Garmin’s New Fenix 8 May Be the Ultimate Running Watch
Just when you thought that Garmin’s Fenix 7 had everything you ever needed from a running watch, in comes the new Fenix 8. With additional features and worthy upgrades on Fenix 7 functions, the Fenix 8 is the ultimate do-it-all-and-more smart watch.
What’s In a Voice
The most notable change is the new built-in speaker and microphone that adds a fun element to workouts and music. The speaker quality was decent and more significantly audible than expected. But the real value in this new functionality is the voice commands: “What is my heart rate?” will take you to the information immediately without any button pressing while “Start a run” triggers the watch to begin a workout. It’s addictive and enhances usability immensely.
The Fenix 8 also retains the watch torch light that proved so popular on the Fenix 7. It’s ideal when you’re trying to locate your socks in the dark recesses of your tog bag or, find your way to the bathroom when you’ve got to ‘go’ in the early hours. A function, trail legend and Garmin ambassador Ryan Sandes says has significantly improved his ‘aim’. Setting the light to strobe, and leaving it on for a run in the dark, will make you more visible too.
Screen Magic
The AMOLED screen, or Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a welcome inclusion to many of the Garmin running watches. This backscreen lighting tech enhances the display screen which both elevates the visual aesthetic of the watch but also makes it easier to see information at a quick glance while on the run. You can also increase the character or font size of the display information while there are also three screen size options – 51, 47 and 43mm – for different size wrists.
Multifunction Heaven
The list of performance features takes you down a tech lover’s rabbit hole of dreams. Here’s some of the most notable.
Endurance Score Using your VO2 max, training loads and other factors, this feature helps gauge your ability to sustain prolonged effort.
Visual Race Predictor Get an estimate of what your pace could be for a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon.
PACEPRO™Technology Plan your race-day strategy with GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance.
ClimbPro See real-time information on your current and upcoming climbs on downloaded courses.
Grade-Adjusted Pace Get your equivalent running pace at the same effort on flat ground or when ascending.
Training Status Get insight, and know whether you’re training productively, peaking or strained.
Hill Score Measure your capability for running uphill, and evaluate your progress over time based on your VO2 max and training history.
Sleep Coach Get a sleep score and personalised coaching for how much sleep you need. Track sleep stages, and get insights to improve sleep quality.
Hydration Tracking Log your daily fluid intake as a reminder to stay hydrated.
GPS The GPS technology provides the most comprehensive functionality there is in a smartwatch today. It’s ideal for those going big on adventure and want as many tools at their disopsal as possible.
SATIQ™ Technology Get superior positioning accuracy with multi-band GPS while optimising battery life.
Multicontent Topography Maps Download TopoActive maps from around the world via Wi-Fi®connectivity. Easily load and update maps without using a computer.
NEXTFORK™ Map Guide Navigate with a glance and see the distance to the next intersection and the trail name.
Up Ahead Feature Get at-a-glance awareness for selected POI checkpoints ahead — such as aid stations — during a race.
Courses With Turn-By-Turn Directions Create or find existing courses in the Garmin Connect™ smart-device app, or sync from your favourite third-party platforms and get turn-by-turn directions.
Despite the high energy cost of this super watch, battery is massively impressive and can last up to 29 days. So if you’re going away for a weekend you don’t need to worry about taking a charger.
The community of users is great too. Once you have this incredible watch you can get onto social media to see what everyone else is doing with their Fenix 8 to get the most out of yours. It’s an iconic piece in the extensive Garmin range and there are variants within the model range. You can see them all on the link below.
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