Garmin has launched its Fenix 8 series of premium multisport GPS smartwatches in India, catering to athletes and adventure enthusiasts. This follows the earlier release of the Garmin Forerunner 165 Series GPS running watches this year.
Fenix 8 Series
Built for endurance, the Fenix 8 series features a rugged, dive-rated design with leakproof buttons and a metal sensor guard. The smartwatch boasts a 1.4″ AMOLED display, with options for a scratch-resistant lens and a titanium bezel. It is tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Performance and Training Features
The Fenix 8 series is equipped with strength training plans and sport-specific workouts to improve athletic performance. It includes a customizable morning report for health insights and a training readiness feature that evaluates sleep quality and recovery metrics.
The dynamic round-trip routing allows users to set distance goals and receive return route suggestions, with TopoActive maps providing terrain views and preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts worldwide.
Advanced Performance Metrics
Key performance features of the Fenix 8 include:
- Endurance Score: Assesses your ability to sustain prolonged efforts using VO2 max and training load data.
- Visual Race Predictor: Provides estimated race paces for 5K, 10K, half-marathons, and marathons.
- PacePro™ Technology: Delivers GPS-based pace guidance for race day or specific courses.
- ClimbPro Feature: Displays real-time data on current and upcoming climbs.
- Grade-Adjusted Pace: Adjusts running pace according to terrain.
- Training Readiness: Offers a readiness score based on sleep quality and recovery.
- Training Status: Indicates whether you’re training productively, peaking, or strained.
- Hill Score: Evaluates uphill running ability based on VO2 max.
- Daily Suggested Workouts: Adapts weekly workout recommendations after every run or ride.
Activity and Navigation Tracking
The Fenix 8 series supports a variety of activities, including recreational diving, HIIT workouts, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and kiteboarding. It also offers animated workouts for strength training, cardio, yoga, and pilates.
Navigation features include multi-continent topographical maps, turn-by-turn directions, SATIQ technology for precise GPS, and tools like an altimeter, barometer, compass, NextFork Map Guide, and Up Ahead for enhanced route tracking.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring
Health monitoring features include:
- Morning Report: Provides insights into sleep, stress, and heart rate variability.
- HRV Status: Monitors heart rate variability to assess stress levels.
- Pulse Ox Sensor: Measures blood oxygen levels.
- Body Battery Monitoring: Tracks energy levels throughout the day.
- Women’s Health Tracking: Tracks menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
Connectivity and Smart Features
When connected to a smartphone, the Fenix 8 series allows users to make phone calls and control functions via off-grid voice commands. It supports voice assistants for responding to texts and other tasks. A built-in flashlight with adjustable intensities, including a red safety light, enhances visibility, with a strobe mode that syncs with running cadence.
Additional features include smart notifications, music control, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, safety tracking, and compatibility with Garmin Connect and Garmin Messenger apps. Users can also download third-party apps via the Connect IQ Store.
Quick specifications: Garmin Fenix 8 Series
Pricing and Availability
The Garmin fenix 8 series start at Rs. 86,990 and comes with a two-year warranty. It is available from premium stores and the Garmin India website starting today.
Speaking about the launch, Tim Spurling, General Manager, Emerging Markets CAMEA at Garmin, said,
At Garmin, we understand the evolving needs of our consumers and have noticed a significant increase in demand for premium fitness wearables in India. People here are increasingly willing to invest in quality products, particularly those dedicated to their training.
The Fenix 8 Series is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their performance or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or simply enjoy staying active, this new series provides advanced features and extended battery life for exceptional versatility.