Garmin Unveils the fēnix® 8 Series: Next-Gen Multisport GPS Smartwatches with Advanced Features
OLATHE, Kansas – August 27, 2024
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has officially launched its latest line of premium multisport GPS smartwatches, the fēnix® 8 Series. This new series introduces significant upgrades, including options for a bright AMOLED display or a solar charging display, advanced strength training features, dive capabilities, and built-in communication tools such as an internal speaker and microphone. Designed for those who aim to surpass their limits, the fēnix 8 Series offers exceptional battery life, with the 51mm AMOLED model delivering up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and the 51mm solar model with an always-on display providing up to an impressive 48 days of battery life.
A New Era for fēnix Series
"For years, the fēnix line has been celebrated for its premium features, materials, and design. We are now thrilled to introduce our most capable fēnix yet. This latest lineup not only adds new design details, sport-specific training enhancements, and convenient communication tools, but it also allows users to choose between a beautiful AMOLED display or solar charging for extra-long battery life. If you’re looking for a sophisticated smartwatch that can hold you accountable and help you reach your health and wellness goals, look no further than the fēnix 8." – Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Key Features of the fēnix 8 Series
- Display Options:
- Users can choose between a bright AMOLED display or an always-on display with a solar charging lens. The solar option harnesses the sun’s power more efficiently, offering 50% more solar energy than previous models. The AMOLED model is available in three sizes (43mm, 47mm, and 51mm), while the solar version comes in 47mm and 51mm.
- Rugged Design:
- All models feature leakproof metal buttons, a new sensor guard for essential sensor protection, and have been tested to meet U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Premium materials, such as an optional titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, ensure durability in extreme conditions.
- Communication Tools:
- The fēnix 8 Series includes a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling users to make and take phone calls when paired with a compatible smartphone. Voice commands like "start a strength training activity," "set a timer for 5 minutes," and "save waypoint" can be activated directly from the watch, without needing a phone connection.
- LED Flashlight:
- The built-in LED flashlight offers variable intensities, a red light, and strobe mode for greater awareness in dark environments, such as during a training run or searching for a lost item.
- Advanced Strength Training:
- The series offers targeted, 4-6-week strength training plans to help users meet their goals. It also provides sport-specific workouts for athletes of all types, including trail runners, surfers, and skiers.
- Dive Capabilities:
- With a 40-meter dive-rated case and leakproof metal buttons, the fēnix 8 Series supports scuba and apnea dive activities.
- Garmin Messenger App:
- Users can communicate with family and friends via two-way text messaging directly from the watch.
- Mapping and Navigation:
- The fēnix 8 Series offers advanced mapping features, including TopoActive maps and preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts. A new map interface allows for easy customization of map layers, and dynamic round-trip routing helps users stay on track.
Performance Monitoring
The fēnix 8 Series is designed to help athletes push their limits. It includes a training readiness score to determine whether it’s a good day for intense training or rest. Advanced metrics such as endurance score, hill score, VO2 max, and training status help gauge overall performance. During training, PacePro provides GPS-based pace guidance, and ClimbPro displays real-time information on current and upcoming climbs.
To prepare for races, athletes can view personalized daily suggested workouts, use free Garmin Coach training plans, and reference the race widget for tips and more.
Diverse Activities
The fēnix 8 Series supports a wide range of activities, from apnea and scuba diving to running, whitewater rafting, golfing, and pickleball. It tracks indoor activities like strength, cardio, yoga, and HIIT, with animated workouts available on the watch screen. For outdoor enthusiasts, it offers insights for snowboarding, XC skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and more.
Exploration Tools
Equipped with premium mapping features, the fēnix 8 Series helps explorers stay on track. Preloaded TopoActive maps provide multi-continent mapping, and an Outdoor Maps+ subscription offers premium content like satellite imagery. SatIQ and multi-band GPS ensure superior positioning accuracy, even in challenging environments. Users can create or sync courses in Garmin Connect for turn-by-turn directions and navigate trails with the NextFork Map Guide and built-in altimeter, barometer, and 3-axis electronic compass.
Health Monitoring
The fēnix 8 Series is packed with 24/7 health monitoring features, including wrist-based Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy monitoring, jet lag adviser, advanced sleep monitoring, and nap detection. A morning report provides a customized look at last night’s sleep, training outlook, and HRV status. The series is also compatible with the ECG app, allowing users to record their heart rhythm and check for atrial fibrillation (AFib) right from their wrist.
Staying Connected
While on the go, the fēnix 8 Series enables users to share saved locations, courses, and workouts with others using Garmin Share, receive smart notifications, download songs from Spotify®, Deezer, or Amazon Music for phone-free listening, and enjoy peace of mind with incident detection and LiveTrack. The series also supports Garmin Pay contactless payments.
Pricing and Availability
The fēnix 8 Series offers a bright AMOLED display or solar charging for extended battery life. The AMOLED option is available in three sizes (43mm, 47mm, and 51mm), while the solar version comes in 47mm and 51mm. Prices start at $999.99.
About Garmin International, Inc.
Garmin International, Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN), has revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives, and provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email their media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social media, or follow their blog for more information.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations. Such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. For more details, refer to Garmin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Contact Information
Stephanie Schultz and Natalie Miller
Garmin International, Inc.
Phone: 913-397-8200
Email: [email protected]Public Company Information
NYSE: GRMN
Conclusion
The fēnix 8 Series marks a significant advancement in Garmin’s line of multisport GPS smartwatches, offering enhanced features, rugged durability, and superior performance monitoring. Whether you’re an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking to keep track of your health and wellness, the fēnix 8 Series has something to offer. With its combination of advanced technology, robust design, and extensive battery life, this new series is set to become a favorite among users seeking a reliable and versatile smartwatch.
- The fēnix 8 Series offers advanced mapping features, including TopoActive maps and preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts. A new map interface allows for easy customization of map layers, and dynamic round-trip routing helps users stay on track.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
