Garmin crams a handheld GPS into a watch

Boyd

Administrator
Staff member
Site Administrator
Jul 31, 2004
9,508
2,768
Ben's Branch, Stephen Creek
Just announced today. They have basically put all the features of their handheld devices into a (large) watch, including 8GB of memory. Doesn't interest me personally, but kind of a cool product. I question how useful a topo map or satellite image would be on a 205x140 pixel screen...

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https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/wrist-worn/epix-/prod146065.html

epix is the first-of-its-kind, high-resolution, color, touchscreen GPS/GLONASS mapping watch with worldwide, shaded relief basemap and 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription. Some models also feature preloaded TOPO 100K maps. Eight GB of built-in memory supports additional mapping, including BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and regional TOPO U.S. 24K maps. The revolutionary, stainless steel EXO antenna combined with GPS and GLONASSS reception mean better signal strength and quicker position fixes.

Detailed Mapping
The epix touchscreen display gives you fingertip pan/swipe access to vivid, detailed maps, including the built-in worldwide shaded relief basemaps. And with 8 GB internal memory and extensive mapping support, you’ll have plenty of room to add (and interact with) compatible maps, including TOPO 24K, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, City Navigator® and BlueChart® g2 maps.

Extensive Navigation Features
Our new, high-sensitivity, EXO antenna technology means better GPS signal strength and faster time to your first fix. epix uses HotFix® to access both GPS and GLONASS satellites for noticeably quicker positioning than GPS alone. Once the fix is made, you have access to a full menu of navigation features, including advanced track recording, track navigation, TracBack®, waypoint and coordinate navigation, Sight'n Go and point-by-point routing.

Altimeter, Barometer and Compass
epix is equipped with auto-calibrating ABC sensors to provide relevant real-time information. The built-in altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not.

A Full-featured Fitness Training Watch
No need to change watches between adventures. epix gives you easy/quick access to fitness training feature sets, helping you get ready for your next one.

Rugged Construction
The epix color mapping watch features a rugged design with mineral glass lens and rugged PVD-coated surfaces. With a water rating of 50 meters, epix is designed to withstand some of the roughest conditions you’ll encounter. It’s also an auto-calibrated timepiece that both helps convey you to point B, and convey to others how serious you are about the outdoors.

Connect IQ™
epix uses the Connect IQ platform for specialized software so you can personalize your watch with customized apps, widgets, data fields and unique watch faces that make your Garmin smartwatch even smarter.

Stay Connected
epix displays smart notifications from your compatible Bluetooth® device¹ so you never miss a text, email or notification, unless you want to. And, with Garmin Connect™ and Connect IQ you’ll be connected to a whole community of people who love the outdoors as much as you do and to outdoor app developers building smart apps specially for epix. With LiveTrack, others can track where you are (within a coverage area) through Garmin Connect on your smartphone.
 

bobpbx

Piney
Staff member
Oct 25, 2002
14,154
4,258
Pines; Bamber area
I have a Montana now, and I love it. Once I turn it on I have birds eye satellite in about 18 seconds from the time I hit the ON button. This watch device might be good for simple orienteering (point A to B), but for my kind of exploring it won't cut it. I need a wide view of what type of terrain is around me, not just what heading I'm on.
 

Teegate

Administrator
Site Administrator
Sep 17, 2002
25,603
8,181
Boyd,

Have you heard anything about the Garmin Swim 2? It is a watch for swimmers.
 
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