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Windows 10 compatibility with Polar products and software


Grogs

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Posted

Bought myself a Polar RS800CX a couple of years ago (have always used Polar and have liked it) - spent almost 5 grand on it.

 

Recently upgraded to Windows 10, and have been struggling to upload my data onto polarpersonaltrainer.com and onto Polar Pro Trainer on my computer. Eventually dropped Polar South Africa an email last night, and they sent me a link to the below (which appears on their website. The particularly offensive portions are in caps):

 

"(Update 10th of August 2015) We would like to remind you that IF YOU CHOOSE TO CHANGE THE OPERATING SYSTEM OF YOUR COMPUTER which is not listed in the packaging of the IrDa USB adapter, that this might result in the situation where the data transfer might not work anymore. POLAR WILL NOT LAUNCH A NEW DRIVER TO SUPPORT THE IRDA USB ADAPTER FOR THE NEW WINDOWS 10 OPERATING SYSTEM. Polar USB IrDA adapter is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista/Win7. The compatibility information can be found from the set package or the product sticker on the package.

 

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHIFT OVER TO OUR NEW FLOW COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS FOR FULL PRODUCT SUPPORT. For further information about the Flow compatible products and services, please contact your local Polar distributor. We are happy to help you choose the best Flow compatible product for your needs.

 

The possibility to export your training history from polarpersonaltrainer.com and Pro Trainer 5 to Flow is just around the corner. After this integration you can have all your training sessions at one place with your new Polar Flow compatible device. Stay tuned at Polar updates to see when it’s live."

 

So I can either never upgrade the operating system on my laptop ever again, or throw my RS800CX away. Or, in order to get "full product support" from them, I can go and buy a new device (obviously I don't qualify for full product support for a device that many people bought from them as recently as earlier this year).

 

Wasn't that happy when I found out that Polar says they will never support ANT+, but stuck with it (I have an ANT+ power meter as well).

 

The other alternative is to go and buy a Polar Flow device - but how long before Windows 12 comes out, only for Polar to say they're not upgrading their Flow software so that it's compatible with Windows 12?

 

Sorry Polar, I liked your stuff but you will NEVER get another cent from me!

  • 2 weeks later...
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Posted

I am glad someone has posted this. I recently encountered the same issue and wanted to post the exact same complaint here. 

 

The attitude adopted by Polar to this is absolutely atrocious.

 

Polar's suggestions that: "WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHIFT OVER TO OUR NEW FLOW COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS FOR FULL PRODUCT SUPPORT" is indicative of a complete disregard for their customers. The after sales service was one of the reasons I opted to purchase a "top of the range" unit from Polar. The polar after sales service, as evidenced by this, is nonexistent. I am certain that a driver for windows 10 would not make a dent in their annual books and this is simply their attempt to force customers' hands to purchase their new units. Polar may have forced my hand inasmuch as the unit I purchased for a great amount of money has now become useless, but be certain, I will never purchase a polar unit again, nor will I suggest the purchase of their products to anyone.

 

Their measly saving in not developing a driver, will assist their many competitors: Garmin, Suunto, Wahoo etc.  Thank you Polar for forcing my hand! I will be buying a new unit and will make sure to increase your competitor's asset value.

 

Great business foresight.

 

 

 

 

Posted

possibly its cause polar knows that Microsoft win 10 is dodgy as hell and full of bugs ..............my polar works fine on win (9) sorry should have typed 7

 

I wont touch 10 with a stick for at least a year till it works properly

Posted

VelomonatiCT, that is a really insightful. Imagine I posted that I am angry with Shimano because the 105 cassette I bought does not work with with my ultegra derailleur. Then you respond and tell me that you think 105 is great because you can use it well with your Tiagra parts.  

 

The fact remains, I do not use windows 9. I use Windows 10 (today's technology). Irrespective, Polar has not suggested that they are waiting on Windows 10 to fix all their bugs where after they will release a driver, but have advised their customers to buy their new range of products as they are not releasing a new driver for windows 10.  

Posted

possibly its cause polar knows that Microsoft win 10 is dodgy as hell and full of bugs ..............my polar works fine on win 9

 

I wont touch 10 with a stick for at least a year till it works properly

 

Works fine on Windows 9? That is incredible seeing that Microsoft never released a "windows 9".

Posted

VelomonatiCT, that is a really insightful. Imagine I posted that I am angry with Shimano because the 105 cassette I bought does not work with with my ultegra derailleur. Then you respond and tell me that you think 105 is great because you can use it well with your Tiagra parts.  

 

The fact remains, I do not use windows 9. I use Windows 10 (today's technology). Irrespective, Polar has not suggested that they are waiting on Windows 10 to fix all their bugs where after they will release a driver, but have advised their customers to buy their new range of products as they are not releasing a new driver for windows 10.

 

 

 

 

 

if you want to be all "todays technology "about it then why buy a polar product that was released in 2009 and moan that it doesn't relate to software six years later ...

Posted

I love my polar but based on the above, I will review all options in the industry. I will not simply buy a flow polar devise.

 

I feel polar have made a major error and will loose further ground in a highly competitive industry.

Posted

The problem is that Polar have not created a driver for the infrared dongle for Windows 10 and have stated that they will not be releasing one either. Just a marketing tactic to get us to upgrade to one of their newer products. Guess I wont be supporting them in the future.

 

If a driver appears on the the freeware market, I will let you guys know.

Posted

 

 

VelomonatiCT, that is a really insightful. Imagine I posted that I am angry with Shimano because the 105 cassette I bought does not work with with my ultegra derailleur. Then you respond and tell me that you think 105 is great because you can use it well with your Tiagra parts.  

 

The fact remains, I do not use windows 9. I use Windows 10 (today's technology). Irrespective, Polar has not suggested that they are waiting on Windows 10 to fix all their bugs where after they will release a driver, but have advised their customers to buy their new range of products as they are not releasing a new driver for windows 10.

 

 

 

 

 

if you want to be all "todays technology "about it then why buy a polar product that was released in 2009 and moan that it doesn't relate to software six years later ...

 

Once more a very insightful assessment, thank you for your input.

 

When purchased in around 2012 the watch was still one of Polar's flagship multi-sport units (if I recall correctly, it was one of their most expensive too).

The reason the watch does not relate to software 6 years later (actually 3 years for me) is because no driver has been released by Polar-my main gripe. The unit has all the functionality I require and I did not wish to change it. It has been well looked after and maintained during its short lifespan of 3 or so years. Unfortunately, Polar's reluctance to provide a driver for it, renders the unit useless and, as already mentioned, forces a customers hand to buy a new product.

 

Wired, I really hope you are able to find a driver for it!

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

I have made a call and WILL upgrade to a new model, 2 in fact......... Garmin.

 

Sorry Polar but your smart-ass attitude has just lost you my wife and I as VERY loyal patrons.

Posted

I have made a call and WILL upgrade to a new model, 2 in fact......... Garmin.

 

Sorry Polar but your smart-ass attitude has just lost you my wife and I as VERY loyal patrons.

 

Ok so let me get this right....(yup i did not read the whole thread)

 you did not want to upgrade to flow because you did not want to be forced to upgrade/buy another gps unit because you theorized that you did not need one... but now... out of spite you buying 2 new ones :eek:

 

That being said i agree with your thought process, i'd also be the moerin with polar

Posted

​My RC800CX is 3 years old and last December I perchased one for my wife, Christmas and all!! 

 

Hence needing two!!

 

I do monthly comparisons year vs. year as well as a whole lot of other cr*p.  In addition all the down loads generate Vitality points.

 

sooo 2 new units are required!!!!

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