Latest news with #Forerunner
Android Authority
15 hours ago
- Android Authority
I've been using Garmin watches for 5 years and just discovered this clever trick
Ryan Haines / Android Authority At this point, I've probably reviewed more than a dozen Garmin watches since taking my place as Android Authority's resident runner. You might say it's become a big part of my personality, but I'd argue it always was one. I've spent countless hours logging countless miles (alright, Strava probably has an accurate number) across everything from the Instinct to the Forerunner to the Fenix, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about Garmin's lineup. At least I did, until I came across a watch band I wanted to swap out. How often do you replace your watch bands? 400 votes Every week 6 % A few times per month 10 % Once or twice per year 37 % Never 48 % Sorry, Quick Release, but it's all about QuickFit now Ryan Haines / Android Authority To make a long story short, I sweat when I run — like a lot. It's not cute or convenient, but it is what it is. Thankfully, most Garmin watches come with silicone watch bands attached, which might pick up just a little bit of the salt I leave behind, but can usually swipe the sweat without too much issue. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about any of Garmin's fabric bands. As soon as I start sweating in them, they may as well be three feet into a swimming pool, and there's nothing I can do about it. So, I decided to ditch them — all of them. I flipped over my Venu X1, popped out its Quick Release pins, and set up to attach the bands from the Epix Pro 2 that I reviewed several months ago. Then, I realized that my plan wouldn't work. While the Venu X1 uses a relatively standard set of quick-release bands like on countless other smartwatches or traditional watches, the Epix Pro 2 and Fenix 8 use something much smarter: Garmin's own QuickFit system. Garmin doesn't always use QuickFit, but when it does, it's absolutely brilliant. For a second, I was annoyed by the mismatch of band styles. A small part of me still might be, but only because I quickly realized how much better life would be if every watch used Garmin's QuickFit setup. See, QuickFit still relies on a basic pin and release structure, but you just have to release the band instead of releasing the pin itself. It takes almost no effort — pull back on a tiny lever and you're free. I'd compare it to the effort of opening a sliding door, which beats having to line up tiny pins and holes any day. And usually, this type of hiccup would elicit a much worse response from me. I'd use it to bash Garmin's inconsistency, urging it to adopt its much better QuickFit bands for all of its watches instead. This time, though, I'll praise a clever feature I never would have noticed otherwise. I've never considered swapping my Fenix 8 or Epix Pro 2 bands, so I needed this sweaty fabric setup to realize how thoughtful Garmin can be. If Garmin can do it, everyone else should, too Ryan Haines / Android Authority Don't get me wrong — I realize that QuickFit is Garmin's thing and there's a good chance it'll stay that way. After all, Apple already has its slotted setup for the Apple Watch, Samsung has its button-based release mechanism for the Galaxy Watches, and Google seems pretty well set on its slide-out bands for the Pixel Watch. But hear me out — there's no reason it can't become the standard for everyone else. Quick Release became almost universal because of its ease of replacement, and QuickFit seems like the natural next step. Not only would it (hopefully) make some of the existing QuickFit bands cheaper, but it would also probably open up the materials and designs that Garmin fans could tap into. As much as I love my reliable rotation of silicone options, I'll readily admit that they're not always the most appropriate for occasions like weddings, so I would love to be able to swap a leather or metal band in to match my watch of the week. And yes, Garmin already has a couple of QuickFit options that embrace those premium materials, but they're designed for the top-end Marq models and can cost in the neighborhood of $300… which is more than I'd spend on most things, let alone a watchband. Opening up the QuickFit system would make it much, much easier to spice up my favorite Garmin watches. Granted, the main thing preventing other brands from adopting QuickFit probably has nothing to do with price. Instead, I'd imagine it comes down to the fact that swapping in a new pin is a pain in the neck. There's no release on the tiny metal bar itself, so if you damage it, you'll have to cut it in half with pliers before inserting a spring-loaded replacement. If you mess that one up, you'll have to chop it off and repeat the process. I think I have steady hands, but it's still enough to make me nervous. But, as I've learned with every QuickFit band I try out, it's only worth being nervous for a second or two. It's easy to get used to the simple releasing mechanism, and I don't think I'll have to replace my QuickFit pins very often — if ever. And, if I don't, I have to believe that every other aspect of Garmin's QuickFit setup is a winner.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Garmin smartwatches gets Google Maps support with turn-by-turn navigation
Garmin has announced that select models of its smartwatches now support the Google Maps app, allowing users to access navigation features directly from their wrist. After setting a destination on Google Maps using an Android smartphone, users will receive turn-by-turn guidance on their Garmin watch while engaging in activities such as walking, cycling, or running. The app is available for free through Garmin's ConnectIQ store and is compatible with certain versions of the Venu, Forerunner, Vívoactive, and Fenix lineups. Navigation and fitness tracking In a blog post, Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, Susan Lyman, said, 'The turn-by-turn notifications will be a game changer for those who want to stay hands-free and keep their phone in their pocket.' With this integration, Garmin smartwatches now deliver turn-by-turn navigation alerts using subtle vibrations, enabling users to follow routes without needing to look at their phone. This feature can be especially useful in crowded areas or when crossing streets. The app can also display the next three turns with a simple tap, providing better situational awareness during movement. The navigation functionality remains active while the watch continues to track fitness data. Whether users are running, walking, or biking, they can receive directions while monitoring metrics such as distance, heart rate, and more. Deeper integration with Health Connect Availability While Garmin has not provided a full list of supported models, users can check the ConnectIQ store to determine compatibility with their device. Although Garmin wearables have long supported third-party navigation tools, the inclusion of Google Maps offers a familiar and reliable alternative, especially for users already within the Android ecosystem.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Garmin smartwatches add turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps
Google Maps app arrives to the Connect IQ Store, providing directions on the wrist OLATHE, Kan., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the Google Maps app is now available for free in the Connect IQ™ Store, providing simple, turn-by-turn directions on compatible Garmin smartwatches, including select Venu®, Forerunner®, vívoactive® and fenix® products. After users input a destination into Google Maps on their Android™ smartphone, the app will send notifications to their watch, letting them know about each upcoming turn while they walk, run or cycle. "Whether exploring a new city, mapping out a run or casually cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep users going in the right direction. The turn-by-turn notifications will be a game changer for those who want to stay hands-free and keep their phone in their pocket."–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing For pedestrians For those who prefer to walk to their destination, Google Maps provides on-the-go directions that gently vibrate their Garmin smartwatch to keep users from having to look down at their phones while crossing the street or maneuvering through a crowd. And for even greater awareness, simply tap into the app to see the next three turns. For fitness fanatics Users can still record walks, runs or bike rides on their Garmin smartwatch while using Google Maps, allowing them to track distance, heart rate and more, while also getting notified when it's time to make a turn along the route. Once they arrive at their destination, users can sync their activity data from Garmin Connect to other Android health and fitness apps via Health Connect, providing them with more tools and flexibility than ever before. The Google Maps app is available now in the Connect IQ Store and is free to download. The Connect IQ Store is an all-in-one source for Garmin customers looking to personalize their compatible Garmin devices. With thousands of options to choose from, users can download apps, watch faces, music streaming services and more right to their device. The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store. For more information, email our media team or connect with us on LinkedIn. For developers interested in creating on-device applications for Garmin customers around the world, visit the Connect IQ developer site. About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark and Connect IQ is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Google Maps is a trademark of Google LLC. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. MEDIA CONTACTS:Brianna Silverman and Natalie View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Garmin International, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Tom's Guide
03-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Forget the Apple Watch — my two favorite Garmin Forerunners just dropped in the early Prime Day sales
Whether you've signed up for your next race or you're looking to make the leap from Apple to Garmin, Prime Day is a good time of year to upgrade your tech. Yet this year, the sales have started early, and if you're looking for one of the best Garmins, you're in luck. I've reviewed running watches for the past decade, and right now, two of my favorite Garmin watches are on sale. The Forerunner 965 has been reduced to $549 at Amazon right now, and the Forerunner 265 is on sale for $399 at Amazon. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner, and it's a fantastic watch. It's since been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570, but don't let this put you off — in fact, if you're not bothered by a speaker and a microphone, the two watches are pretty similar. The Forerunner 265 comes in two different sizes — 42mm and 46mm and both are on sale right now on Amazon. The watch has a bright, brilliant AMOLED touchscreen, and has a battery life of 13 days in smartwatch mode for the larger Forerunner 265, and 15 days for the smaller watch. At $399, you're getting a high-spec watch for a great price. The Forerunner 965 is Garmin's top-of-the-range Forerunner, and it's packed with some of Garmin's most advanced training features. Again, it's recently been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970, but it's still got an awful lot going for it, and if you're not bothered about a flashlight or making calls from your watch, this is arguably the better pick. It's got a bright AMOLED screen, 23 days of battery life, and some of Garmin's most advanced training features for hardcore athletes. It can even keep tabs on complex multisport activities, making it the best Garmin watch for triathlons. At $549, it's a fantastic price, and I'm not sure it'll get much cheaper. Not for you? Check out Tom's Guide's other early Prime Day deals here. It's unlikely that Garmin's new Forerunners will go on sale next week, but I'll be updating you as new Garmin deals drop.
Tom's Guide
30-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I review Garmin watches for a living — here's the 4 early Prime Day deals I'd shop now
If you've been waiting for Prime Day to upgrade your running watch, I've got good news — the sales have started early. I review running watches for a living, and have done so for the past decade, so I know exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to the tech on my wrist on race day. Garmin makes some of the best running watches on the market, and below, I've hand-picked the deals worth shopping ahead of Prime Day. All of the best Garmin watches will do a lot more than simply track your steps. They're all designed to be worn 24/7, and can help you get fitter, run faster, and gain a deeper understanding of your overall health. Here are the best deals to shop right now: The Garmin Forerunner 265 has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 570, but don't let this put you off. It's Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner, packed with advanced training features. It doesn't have some of the more techy stuff or built-in maps, but unless you're heading out on a multi-day adventure, you probably won't use them anyway. Right now, the sale is on the smaller verison of the Forerunner 265, the 42mm version, which is perfect for runners looking for a small, comfortable, lightweight watch. Find out more in our Garmin Forerunner 265 review. The Forerunner 165 is Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner, ideal for those who are becoming more serious about their training but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars. It doesn't have some of the more advanced training features, but it'll still track all of your runs, recovery, and has 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, meaning you can travel to a race abroad, without having to worry about packing your charger. Who said you need to spend a fortune to get a decent gadget? The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an affordable, entry-level running and workout watch well-suited for those looking to track their training but who don't need any extra bells or whistles. It still looks and feels like a Garmin watch without the hefty price tag. More importantly, it's just as accurate as far more advanced models. This is a great option if you're new to running, or you're not planning on wearing a sports watch 24/7. The Garmin Epix Pro is a top-of-the-line Garmin watch, designed for the ultimate adventure. This deal reduces the 51mm Epix Pro to its lowest ever price, and for $689 you're getting an incredible AMOLED sports watch that has best-in-class navigation tools on top of the tracking and training analysis it offers. As this is the largest watch in the Epix Pro range, you also get excellent battery life, and the titanium case and sapphire crystal screen mean that it's light and durable too.
