Garmin has recently introduced a host of new features for various smartwatches, bringing both excitement and some disappointment. While many of these updates are available to all users, a couple of new premium features will require a paid subscription, highlighting a trend towards gating more functionalities behind a paywall. In an earnings call, Garmin indicated its intention to launch certain features exclusively for premium members.
While this might be a concern for some users, the majority of the announced features are accessible to all, including those on popular models like the fenix 8, Forerunner, Instinct 3, Lily 2 Active, and Venu 3. Among the features available for every user are Breathing Variations, which utilizes Pulse Ox2 technology to monitor breathing patterns during sleep. The new Rucking Activity feature allows users to input their pack weight for exercises involving load-carrying, providing more accurate tracking of metrics such as pace and calorie burn.
Additionally, a Passcode feature has been introduced to secure smartwatches, along with a Stage Timer specifically designed for competitive marksmen. On the premium side, two features are available for a fee. The Garmin Trails feature aims to enhance outdoor exploration by helping users find trails tailored to specific needs, like dog-friendly routes or those with scenic attributes.
Users can view trail details and access community reviews. To gain offline access to trails, a Garmin Connect Plus or Outdoor Maps Plus plan is necessary. Meanwhile, users of the Venu 3 can access advanced golf features through the Garmin Golf Membership, which comes at a cost of $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
These updates are currently rolling out, so users are encouraged to check for automatic updates through Garmin Connect or Garmin Express.
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