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Garmin launches next gen GPS smartwatches
Garmin has announced the fēnix 6 series, the next generation of its flagship GPS multisport smartwatch lineup, which features a solar changing watch.
The fēnix 6 collection includes Power Manager for longer battery life, allows runners to compensate for elevation changes with new PacePro technology, and introduces the largest round display yet from Garmin.
“We are thrilled to introduce solar charging into the new fēnix 6X Pro Solar edition, giving users all of the features they’ve come to expect from the fēnix lineup with increased battery life and larger displays,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “In addition to our brand-new solar technology, we’ve built the fēnix 6 to redefine expectations, with enhanced features and design elements to appeal to adventurers of every kind.”
fēnix 6X Pro Solar
As the first Garmin GPS watch to offer solar charging, the fēnix 6X Pro Solar edition is designed with Power Glass, a transparent solar charging lens that uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life. Because of its solar charging technology, users will have more on-wrist time to enjoy their activities, training features, colour mapping, and music streaming.
The fēnix 6X, and fēnix 6X Pro Solar feature a rugged, sophisticated design with a large 1.4” sunlight-readable display, which is 36 percent bigger than previous fēnix 5X models. Users can check the latest solar input right on the wrist, so they know in real-time how much solar energy the Power Glass has been exposed to. The battery performance on the fēnix 6X Pro Solar in smartwatch mode is 21 days plus an additional 3 days when using the solar charging capabilities.
fēnix 6 Series – Pro & Sapphire
The fēnix 6 and fēnix 6X multisport GPS watches are constructed for a trimmer fit on the wrist, while increasing the display size to 1.3″ and 1.4″ respectively from the existing fēnix 5 Plus series. In addition to bigger display sizes, Garmin has introduced new QuickFit nylon bands and silicone colours. Sapphire editions add the quality and durability of a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and other high-performance premium materials.
The fēnix 6 series introduces a PacePro feature, which keeps a runner’s pacing strategy on track with grade-adjusted guidance as they run a course. Runners can create plans directly from the watch or ahead of time on Garmin Connect or Garmin Connect Mobile. While running the course, users will be able to see their target split pace, the actual split pace, distance to the next split, and how much time they are ahead/behind on their target, all on the watch face.
Out of the box, the fēnix series includes topographic maps for outdoor adventures, ski maps for over 2,000 ski resorts worldwide, and 41,000 golf courses. The series features on-device music storage of up to 2,000 songs, allowing users to sync playlists from several music services, no phone required.
The new customisable Power Manager allows the user to see and control how various settings and sensors impact battery life. For more confidence before a trip or activity, battery remaining can be represented in hours and days to help determine whether the adventure can last until the next charge. Users can adjust their battery saving modes, which disables certain features to extend battery life on the fly. The watches are packed with easy-to-access features, including built-in activity profiles, VO2 max estimates and training status with adjustments for heat and altitude.
South African pricing for the range will be available soon.
