Pay with Garmin's new fēnix 5 Plus outdoor smartwatch series

- The new Garmin fēnix 5 Plus series come in three models

- New family features enhanced mapping and navigation, more storage and cashless payment through Garmin Pay

From left: fēnix 5s Plus (blue band); fēnix 5 Plus (orange
band); fēnix 5X Plus (black band).

Garmin Singapore has announced the fēnix 5 Plus series, its next generation of GPS multisport watches with built-in routable topographical maps, storage for music playlists, the Garmin Pay contactless payment solution, and wrist-based Pulse Ox Acclimation¹ for blood oxygen saturation awareness.

The fēnix 5 Plus series is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Like other fēnix 5 watches, the fēnix 5S Plus, fēnix 5 Plus and fēnix 5X Plus are built for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and adventures of all sizes. These rugged yet premium crafted watches range in size from 42-51 mm and all boast a bright, sunlight readable display.

The fēnix 5S Plus is designed for smaller wrists. Despite its size, its 1.2" display is almost a 20% increase over that of the fēnix 5S.

The fēnix 5X Plus is Garmin’s first wearable to offer a wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation awareness, which is especially useful when adjusting to higher altitudes. On strenuous climbs, users can take advantage of the 24x7 mode option to assess how well they are adjusting to the thinner air.

“Our customers in Singapore will be delighted that we have added exciting new features to our most popular outdoor GPS wearable series,” said Engelhard Al Sundoro, MD, South East Asia, Garmin. “Some of these most sought-after features include built-in mapping, music and contactless payments to each new model in the fēnix 5 Plus series; and with the introduction of the Pulse Ox feature in the fēnix 5X Plus, our customers can now have more confidence taking their adventures to the next level.”

Sundoro introduces Garmin to the audience at the launch ceremony.

Integrated with wrist-based heart rate and all the multisport and smart connectivity features of the previous fēnix 5 models, each of the models in the Plus series will also include built-in map data optimised for at-a-glance navigation and location tracking. These maps can be used with the round-trip course creator that allows runners and cyclists to enter a distance they would like to run or ride, then select a route from a list of appropriate courses to choose from. The Trendline popularity routing feature uses Garmin Connect data to help users find and follow the best trails and running routes based on billions of miles logged by previous Garmin users.

The fēnix 5S Plus, fēnix 5 Plus, and fēnix 5X Plus will also offer on-device music storage, up to 500 songs, for phone-free listening. Once the playlist is loaded, the device is paired with compatible Bluetooth headphones (sold separately) to begin listening. All sizes of the Plus series will also include Garmin Pay, a contactless payment solution³. Utilising their Garmin Pay wallet, users have the same rewards and benefits of paying with the physical cards, with the added convenience of having them right on the wrist. In Singapore, Garmin already has a partnership with OCBC for contactless payments.

Each fēnix 5 Plus model is packed with training features to help monitor form and performance. Users can tap into physiological metrics, running dynamics and more to track workout stats, measure progress and finetune their form. Training status automatically evaluates recent exercise history to let users know if they are overtraining, maintaining or peaking.

The fēnix 5 Plus series are Connect IQ-compatible, so users customise their watch with widgets, data fields, watch faces and apps. When paired with a compatible smartphone⁴, users can get call, text and email notifications right on their wrist. Additionally, users can customise the look of their watch with QuickFit bands. A silicone band can be swapped for a leather or titanium strap, with no tools necessary. The QuickFit bands are also available in new colours.

Every fēnix 5 Plus watch features multi-network satellite reception, now including the Galileo global navigation satellite system to track location where using GPS alone may be challenging. This is particularly helpful when adventuring in places without a clear view of the sky, like deep canyons or urban environments.

Users can choose between a PVD-coated stainless-steel bezel with silicone watch band; or for a lighter material, a high-performing titanium bezel version with brushed titanium bracelet available on the fēnix 5 Plus and fēnix 5X Plus series. Each version features a full-colour Garmin Chroma Display with LED backlighting to assure sunlight readability and is water-rated to 100 m⁵.

The fēnix 5S Plus can get up to six days in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours in GPS mode, and up to four hours in GPS and Music mode⁶; the fēnix 5 Plus can get up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to seven hours in GPS and Music mode; and the fēnix 5X Plus can get up to 18 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 11 hours in GPS and Music mode. Users can also activate the UltraTrac power saver mode to extend battery life.

Chua is wearing the fenix 5s Plus.

Jeri Chua, Founder, Red Dot Running Company, an ultra marathoner and also a Garmin ambassador, spoke at the launch about her relationship with Garmin. She has used Garmin devices for over 10 years, and has been very impressed with the fenix 5s Plus. The watch allowed her to self-navigate during a 200km event in Singapore, she said.

"I can't tell left from right. If I'm going in the wrong direction, the watch will tell me," she said. "In 24 hours of running I didn't get lost...You know exactly where you are at any one time."

The premium build has stood her in good stead as well. She shared that the watch has survived heavy wear and tear, including a fall where she landed on it, and accidental impacts against stair railings. "In six months I've gone through several ultra marathons," she said. "The watch has come out unscathed."

Sensors on the underside of the
fenix 5s Plus.

She also likes the styling, as the watch looks like a dress watch, and added features such as being able to pair Bluetooth headphones easily.

Details:

The fēnix 5 Plus series has the following recommended retail prices in Singapore⁷:

• Fenix 5s Plus, Black with black band, S$1,199
• Fenix 5s Plus, Rosegold with beige leather band, S$1,199
• Fenix 5 Plus, Sapphire DLC Carbon Gray with black band, S$1,229. 
• Fenix 5 Plus, Sapphire Carbon Gray, DLC titanium with DLC titanium band, S$1,599
• Fenix 5X Plus, Sapphire DLC Carbon Gray with black band, S$1,299
• Fenix 5X Plus, Sapphire Carbon Gray DLC titanium with DLC titanium band, S$1,699

DLC stands for diamond-like carbon, and provides durability and excellent protection, Garmin said. The titanium and leather band options are bundled with silicon bands.

The devices come preloaded with maps for some Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines, and will accommodate other maps (sold separately) as long as there is storage space available - there is about 11 GB of space available for maps and music on the Fenix 5s Plus. The map for all of Southeast Asia is about 500 MB in size.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the new Garmin vivoactive 3 smartwatch

¹ This is not a medical device; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox is not available in all countries.

² May require premium subscription by a third-party music provider.

³ Available for supported cards from participating banks

⁴ See Garmin.com/ble for more details.

⁵ See Garmin.com/waterrating for more details. The Garmin Descent Mk1, also rated to 100 m, is a watch-sized dive computer with GPS functionality.

⁶ Depending on settings.

⁷Available at Advance Lap, Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman and all authorised retailers.  

Garmin introduces new GPS smartwatch with music

Source: Garmin.
The vivoactive 3 Music. 

Garmin Singapore has announced vívoactive 3 Music, a GPS smartwatch with integrated music¹ and Garmin Pay² contactless payment support. Utilising their Garmin Pay wallet, users have the same rewards and benefits of the physical payment cards, but with the convenience of being able to use them right at the wrist for contactless payment.

"What Garmin is trying to do is to make our products part of daily life," Jimmy Chuang, Regional Product Manager, Garmin said. "We think music is going to be an important feature to have."

“Music can be a huge motivating component of any workout or activity, and we’re excited to give our customers the ability to ditch their phones and listen to their favourite songs right from their wrist,” said Engelhard Al Sundoro, MD, South East Asia, Garmin. “And with Garmin Pay, you can leave your wallet back at home, too, making it easier than ever to just get up and go.”

Featuring the same fitness, wellness and smart connectivity features first introduced on the vívoactive 3, the vívoactive 3 Music gives users on-device music storage of up to 500 songs, which can be transferred from a computer directly to the watch. Once the music is loaded, simply pair the vívoactive 3 Music with a set of compatible Bluetooth headphones (sold separately) and go.

With Elevate wrist-based heart rate³ monitoring and over 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps including yoga, running, strength training and more, the vívoactive 3 Music is packed with features. The always-on Garmin Chroma Display is easy to read even in direct sunlight.

Like all of Garmin’s wearables, it is safe for swimming and showering⁴ and has a battery life of up to seven days in smartwatch mode and five hours in GPS with music mode⁵.

Customisation has never been easier with thousands of watch faces, widgets, data fields and apps available to download from the Garmin Connect IQ store. Another useful feature is the AccuWeather MinuteCast app for weather forecasts.

The redesigned Garmin Connect tracks activity statistics. A day's totals can be easily compared to past results, with more detailed information a tap away. Activities and other stats are customised and filtered so that the user only sees what is most relevant to stated goals. Users can connect with others for mutual motivatation, join challenges, engage in competitions and score Garmin Connect badges when goals are reached.

Chuang positions the new smartwatch within the extended
Garmin vivo family.

Details:

The vívoactive 3 Music comes with a black silicone 20mm quick-release industry-standard band and has a suggested retail price of S$459. It is available at Advance Lap, Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman and all Garmin authorised retailers. In Singapore, Garmin already has a partnership with OCBC for contactless payments.

Accessory bands in different sizes are available for purchase separately.

Explore:

Watch the video introducing the Garmin vivoactive 3 Music

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the new new Garmin fēnix 5 Plus series

¹ May require premium subscription by a third-party music provider

² Available for supported cards from participating banks; only available at contactless payment-enabled terminals. View current supported country payment network and issuing bank information

³ See Garmin.com/ataccuracy

⁴ See Garmin.com/waterrating

⁵ Under typical use; battery life may vary depending on selected performance mode and usage

Garmin rolls out three fēnix 5 multisport GPS wearables

Source: Garmin. The fēnix 5 family of multisport GPS watches.

Garmin International has introduced the fēnix 5, fēnix 5S and fēnix 5X multisport GPS wearables, designed with adventurers of all sizes in mind.

All of the fēnix 5 models are 24x7 wearable with extended battery life, daily activity tracking*, Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology, and various connected features**. Measuring 47mm, the fēnix 5 is more compact than previous models like the fēnix 3HR, but is still packed with multisport features. The fēnix 5S is lighter, sleeker and smaller than previous models – perfect for small wrists without sacrificing multisport functionality, while the fēnix 5X boasts preloaded wrist-based mapping.

Additionally, fēnix 5S has been named a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree in the wearable technologies category. Products entered in this prestigious programme are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade media to honour outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories.

“After years in the wearables market, Garmin knows that athletes and adventurers come in all sizes, which is why we have designed the new line of fēnix 5 watches to fit every wrist and every workout,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “This is the first time Garmin has created a variety of sizes for one product so now users don't have to choose between getting the features they want and wearing a watch that fits.”

All of the new fēnix 5 models are available in a variety of colours and finishes with more accessory bands available (sold separately), which makes the new QuickFit bands a great addition. Users can mix and match between their choice of leather, metal or silicone watchbands and switch between them in seconds with no tools needed.

The first fēnix designed with a focus on female adventurers, the fēnix 5S is a sleek, smaller-sized watch. At 42mm, fēnix 5S is small and comfortable for petite wrists, without compromising any multisport features. The fēnix 5S is available in silver with either a white, turquoise or black silicone band with a mineral glass lens. The fēnix 5S Sapphire has a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and is available in black with a black band, champagne with a water resistant gray suede band or champagne with a metal band. The fēnix 5S Sapphire units also come with an extra silicone QuickFit band.

Preloaded with TOPO US mapping, routable cycling maps and other navigation features like Round Trip Run and Round Trip Ride, the fēnix 5X measures at 51mm. With these features, users can enter how far they’d like to run or ride, and their watch will suggest appropriate courses to choose from. Users can also get at-a-glance guidance from their fēnix 5X. During an activity, easy-to-read guidance cues for upcoming turns are displayed as banners on the watch so users are always aware of their route. Additionally, fēnix 5X users can use the Around Me map mode to see different points of interest, waypoints and other map objects within the user’s range to help users be more aware of their surroundings. Users can configure their fēnix 5X to see data overlays on mapping screens, and to see highlight key information without having to switch screens during an activity. The fēnix 5X is available with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens.

All of the new fēnix 5 models come preloaded with the full multisport toolset for running, hiking, swimming, biking and more that has made the fēnix line one of Garmin’s bestselling wearables. Whether users are on an adventure, or just in the gym, Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology gives users 24x7 heart rate monitoring without needing a chest strap. In addition to the wide variety of sport profiles, all three fēnix 5 models have daily activity tracking, so users can wear their fēnix as a daily timepiece and a rugged training tool. Built-in navigation features include a three-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter, as well as GPS and GLONASS support to track in more challenging environments than with GPS alone. Users can also keep their training stats right at their fingertips with a performance widget that shows training status, training load and more.

In addition to the multiport features, the fēnix 5, 5S and 5X boast a variety of connected features. When paired with a compatible smartphone, users can get call, text and email smart notifications from their wrists. All fēnix 5 models are compatible with Connect IQ so users can customise their watch with apps, widgets, data fields and watch faces. To take watch faces one step further, fēnix 5 watches are compatible with the Face It app, so users can set their favourite photo as their watch face. Sapphire models are Wi-Fi Enabled, so users can connect their watch to their home network for automatic uploads to Garmin Connect when within range.

Each of the new fēnix 5 models is water rated to 100m***, and is built to withstand the elements with a stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case:

• The fēnix 5 can get up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. 
• The fēnix 5X can get up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. 
• The fēnix 5S can get up to eight days in smartwartch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode****. 

Users can also take advantage of the UltraTrac power saver mode to extend battery life even more.

Interested?

The fēnix 5, 5S and 5x will be available in Q117. The fēnix 5 and fēnix 5S will have a suggested retail price of US$599.99 in the US; while the fēnix 5 Sapphire, fēnix 5S Sapphire and fēnix 5X will have a suggested retail price of US$699.99 in the US.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about the new Garmin portable navigation devices and what's new at the Connect IQ Store

Hashtag: CES2017

*See Garmin.com/ataccuracy for more details.
 
**When paired with compatible smartphone. See Garmin.com/ble for more details.

***See Garmin.com/waterrating for more details.

****Depending on settings.

More ways to personalise Garmin wearables at the Connect IQ Store

Garmin International has announced several new apps, data fields and watch faces available for Garmin users to download from its Connect IQ Store from companies including Uber, Trek, GU and Nuun.

Connect IQ, an open platform for third-party developers to create content for Garmin wearables, bike computers and outdoor handhelds, lets users customise their Garmin device to reflect their unique personalities and needs. Since its inception just two years ago, there have been more than 20 million Connect IQ downloads to the more than 3 million compatible devices that have shipped around the world.

“Connect IQ is a pillar of the Garmin wearables strategy which is centred on purpose-built devices for consumers who want to measure and enhance their active lifestyle pursuits, whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, golfing, boating, walking or simply being more active,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “Just as each Garmin user is unique, so are all of the downloads available through Connect IQ. We’re excited to launch these new apps as we continue to integrate data from brands and developers and grow the Connect IQ store to make customising your Garmin device both useful and fun.”

One of the newest applications for Connect IQ is Uber ETA. Once a user has ordered a ride from the Uber app, Uber ETA will show the estimated time of the driver’s arrival directly on the Garmin wearable. Instead of going back and forth to the phone to see the status of the ride or key information about the driver, Uber ETA lets the user keep doing whatever they need to do while keeping track of their ride’s arrival on their wrist. Uber ETA will also provide the driver’s name, make and model of the car, license plate and guidance (direction and distance) to the pickup location.

Connect IQ downloads are also available for Garmin Edge GPS bike computers, including a new data field from Trek/Bontrager. Committed to cycling safety, the Connect IQ app from Garmin and Trek/Bontrager makes it easy for cyclists to get quick access to and control of their Bontrager headlights and tail lights without leaving the Edge activity during their ride. Cyclists see the battery level of multiple lights and control the light setting for each across automatic, daylight, nighttime and more.

Other new Connect IQ applications include a GU Energy Labs data field that reminds the cyclist Garmin Edge device when it’s time to fuel with GU Energy Gels while training and racing, as well as helping the athlete keep track of how many gels they should have eaten for optimal performance. Nuun Active Hydration users now have a new custom watch face to help them keep track of their step progress.

Garmin users will also benefit from other recently-released Connect IQ applications, including a widget from JOIN for cyclists that makes it easier to take part in group rides. In addition, various data fields are also available from Xert Advanced Power Analytics, including Maximal Power Available, Time to Exhaustion/Recovery, Fat/Carb Utilization, Strain Score and more. For runners, the Stryd IQ app displays data from a Stryd foot-mounted power meter onto a Garmin wearable to help improve running efficiency and longevity.

The Strava Live Suffer Score app is also available for both Garmin bike computers and wearables, analysing how much time the user spends in different heart rate zones, and measuring total activity effort with a simple rating. Also available for both wearables and bike computers, an update to the AccuWeather Edge MinuteCast Minute-by-Minute app that provides user with the most accurate hyper-local, by-the-minute precipitation forecasts for their active lifestyle. 

Interested?

Connect IQ is available on a wide range of Garmin products across of all of the markets the company serves, and each app, widget, watch face and data field can be downloaded at no charge to the user. The Connect IQ Store can be found at apps.garmin.com or in the device tab of Garmin Connect. It can also be found in the device page of Garmin Express, or the More section of Garmin Connect Mobile

Local availability and pricing will be announced on a later date

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about Garmin's versatile new multisport wearables and about Garmin's live services for its Drive models

Hashtag: #CES2017

Garmin adds free live services to 2017 Garmin Drive models

Garmin International has updated the Garmin Drive product line with portable navigation devices (PNDs) that now offer free live services*, providing the freshest, most updated content with industry-leading driver alerts to increase situational awareness and encourage safer driving. The announcement reaffirms the company’s commitment to refine and modernise PNDs with enhancements to its four models: Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart, Garmin DriveAssist, and Garmin DriveLuxe.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 offers versatile driver alerts, while the Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 adds smart connected features. Customers looking to record their drive can consider the camera-assisted Garmin DriveAssist 51, while the premium Garmin DriveLuxe 51 features a sleek metal casing. 

“Thanks to the enhanced feature set of our 2017 Drive navigators, it’s easy to see how consumers can benefit and rely on them every time they step in their vehicles,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “Free live parking and traffic, plus new travel information lets drivers enjoy the actual ride and save precious time when heading to work, driving on family road trips, or running errands.”

Like their predecessors, the new Garmin Drive navigators boast a number of driver alerts. These include warnings for upcoming sharp curves, railroad or animal crossings, alerts for users driving the wrong way on a one-way street and more. Drivers also receive alerts for red light cameras**, speed cameras and more. Garmin Real Directions simplifies navigation by guiding drivers using recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 adds free real-time services, such as live traffic* for select models when wirelessly paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. After pairing to a smartphone, drivers can also enjoy live parking* information from Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. Parkopedia provides pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking as drivers approach a destination. Other real-time services such as LiveTrack* allow drivers to share their location with friends. Preloaded TripAdvisor data comes with all 2017 Drive models so drivers can see ratings for popular travel points of interest, such as hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 boasts all of the features from the entry-level Garmin Drive models, and adds built-in Wi-Fi for easy map and software updates when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Customers can choose from a 5" model or the new 6.95" edge-to-edge touchscreen that offers a high-resolution, easy-to-read display. Keeping drivers connected is an essential asset of the Garmin DriveSmart series and is done through hands-free Bluetooth calling***, voice-activated navigation, and smartphone pairing to receive text messages and app alerts right on the navigation display*. 

The 2017 Garmin DriveSmart models can be paired with a Connect IQ-compatible Garmin smartwatch such as the new fēnix***** (sold separately) to provide compass guidance from a parked vehicle to a destination and back to the parked vehicle again.

Garmin DriveAssist 51 builds on the Garmin DriveSmart feature set and adds a built-in dash cam**** with audio recording to continually record and save video footage on impact with the included microSD card. The integrated camera enhances advanced driver awareness alerts such as Forward Collision***** and Lane Departure Warnings*****. 

To take some of the guesswork out of navigating to new address locations, Garmin Real Vision shows a live camera view on the display with an arrow pointing out the specific destination. The “Go” Alert notifies distracted drivers when standstill traffic ahead of their vehicle begins to move. Garmin DriveAssist has the added benefit of being a personal companion if users encounter an incident during a drive. This model can send an automatic text**** to a friend and provide them with the vehicle’s location. Additionally, the navigator’s Travelapse feature can turn long hours of driving footage into a short video recap of the adventure. By downloading the free Garmin VIRB app, drivers can create Travelapse videos and share them on social media.

The stylish Garmin DriveLuxe 51 is a premium navigator that includes the full feature set offered in the Garmin DriveSmart series, framed in metal. This navigator is secured with a powered magnetic mount to convenient stowage.

Interested?

The Garmin Drive lineup has models with various map regions, display sizes, and navigation features. Local availability and pricing will be announced on a later date. Suggested retail prices for the US range from US$149.99 to US$329.99. The Garmin Drive product line is expected to be available in February of 2017 in the US.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about new apps at the Garmin Connect IQ Store and about Garmin's three multisport GPS wearables

Hashtag: #CES2017

*To receive live services and smart notifications on your navigator, you must download the free Smartphone Link app. User’s data plan charges, if any, will apply. Contact your mobile service provider for more information about your service plan’s data and roaming rates. Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

**Red light and speed camera warnings may not be available in your region.

***Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

****Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of the dash cam feature. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use Garmin DriveAssist.

*****Certain conditions may impair the warning function. Visit Garmin.com/warnings for details.

AccuWeather MinuteCast is available on the Garmin vivoactive HR smartwatch

AccuWeather, the global provider of weather information and digital media, today announced AccuWeather MinuteCast, which is currently available on Garmin devices such as the Forerunner and fēnix running and training watches, is also available on the newly launched Garmin vivoactive HR smartwatch.

The Garmin vivoactive HR, a GPS smartwatch with wrist heart rate technology, enables users to measure the intensity of activity, monitor progress, and keep track of activity throughout the day by way of monitoring sleep, floors climbed, steps taken, and much more. Active users also have the ability to easily access AccuWeather’s MinuteCast on their smartwatch, providing them with the most accurate minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts for the next two hours, specific to their exact street address or GPS location. 

“AccuWeather is pleased to partner with Garmin on another ground-breaking addition to their wearables lineup,” said Steven Smith, President of Digital Media at AccuWeather. “Making it fast and easy for active Garmin users to access unique hyper local, minute-by-minute forecasts on their smartwatch with AccuWeather MinuteCast enables them to make informed decisions on the go while running, biking, skiing, and more.”

Interested?

In Asia, the patented AccuWeather MinuteCast is available to people living and travelling in Japan. 

The AccuWeather MinuteCast widget is available for free in the Garmin Connect IQ store

Hashtag: #MWC16