supported platforms, ANT + for cadence and power. It is also possible to view data in Smart watches with pace and distance notifications.
- Backup: without much to say, it serves to make a Backup of the data stored on your device. You can export to standard formats and even sync with the cloud to keep your history safe.
A couple of final details: the information is stored in type files GPX, KML, CSV and TCX, which are more than enough to offer a very high compatibility. In addition, they can be used different Gmail accounts, since a lot of information can be uploaded online, so that the same terminal can be used by different people.
Advanced features that make a difference
The sports app ecosystem has evolved and today you can complement My Tracks with tools that provide live follow-up so they can follow you in real time, goals to keep you motivated and heat maps with your history. Social platforms allow comment the performance of your friends, send messages of encouragement and discover nearby routes created by the community.
If you want to go deeper into the analysis, you will have at your disposal detailed graphics to understand your performance by sections, extended statistics with rhythm, elevation, calories and heart rate, and even automatic videos with the highlights of your activity that you can save or share whenever you want. Some solutions add ad-free mode so as not to distract you.
In terms of sensorization, in addition to the bands of heart rate, there are apps that read cadence, stride and power via Bluetooth or ANT+. You'll also see integration with Watches to monitor distance and pace on your wrist and notification functions when you start or stop the activity.
For those who train outdoors for long periods of time, options such as auto pause, control over the GPS accuracy and the minimum distance between points, the Power saving mode or the recovery of follow-up after an unexpected closure are key. And there are even services with a philosophy privacy first that do not collect data by default, in addition to the support offline total to record and view even if you don't have coverage.
Most add-on platforms allow upload your sessions to a personal website to see more graphics (for example, elevation or calories burned), keep a training diary and decide whether to do public or private routes, as well as sharing on social media if you wish. Thanks to My Tracks' open export format, it's easy to take advantage of these additional features.
Usage Tips: Accuracy, Battery Life, and Privacy
To improve accuracy, wait a few seconds for the GPS to achieve a stable fix before starting. In urban environments with tall buildings or under dense trees, increase the GPS refresh and activate the point filter helps smooth out zigzags. If your app or watch allows it, calibrate the sensors altitude and set automatic laps by distance to compare rhythms.
Regarding the battery, reduce the screen brightness, avoid opening other apps in the background and adjust the sleep interval. record of points. The saving mode It is useful for long runs, and the auto pause Save resources when you're stopped. A phone armband or secure pocket will allow you to carry it without touching the screen, keeping the recording stable.
Set voice prompts by tiempo o distance to receive feedback exactly when you need it. If you train by pace, a notification every kilometer guides you; if you work by time, schedule notifications every 5-10 minutes. In quality sessions, combining notifications and metrics heart rate allows you to sustain intensities in a controlled manner.
Protect your privacy: Review what data you share and with whom. Modern options allow you to define privacy by activity, hide the start/end zone around your home, and disable auto-posting. If you'd rather not have anything go online, work with local accounts and exports to formats such as GPX to securely store your workouts on your device or in your trusted cloud.
A use that does not offer complications
This is one of the best details about My Tracks. Its use is as simple as doing the following: press the Red button at the bottom of the screen when you start the activity, and when you finish, you press the Stop button right next to it. Without further ado, there's nothing else you need to do to make this process work. Therefore, ideal for sports.
The software interface consists of three sections. The first is the Map which uses Google Maps technology. In it, you can see the real-time route and when a backup is made, the map in question is recorded so that it can be reviewed later.
Another section is Graphic. Here the information of the route being taken appears as a pedometer, but to have data such as the heart rate or similar, the use of a is necessary Bluetooth heart rate monitorThe information can also be saved and is quite helpful, especially if you are going to analyze it later. rhythms and altitude more details.
Finally, it is Global Data. Here is offered a summary of the activity being performed, and the values ​​that appear by default (can be configured) and in real time are the following: Speed; Distance; Total timeAverage speed; and Maximum speed. Interesting and helpful information for monitoring progress without complications.
A final detail: when each tour is finished, the possibility of save all the data and, in this way, be able to compare with the following outputs. The file can be given any name and this screen appears directly upon pressing Stop.
This application Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days It's really good and useful, making it an excellent option for sports enthusiasts who shouldn't miss out. Thanks to its open formats and integration with Google technologies and complementary services, you can build a complete workflow: record, analyze, share, compete with friends, and stay motivated toward your goals, whether you're walking, running, or cycling.
| Application | My Tracks |
| Category | Sport |
| Android version | 2.2 or higher |
| Download size | It depends on each device |
| Language | Spanish |
| Download | Google Play |
| Best | Worst |
| Viewing the maps | More control options |
| Know the progress in your training | |
| Punctuation in Spanish | 4,6 |
