Staying connected, informed and safe — regardless of geographical location — has become an essential and expected part of our lives. So, what makes inReach satellite communicators stand out? Below are some of the top reasons why it’s advantageous to have an inReach handheld available¹.

Connection to the only satellite network with global coverage

The Iridium^® satellite network, one of the world’s largest commercial satellite constellations, is the system that allows inReach handhelds to work globally. Unlike Garmin smartwatches with built-in inReach capabilities, the Iridium network system in handhelds uses low-orbit satellites that enable inReach satellite communicators to relay messages, provide weather forecasts, navigate, and trigger SOS alerts — even when you and your handheld are well out of range of cellular coverage. Plus, the multidirectional, purpose-built antennas in inReach handhelds are designed to establish a reliable connection, which can be especially important in an emergency.

Interactive SOS

With an inReach handheld and an active subscription, you can trigger an SOS message and connect directly to the Garmin Response^SM team. When an SOS alert is received, team members pinpoint the incident location. Then, via two-way messaging, team members gather information from the user, coordinate the rescue response and connect with emergency contacts.

Internal emergency response coordination

A unique part of the inReach experience is that SOS activations are managed by the Garmin in-house incident response coordination center, Garmin Response. Operating since 2007, the center is staffed by trained professionals who use proprietary emergency handling software to manage each SOS alert and work with a private global database of local first responders.

Optional search and rescue insurance

The last things anyone wants to consider while recreating are the “what ifs.” To help alleviate those worries, Garmin offers its own search and rescue (SAR) insurance plans for select regions. With an inReach handheld and active subscription plan, you can choose from one of three SAR plans that provide financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue-related expenses incurred during a rescue.

Three messaging types to stay connected to friends and family

inReach handhelds are often thought of for navigation or SOS use. However, they are also satellite texting devices that offer flexible messaging options to help you stay connected to loved ones, even if it’s a simple “I’m OK” update. Using the global coverage of the Iridium satellite network, inReach handhelds can send messages to cellphone numbers, email addresses or other inReach handhelds.

Send photos and voice messages with inReach Plus technology

When used with the Garmin Messenger app, handhelds with inReach Plus technology, like GPSMAP® H1i Plus and inReach® Mini 3 Plus, have a built-in speaker and microphone for exchanging voice messages and can send and receive photos² — no cell coverage needed.

Other valuable inReach handheld functions

Battery life: With the battery life of select inReach models lasting up to 30 days, you can stay on adventures longer. Check the specs section on each inReach handheld’s product page for detailed battery life information.

Rugged construction: inReach handhelds are tough, durable, and impact-resistant, with select models water-rated to IPX7. The manual SOS button is designed to work in wet and cold conditions, as proven by this SOS rescue.

inReach to compatible device pairing: Certain inReach handhelds (inReach^® Mini and newer) can be paired with compatible Garmin devices (watches, cycling computers, chartplotters, etc.) to control inReach functionalities, including SOS, from the paired device.

LiveTrack: Give peace of mind to loved ones by using the tracking feature to share your location at specified intervals, either on your personal tracking page or embedded into messages (active inReach plan required).

Weather forecasts: An active subscription and connection to the Iridium satellite network allow you to get detailed weather forecasts for your current location or other destinations on your route from your inReach handheld, helping you to make better decisions about your adventure. This feature has helped users make informed decisions in many extreme weather situations.

inReach handhelds deliver a lot of powerful features and functionalities. Find out which device is right for you based on your favorite activities.

¹_{Active plan required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.}

²_{Photo and voice messaging requires use of the Garmin Messenger app on your paired smartphone}

The post What’s different about inReach handhelds? appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Studies show that tracking your food makes you more likely to achieve your ideal body composition. With Garmin Nutrition, it’s easier than ever to track your diet so you can reach your health goals, whatever they may be.

Trying to build healthy habits? Maintain a healthy lifestyle? Up your protein intake? No matter your goal, Garmin is here to help.

We’ll break down what Garmin Nutrition offers, what the key elements are and how you can set up your goals.

What nutrition tools does Garmin have?

Garmin offers a comprehensive nutrition tracking solution that allows users with a Garmin Connect+ plan to track their calories, macros, micros and other nutrients through logged foods, recipes and meals. Bringing nutrition, fitness and health data together in one place, users track their nutrition in the Garmin Connect app.

You can view and track food, calories, macronutrients and micronutrients and other nutrients, like added sugar and saturated fat, on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis in the Garmin Connect app as well as daily and weekly on a compatible Garmin smartwatch. Plus, users can scan and log food in Garmin Connect using the camera on their compatible smartphone.

What are the key elements of Garmin Nutrition?

So, what all do you get when tracking your food with Garmin? In addition to tracking macro (protein, carbs and fats), micro (calcium and iron) and other nutrients (added sugar, saturated fat and more), you can log up to 6 meal windows plus snacks. To manage calories, see and track calories burned and consumed all in one place.

You’ve got 6 options for logging food:

• Use the camera on your compatible smartphone for AI-powered image recognition.
• Voice log in Garmin Connect using your smartphone microphone.
• Use voice commands to open nutrition on select Garmin smartwatches.
• Search for food items using a global database that includes packaged, restaurant and regional food options.
• Add custom foods and recipes to log homemade meals.
• Scan product bar codes.

Garmin Nutrition provides personalized calorie and macronutrient recommendations based on your height, weight, gender and either your activity level or average active calories. Want to change the recommendations?  Simply customize your targets based on your health goals.

Active Intelligence insights powered by AI help you better understand the impact of your nutrition intake on health and training. For example, if you had a late-night snack, you may receive insights on how it affected your sleep quality, along with insights to encourage you to switch up those habits. When you add nutrition details to the Garmin Connect+ performance dashboard, you can see how consumed calories and macros affect training and performance.

On a compatible Garmin smartwatch, you can even see a quick overview of your nutrition and track your favorite and recently logged foods.

How does nutrition tracking with Garmin work?

First, ensure you have a Garmin Connect+ plan and open the Garmin Connect app. Go to More and select Nutrition. There, you’ll see nutrition, hydration and calories burned. Choose Nutrition, then Get started.

Before choosing what nutrients you want to track, select one of four goals: maintain weight, lose weight, gain weight, or no goal. Then, confirm your personal details (gender, birth date and height). You’ll set your current weight and your goal weight.

After answering a few questions, choose up to 3 total nutrients to track and get personalized calorie, macro, micro and other nutrient recommendations to help you reach your goals.

For weight loss and weight gain, for example, you’ll then review your target weekly weight change. You can adjust this goal, along with your activity level and daily calorie goal. You’ll see a target date as well. You’ll also see your recommended macro and other nutrient intake goals, including protein, fat and carbs.

For weight maintenance, you’ll be able to review your activity level and daily calorie goal and see the same breakdown of macronutrients.

Then, hit Finish setup.

Ready to start tracking your nutrition? Shop compatible Garmin smartwatches and get a free 30-day trial if you’re a first-time Garmin Connect+ plan user.

The post How can you track your nutrition with Garmin? appeared first on Garmin Stories.

As a pro golfer or golf enthusiast who swings a full 18, having the right equipment is important. Improving on and off the course starts with the latest and greatest smartwatch, and that smartwatch just so happens to be Approach® S72.

Before making the leap from your current golf watch to Approach S72, you’re probably curious what new golf, health and fitness features you’ll be able to take advantage of.

If that’s you, let’s break down how Approach S72 compares to Approach® S70.  

1. Advanced golf features

With Approach S70 on your wrist, you’ve probably hit the fairway on many of the 43,000 preloaded golf courses. You’ve also enjoyed premium golf features like PlaysLike Distance and virtual caddie to better understand the fairway and pick the right club.

If you enjoyed those features, Approach S72 welcomes those along with a host of new premium golf features including swing metrics, golf biometric data¹, green reading² on select courses and more.

Swing metrics

Seeing swing metrics on your watch is like watching film, but in real time. Review your swing in the middle of a round or range session to see details like hand speed, backswing length, wrist rotation and more from your wrist. To get a more detailed look into your swing, you can find your metrics saved in the Garmin Golf app.

Here’s how you can use a few of these metrics to learn more about your swing:

• Understanding your hand speed helps you improve your downswing. Use this feature to see how fast you’re moving before making contact with the ball.
• As you go for each shot, your backswing length is measured by the movement of your wrist from the moment you’re in address position to the moment you swing your club to the top. This is especially helpful when you’re dialing in half swings and wedge shots. Use this feature to build the consistency needed to control distance as well as your confidence around the green.
• To aim for a consistent swing, take a look at your wrist rotation metrics. Wrist rotation is measured and can give you an idea if you might be pulling or pushing the ball. Too much rotation can cause you to pull the ball while too little can cause you to push.

Golf biometric data

Preshot jitters are real. Use your Garmin smartwatch to monitor how your heart rate fluctuates as you step up to the tee to the moment you complete a swing¹. To view your current heart rate, average heart rate per hole and number of shots in each heart rate zone, simply take a look at your Approach S72 smartwatch.  

Postround, you can see a heart rate graph for the entire round and draw conclusions about how heart rate may have impacted your game. Dive deeper and see what your heart rate was at each hole.

Green reading

If you’ve been using green contour data to improve your putting game, you’ll appreciate the green reading feature on Approach S72.

When you have a Garmin Golf membership, use the green reading feature to better understand green contour data on select courses. Walk to the pin and mark the flag on your smartwatch. When you get back to your ball, use Approach S72 to see what direction your putt might break and what the average slope percentage is. Determining your aim point has never been easier.

2. Design and functionality 

Approach S70 has an AMOLED display making it easy to see in bright sunlight. Its lightweight build and ceramic bezel have also made it a practical addition to your everyday style.

Approach S72 adds to the AMOLED display with a watch that is more comfortable, stylish and durable. This Approach smartwatch comes with a ComfortFit band in various styles and sizes, fit for every wrist. Featuring a titanium bezel and sapphire lens, Approach S72 can endure long days spent on the course and tough adventures off the course. Speaking of long days, count on the battery life to last up to 20 hours on the course or up to 16 days in smartwatch mode on the 47 mm size. Get up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in golf activity mode on the 43 mm size.

New additions, like the built-in flashlight and speaker and microphone, come in handy for late-night scrambles, communicating with friends and family from your wrist with a connected smartphone, and controlling watch functions through voice commands.

3. Health and fitness features

There’s more than meets the eye with this golf watch. Not only can you use it on the green, but off the green you’ll get health and fitness features to help you reach peak performance.  

Approach S72 comes with a suite of activities that can be tracked from the wrist. Approach S70 let you track over 40 activities, but when you upgrade to Approach S72, track over 100 activities. Golfers can work on improving their swing by leveraging fitness features focused on building strength and mobility.

Plus, Approach S72 users can monitor various health and wellness metrics including sleep alignment, health status, smart wake alarm and breathing variations³. For more heart-related data, the ECG app is also available⁴.

Get insights on and off the green with Approach S72. Upgrade today and browse our full collection of golf electronics.

¹_{See Garmin.com/ataccuracy}

²_{Requires an active Garmin Golf membership}

³_{This is not a medical device and is not intended for diagnosing or monitoring any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox is required and not available in all countries.}

⁴_{The ECG app is only available on select Garmin smartwatches with the latest version of the Garmin Connect smartphone app and watch software. The ECG app is not available in all regions; see Garmin.com/ecg for availability. The ECG app is only intended for adults aged 22 years and over. The ECG app is capable of recording an ECG similar to a Lead I ECG and detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation or normal sinus rhythm.}

The post The difference between Approach S72 and S70 golf watches appeared first on Garmin Stories.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’ve been asking yourself for a while: Which Garmin watch should I get?

The answer depends on how you’re planning on using it. But luckily for you, whether you’re looking for a smartwatch with essential wellness tracking features, advanced running metrics, rich mapping details for your outdoor adventures, premium golf features or even a smartwatch with SOS messaging¹, you’ll find what you need with Garmin.

That said, we know we have a lot of options. If you can’t decide which Garmin watch is best for you, look no further. We’re going to explain each of our watch options.

Perfect for essential wellness tracking

Lily^® 2 Active: This small and stylish smartwatch has a metal case with a hidden display (just tap it to reveal the bright display) and essential wellness features — including heart rate, Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking and women’s health features — to give you a more complete picture of your health².

• Battery life: Up to 9 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 38 mm
• Display type: Liquid crystal hidden behind a patterned lens that blends in with the watch colors

Perfect for wellness tracking and hitting the gym

vívoactive^® 6: This smartwatch offers a bright AMOLED display and a variety of health and fitness features — so you can monitor your health in and out of the gym. vívoactive 6 includes more than 80 preloaded sports apps so you can stay on top of your fitness. You can also use Garmin Coach running and strength training plans — some of which adapt based on performance, recovery and health metrics.

• Battery life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 42 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for tracking your wellness, workouts and fitness metrics

Venu^® 4: With detailed health and fitness insights, the ECG app³, a bright AMOLED display, a built-in speaker and microphone (to make and take calls from the watch when paired with a smartphone and connected to the phone’s voice assistant), Garmin Coach and dozens of sports apps, Venu 4 is ready to help you serve looks — or serve on the pickleball court. Plus, light your way with the built-in LED flashlight. The advanced health and fitness features — including skin temperature tracking² for more accurate period predictions and past ovulation estimates⁴ — can help you better understand your body and make healthier decisions. It also offers a sophisticated metal design and two size options.

• Battery life: Up to 12 days on the 45 mm size in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 41 mm or 45 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for wellness-minded runners, multisport athletes and gym rats

Venu X1: This premium GPS smartwatch features an easy-to-read 2” AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens — and our thinnest watch case. Venu X1 offers detailed health and fitness insights as well as advanced running features and mapping. It includes a built-in LED flashlight as well as a built-in speaker and microphone. Whether you’re training with Garmin Coach, recovering on off days or navigating a new running route, you can trust Venu X1.

• Battery life: Up to 8 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 41 x 46 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for new runners

Forerunner 70/Forerunner 170 Music: When you’re getting started as a runner, you need a watch with essential training features to cross the finish line. That’s where the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 Music come into play. Along with built-in GPS for time, distance and pace, long battery life, sleep monitoring and wrist-based heart rate², these Forerunners curate daily suggested workouts that match performance and recovery after every run. Plus, take advantage of beginner-friendly Garmin Coach training plans with run-walk workouts in the Garmin Connect app. If you want to quickly set up a running workout based on your available training time and desired intensity level, the quick workout feature will create a workout for you.

When you have the Forerunner 170 music, download your favorite songs, podcasts and more to listen with your wireless headphones from your watch (subscription may be required). If you need to refuel, stop for a mid-run snack, water or gel, and use Garmin Pay contactless payments to pay from your wrist⁵.

It’s time to sign up for that 5K when you have a Foreunner 70 or 170 Music on your wrist.

• Battery life: Forerunner 70 up to 13 days and Forerunner 170 Music up to 10 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 43 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for advanced runners

Forerunner 570: Let’s up your running game. You need training status, training readiness, multi-band GPS support and adaptive training plans from Garmin Run Coach. Forerunner 570 includes a built-in speaker and microphone, an aluminum bezel and advanced running features.

• Battery life: Up to 11 days on the 47 mm size
• Case size: 42 mm or 47 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for runners and multisport athletes who want a premium watch

Forerunner 970: With a sapphire crystal lens, titanium bezel and longer battery life for intense training, Forerunner 970 is ready for your next long run or bike ride. Train for your next race — whether that’s a marathon, half-marathon or even triathlon — or improve your fitness with adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach. It also adds a wealth of advanced running features, such as running tolerance, which can recommend weekly maximum mileage. When you also train with your heart rate monitor such as HRM 600, the running economy feature will show your overall energy efficiency while running. This feature also includes data such as step speed loss, which shows how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground. There is a built-in LED flashlight, speaker and microphone, and more upgrades to help you take your sport to the next level. (You can compare all of our running smartwatches here).

• Battery life: Up to 15 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 47 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for multisport athletes who love outdoor adventures

fēnix 9: This is our premium GPS multisport smartwatch. The purpose-built design includes a dive-rated build with leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard, a titanium bezel, a built-in LED flashlight, and speaker and microphone. You’ll get all the health and wellness monitoring features you already love as well as premium training, planning and analysis features for athletes and extreme adventurers. Plus, multiday activities can be tracked as a single experience using Garmin Epic. The fēnix 9 Series also offers an extra bright AMOLED display.

• Battery life: Up to 29 days in smartwatch mode on the 51 mm size
• Case size: 43 mm, 47 mm and 51 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for athletes and explorers who want to stay connected on the go

fēnix 9 Pro: This smartwatch with a sleek, lightweight and durable design features a titanium bezel and case. Pro users can also choose between the extremely bright AMOLED display or solar charging MIP display. When in areas with limited to no cell service, fenix 9 Pro users with SOS receive inReach® connectivity for satellite and cellular coverage¹ in all 3 case sizes. That way, you can communicate with those back home or trigger an SOS message to Garmin Response℠, our 24/7-staffed international emergency coordination center, to get connected with help if you need it. Elite athletes and outdoor enthusiasts will also have access to advanced fitness features, training stats and more from the wrist and in Garmin Connect. Learn more about fēnix 9 series smartwatches.

• Battery life: Up to 31 days in smartwatch mode on the AMOLED 51 mm size or up to 57 days with solar charging on the 51 mm size
• Case size: 43 mm, 47 mm and 51 mm
• Display type: AMOLED or solar charging with a sunlight-readability, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display

Perfect for runners who want the ultimate endurance watch

Enduro 4: Built for ultramarathoners, endurance athletes and trail runners, Enduro 4 is the high-performing GPS smartwatch you’ve been looking for. Enduro 4 includes an LED flashlight and routable maps with up to 30% faster panning than the previous version so you can quickly load trail data. Track over 100 activities and start an Epic to combine multiple days of activity into a single experience. As you conquer various terrains, grade-adjusted features help you manage your effort and provide pace overviews. To build upon your training efforts, use stamina metrics and advanced rowing and rucking features.

• Battery life: Up to 320 hours in activity mode⁷ with solar charging or up to 90 days in smartwatch mode⁶
• Case size: 51 mm
• Display type: Sunlight-readability, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display

Perfect for outdoor adventurers who want a rugged watch

Instinct^® 3: With a metal-reinforced bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case and a scratch-resistant display for extreme durability, Instinct 3 is purpose-built for adventurers who love enjoying the great outdoors. It also features a built-in LED flashlight, multiple sizes and a solar option that can bring you up to unlimited battery life⁶. Plus, you can get this watch packed with tactical features, including night vision capability, rucking activity, stealth mode (which collects distances and biometrics without recording location data), projected waypoints and many more.

• Battery life: Up to 24 days in smartwatch mode on the 50 mm size or up to unlimited battery life with solar charging⁶
• Case size: 45 mm and 50 mm
• Display type: AMOLED or a solar charging, monochrome, sunlight- readability and transflective MIP display

Perfect for those who need a tactical watch built for the mission

tactix® 8: This next-gen tactical smartwatch offers leakproof buttons, a sensor guard, a titanium bezel and a scratch-resistant sapphire lens for extreme durability. tactix 8 features a built-in LED flashlight with a white (disabled in night vision mode) or green beam (which becomes dimmable in night vision mode). It also includes tactical features such as rucking, jumpmaster activity, waypoint project, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, kill switch, Applied Ballistics^® solver, compatibility with night vision goggles, a dedicated tactical activity and more.

• Battery life: Up to 29 days in smartwatch mode on the 51 mm size or up to 48 days with solar charging⁶
• Case size: 47 mm or 51 mm
• Display type: AMOLED or solar charging with a sunlight-readable, transflective MIP display

Perfect for golfers looking for essentials

Approach S44: You’ll get all the golfing essentials — and then some — with the Approach S44 GPS golf smartwatch, including the green view feature to see each green’s shape from anywhere on the course and AutoShot game tracking to automatically track where your shots land⁹. Plus, with a Garmin Golf membership, you can get premium features such as Premium CourseView maps, touch targeting and green contour data.

• Battery life: Up to 15 hours in GPS mode
• Case size: 43 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for on and off the golf course

Approach S50: This advanced GPS smartwatch helps you easily see key yardages to the green, hazards and layups on more than 43,000 courses. Thanks to the PlaysLike Distance feature, you can see how far each shot is playing with yardage adjusted for elevation changes. (Don’t forget to add on a Garmin Golf membership for access to even more features). You’ll also get essential health and wellness features as well as preloaded activities to help you improve your strength and mobility.

• Battery life: Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode
• Case size: 43 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Perfect for golfers who want premium features

Approach S72: This premium GPS golf smartwatch comes in two sizes and ComfortFit fabric band that won’t interfere with your swing. It also includes a built-in LED flashlight and speaker and microphone. Golfers will have everything they need to improve on and off the course thanks to advanced swing metrics, the virtual caddie feature (which includes a dispersion chart that displays hazards in play, depending on club choice), enhanced PlaysLike Distance (which accounts for changes in elevation and environmental conditions), club suggestions based on performance and wind⁹, and preloaded fitness apps for strength, running and more. Beyond the fairways, use this golf smartwatch to track over 100 other activities and view various health and wellness metrics. (Need to dive deeper on our golf watches? Learn more about your golf smartwatch options).

• Battery life: Up to 20 hours on the course and up to 16 days with GPS turned off on the 47 mm size
• Case size: 43 mm or 47 mm
• Display type: AMOLED

Now that you’ve got a better idea of our options, it’s time to choose which Garmin watch is best for your needs. You can browse our full selection of smartwatches.

¹ _{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/fenix9profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use..}

²_{See Garmin.com/ataccuracy}

³_{The ECG app is only available on select Garmin smartwatches with the latest version of the Garmin Connect smartphone app and watch software. The ECG app is not available in all regions; see Garmin.com/ecg for availability. The ECG app is only intended for adults aged 22 years and over. The ECG app is capable of recording an ECG similar to a Lead I ECG and detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation or normal sinus rhythm.}

⁴_{The menstrual cycle tracking feature should not be used in support of conception, contraception or birth control. This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition.}

⁵_{View current supported country, payment network and issuing bank information}

⁶_{Assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions}

⁷_{Assumes continuous use for entire period in 50,000 lux conditions}

⁸_{Lie and ball contact may affect shot tracking. Putts are not tracked. Some shots, particularly chip shots around the green, may not be tracked.}

⁹_{When paired with your smartphone}

The post Which Garmin smartwatch is right for me? appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Your sailboat is an investment that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. With the right marine equipment, you can simplify navigation and improve your performance while also having more peace of mind.  

Even if you’re a captain who doesn’t want an overcomplicated setup, adding one or two quality marine electronics can significantly improve and optimize your time on the water.

What sailing products are right for me?

When it’s time to equip your boat for comfort, safety or compliance, you have endless options. Our Marine System Builder can help you get started. If you’re overwhelmed with options, the following products are a great start:

GMI 40 wireless sail pack – 43 mm

Get the data you need to help you sail with efficiency and ease. This complete package is a sailor’s dream, combining multiple core components for detailed, real-time wind, speed, depth, heading insights and more. Included are two GMI 40 touchscreen marine instruments, the gWind Wireless 2 and GDT 43/GST 43  transducers.

Reactor 40 sail corepack with SmartDrive and Display

No matter the conditions, this autopilot corepack is designed to help you navigate with ease. The first sailboat autopilot with a brushless linear actuator, built-in ECU and rudder feedback sensor, SmartDrive is built with performance and durability in mind. SmartDrive delivers up to 1,050 lbs of maximum thrust and reacts quickly to water conditions when pitching and rolling. Fit for your sailboat or catamaran up to 45′ or 33,000 lbs displacement, count on this bundle for the long haul.

GPSMAP® series chartplotter

A powerful chartplotter helps you navigate so you can sail with confidence. Optional, built-in Garmin Navionics®+ or Navionics Vision+ charts can be viewed on your chartplotter. Whether you want to plot waypoints or stay clear of depths that make it hard to sail, use your nautical charts to help prepare before or during your journey. Plus, integrate your chartplotter with other equipment onboard for a seamless experience thanks to NMEA 2000® and Garmin BlueNet networking.

GPSMAP 86sci

This handheld marine GPS provides everything you need for a safe day out on the water. With its built-in inReach® satellite communicator¹, it also acts as an emergency beacon. Install it at your helm or take it with you to a different boat for portable marine navigation, made easy.

Garmin Signal VHF 400 marine radio

A marine radio is an important communication and safety-enhancing electronic every sailboat should have — and this one transmits and receives AIS data with the help of the built-in AIS transponder for enhanced situational awareness and collision avoidance. View the vessel name, position, course and speed of nearby boaters.

GMR xHD3 radar

For enhanced situational awareness on the water, a Garmin radar helps you avoid potential hazards and provides insights on changing conditions. Easily spot moving targets and objects thanks to sea filters, auto gain features and more.

Garmin SailAssist sailing features

Garmin chartplotters are built with sailing-specific features to help you captain your boat.

Sailing polars

Should you bear off or trim the jib? Polar tables will take the guesswork out of trimming the sails and provide target boat speed and target wind angles unique to your boat, so you can always see how fast you should be sailing.

Data filtering

Thanks to customizable data-filtering capabilities, you can set the system up exactly how you want to filter values for wind speed, drift and wind angle for easy interpretation.

Looking for more SailAssist features? View laylines, race start guidance, enhanced wind rose, heading and course-over-ground lines, true wind data fields and tide/current/time slider, wind angle, set and drift, wind speed, polars and more on compatible Garmin marine electronics.

Sail while prepared to protect your investment for years to come. Enjoy peace of mind aboard your boat with Garmin sailing electronics at the helm.

_{¹Active plan required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.}

The post What marine electronics do I need for my sailboat? appeared first on Garmin Stories.

From hiking alpine trails to paddling remote rivers, one thing remains essential to recreators: staying connected when it counts. Since 2011, Garmin devices with inReach® connectivity have been trusted tools for those who venture beyond cell service¹.

Once you have your inReach device, you must choose a service plan to utilize features like SOS, two-way messaging, live tracking and more. To make this choice easier, we’ve put together a short guide to help you select the best option for your needs.

Garmin inReach plans

Garmin’s service plans for inReach devices allow you to connect with friends and family beyond the limits of cellular networks. inReach plans enable features like two-way messaging, weather forecasts and live tracking with LTE and satellite connectivity (features vary by device). In an emergency, you can trigger an interactive SOS message with your GPS coordinates to Garmin Response^SM, our 24/7-staffed international response coordination center.

All plans include emergency SOS messaging. You can move between plans as your needs change or suspend service at no cost.

Which plan is right for me?

Below are summaries of each plan option (features vary by device). For an overview of features and costs, see inReach consumer plans.

Premium: Ideal for users who want to be as connected as possible outside of cellular coverage, our top-tier plan includes SOS and unlimited text messages, check-in messages/reactions, weather requests and live tracking/location requests. Fifty photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger app) are included. 

Standard: For users who need more freedom with their text messaging and who depend on tracking, our second highest plan includes SOS messaging and 150 text messages and weather requests. Check-ins, reactions and tracking features are unlimited. The plan comes with 50 photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger app) included. 

Essential: Our middle-tier plan is ideal for users who plan to use text messaging when necessary but don’t expect a lot of back-and-forth communication. It includes SOS messaging and 50 text messages and weather requests. Check-ins and reactions are unlimited, and tracking features are pay-as-you-go. 25 photo/voice messages (available only on compatible devices paired with the Garmin Messenger app) are included. 

Enabled: This plan is best for users who want basic features and peace of mind. This plan keeps your device active at a low monthly cost and provides a great value, especially for smartwatch customers that prioritize LTE connectivity. It includes SOS messaging and is pay-as-you-go for all other messaging, weather requests and tracking features. 

Suspend: The suspend option allows you to pause your inReach plan at no cost for up to 12 months at a time. You can move back into an active plan at any time with no reactivation fee. To maintain SOS capabilities with a suspended plan, pair and connect your compatible device with the latest software in the Garmin Messenger app.

What’s the difference between suspend and cancel?

If you don’t need your inReach device for periods of time, the Suspend option puts your device into a “paused” state with no monthly fees. You can easily switch back to an active plan at no cost anytime. If you cancel and choose to reactivate, you will have to go through the activation process again and will be charged the activation fee.

_{¹Active plan required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices; it is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws.}

The post Overview: inReach subscription plans appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Your MARQ® (Gen 2) watch has been a statement piece designed for your passions. Whether you’re an athlete, golfer, pilot, sea lover or adventurer, it’s been a premium tool built to support you while looking great on your wrist.

Now you’re wondering if it’s time to upgrade to MARQ (Gen 3). With a larger display, built-in speaker and microphone, integrated LED flashlight, worldwide mapping, address search and new inReach® connectivity, the latest MARQ collection adds capabilities that can make a real difference both on and off the grid.

Keep reading as we break down the biggest differences between MARQ (Gen 2) and MARQ (Gen 3).

Refined design and new hardware

For adventurers in pursuit of excellence, the Garmin MARQ collection sets the standard for purpose-built luxury smartwatches forged from premium materials. MARQ (Gen 3) builds on that foundation with a refined design that’s slimmer, more durable and more comfortable to wear every day. Crafted to withstand the most rugged conditions with materials like titanium, ceramic, and sapphire, it looks just as good at dinner as it does on your next adventure.

Each MARQ model still includes details inspired by its intended pursuit, helping it feel unique while staying true to the collection’s high-end look and feel.

MARQ (Gen 3) also introduces several upgrades you’ll notice right away. A larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display makes information easier to read at a glance, while a built-in speaker and microphone add convenience throughout the day. There’s also an integrated LED flashlight with microlensing, giving you quick access to improved visibility when you need it most.

Stay connected beyond cell coverage

For those who spend time exploring beyond the reach of traditional networks, MARQ (Gen 3) adds an extra layer of confidence and peace of mind with the addition of built-in inReach connectivity¹.

With LTE connectivity enabled, users can stay connected while on the go by sending and receiving messages, making calls and sharing their location with friends and family through LiveTrack. When adventures extend beyond cellular coverage, built-in inReach technology provides access to two-way satellite messaging, location sharing and SOS services through Garmin Response, our 24/7-staffed emergency coordination center.

Smarter navigation

MARQ (Gen 3) brings point-to-point navigation to your wrist with a new address search feature and worldwide preloaded maps.

Simply enter an address directly on the watch and receive guidance to your destination. It’s a simple addition, but one that can make a big difference when traveling somewhere new or navigating an unfamiliar area.

Introducing MARQ Diver

MARQ (Gen 3) also introduces a new addition to the collection: MARQ Diver. Designed for those who spend time on or around the water, it combines a refined marine-inspired design with specialized boating and diving features.

Its arrival also marks an important milestone for the MARQ family. For the first time, every MARQ (Gen 3) model features leakproof buttons and is rated for dives up to 40 meters, bringing added protection and peace of mind wherever the day leads.

Is it time to upgrade?

If you’ve enjoyed the craftsmanship and performance of MARQ (Gen 2), MARQ (Gen 3) delivers meaningful upgrades across the board.

Whether you’re upgrading for the added connectivity, improved navigation or enhanced everyday convenience, MARQ (Gen 3) is designed to help you get even more from your watch. Explore our newest additions to the MARQ family and discover the luxury watch designed for your passion.

¹_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/marqfeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage, and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use.}

The post What’s new with MARQ (Gen 3)? appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Gifts for the go-getter

Forerunner® 70/170: GPS running smartwatches

With personalized beginner-friendly training plans and advanced training metrics, these GPS running smartwatches can help them reach their goals. They feature bright, colorful displays, 80+ built-in sports apps and optional music right on their wrist.

Forerunner 970: Premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch

Purpose-built for performance-driven athletes, this GPS running smartwatch features a bright, colorful display, plus advanced training and recovery features — as well as a built-in flashlight and enhanced navigation.

HRM 600: Heart rate monitor

This premium heart rate monitor provides accurate heart rate and expanded running dynamics¹ — plus stand-alone activity recording.

Varia RearVue 820: Advanced rearview radar and tail light

It’s our most powerful and precise radar yet, with a wider field of view for more reliable alerts. This tail light offers up to 2 kilometer of visibility and has a brake light that shows when the rider is slowing or stopping.

Varia Vue: Cycling headlight and 4K camera

Upgrade their ride with this headlight camera² that records 4K video (requires memory card; not included) and shows them the way with up to 600 lumens of light intensity.

Edge® 550 | 850: Cycling computers

These compact GPS cycling computers feature vivid color displays, performance insights, training guidance, smart fueling alerts³ and more. Edge 550 features rugged buttons, while Edge 850 includes buttons and a touchscreen display.

Rally 110 | 210: Power meter pedals

Let them track their performance with these single- and dual-sensing power meter pedals that provide accurate power data and can be easily swapped between our road and off-road pedal bodies.

TrainingPeaks Virtual: Indoor cycling app

Train together in an immersive indoor cycling platform built to deliver real results. They’ll get structured workouts, realistic racing and the freedom to ride any course, anytime. Plus, seamlessly sync with TrainingPeaks and the Garmin Connect app to turn every indoor ride into measurable, real-world fitness gains.

Gifts for the mindful mover

Venu® 4: Premium health and fitness GPS smartwatch

They’ve got goals and want an on-wrist coach to guide them toward a healthier lifestyle. This advanced smartwatch with an AMOLED display, metal design and built-in flashlight is it.

CIRQA Smart Band: Screenless health and fitness tracker

Track all day. Look later. This discreet, screenless smart band provides advanced 24/7 health monitoring⁴ as well as fitness features with no subscription required. It’s available with a variety of comfortable and stylish fabric bands.

vívoactive® 6: Health and fitness GPS smartwatch

Featuring a bright, colorful display and purpose-built health and fitness features, this smartwatch gives them the tools and insights they need to know their body better.

Lily® 2 Active: Small fashion smartwatch

This small, stylish smartwatch has built-in GPS and essential health, fitness and smartwatch features to help them feel good — inside and out.

Index Sleep Monitor: Smart sleep band

Give them a more comprehensive view of their sleep and recovery with this lightweight smart band that tracks their sleep⁴ while maximizing comfort.

Gifts for the outdoor enthusiast

fēnix® 9 | 9 Pro: Premium multisport GPS smartwatch

Built for serious athletes and adventurers, these premium multisport GPS smartwatches thrive on turning effort into achievement. They feature advanced training and performance features, rugged designs and optional inReach® technology⁵.

tactix® 8: Premium tactical GPS smartwatch

They’re built for the mission. They need a smartwatch that is too. Give them the ultimate tactical smartwatch with an AMOLED display or solar charging lens.

Instinct® 3: Rugged GPS smartwatch

Help them take on their next adventure with this rugged GPS smartwatch featuring a super tough design, solar charging lens or AMOLED display and a bold look all its own.

Descent Mk3 | Mk3i: Premium watch-style dive computers

These advanced dive computers and smartwatches help them make the most of their diving experience with optional SubWave sonar-based communication and air integration⁶. Plus, get multisport training and smart features for their life out of the water.

Descent X30: Rugged dive computer

This dive computer features a vibrant 2.4″ display and a housing and bezel made with recycled ocean-bound plastics. With 4 large metal buttons, long battery life and support for multiple dive profiles, it’s perfect for their next dive.

Approach® G82: Launch monitor and premium GPS golf handheld

This portable launch monitor and premium GPS golf handheld features a built-in radar to track club head speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo, estimated distance and putting stroke tempo. It also has 43,000+ preloaded courses with our full suite of golf features.

Approach S72: Premium GPS golf smartwatch

Our most advanced golf smartwatch features a lightweight titanium bezel, ComfortFit fabric band and 43,000+ preloaded courses with the data they need to help lower their score. Plus, they can look back after the round to analyze all their metrics.

inReach® Mini 3 Plus: SOS satellite communicator

Stay connected with this rugged SOS satellite communicator⁵ featuring a color touchscreen display and built-in speaker and microphone, plus the ability to send texts, photos and voice messages⁷ with an active plan.

GPSMAP® H1i Plus: Premium GPS handheld

Journey out with added peace of mind, thanks to built-in inReach® technology⁵on this rugged GPS handheld navigator, which provides phone-free text, photo and voice messaging. Plus, enjoy preloaded maps and incredible battery life.

Gifts for the road runner

Garmin Dash Cam X Series: Premium dash cameras

For drivers who want an eyewitness on the road, these voice-controlled dash cameras record up to 4K ultra HD video⁸ and include a Garmin Clarity polarizer lens, so they’ll see all the important video details.

Tread® 2: Powersport navigator

This rugged, glove-friendly 6″ off-road navigator helps them find a path through dirt, snow, rain and more with turn-by-turn navigation⁹ for unpaved roads and trails.

Garmin Drive Series: GPS navigators

From road trips to daily commutes, these sleek, modern GPS navigators can get them to their destination with ease via high-resolution, ultrawide displays.

zūmo® XT3: Motorcycle navigator

From the road to the track, this motorcycle navigator enhances every corner, chicane and straightaway. It’s built to withstand extreme weather and handlebar vibration, and features detailed maps, route planning, group tracking and more.

Gifts for the aquatic adventurer

quatix® 8 Pro: Premium marine GPS smartwatch

This high-performance nautical smartwatch features a stunning AMOLED display, titanium bezel and built-in LED flashlight — alongside helpful tools for life on and off the water, including inReach® technology¹⁰ for satellite and LTE connectivity.

Garmin OnBoard System: Engine cutoff system

Built so they can move freely and boat confidently, the Garmin OnBoard system uses wireless tags instead of traditional tethered cords to kill the engine during an overboard emergency.

ECHOMAP Ultra 2 16″: Chartplotter

Designed with the serious angler in mind, this 16″ chartplotter with a full HD resolution display brings the ultimate in big-picture clarity, brightness and readability to their navigation mapping and sonar returns.

Spy Pole: Motorized sonar control

Let them take full command of their sonar with this revolutionary motorized control for LiveScope and GT360UHD transducers. Spy Pole can initiate a 360-degree scan of the water and give them full control of their LiveScope with smart control modes.

LiveScope 2 HD: Live sonar transducer

They’ve never seen live-scanning sonar of this clarity. This transducer offers increased resolution, integrated image stabilization and improved stitching, so they’ll clearly see fish and lures.

JL Audio® A60 Stereo: Marine head unit

Enjoy high-quality audio on the open water with this sleek marine head unit featuring a 2.95″ high-resolution color display. It includes built-in Digital Signal Processing technology that optimizes their listening experience to reduce noise, distortion and interference.

JL Audio® M200: Marine speakers and subwoofers

These speakers and subwoofers are designed to enhance their experience on the water with clean and powerful sound. They’re available in a variety of sizes and feature optional RGB LED lighting to add extra atmosphere to every note.

Gifts for the sky seeker

D2 Mach 2 | 2 Pro: Premium aviator smartwatches

Designed for life in the world of flight, these aviator smartwatches combine classic styling with bright AMOLED touchscreen displays, advanced flight mapping, voice commands, a built-in LED flashlight and optional inReach® technology¹¹ for LTE and satellite connectivity.

D2 Air X15: Premium aviator smartwatch

This aviator smartwatch helps them fly through the day with GPS Direct-to navigation, aviation weather information¹², a built-in LED flashlight, voice commands and multiple health and fitness features.

Gifts for the curious kid

Bounce 2: Kids smartwatch

Delay a smartphone purchase with this kids smartwatch that helps their child stay active while also allowing for calling, texting and location tracking¹³.

Approach® J1: Kids golf watch

This GPS golf watch is made to help junior golfers learn and improve. It features a slim, lightweight design and simplified interface that focuses on the most important information, based on how they play.

Gifts for the hardcore hobbyist

Blaze: Equine wellness system

This easy-to-use tail wrap and sensor gives them insights into their horse’s health and fitness so they can make more informed decisions around well-being and training. They can even see real-time stats on their smartphone or Garmin smartwatch with the Blaze app.

Approach® R50: Premium golf launch monitor and simulator

Give them a tee time anytime with this premium golf launch monitor and simulator, featuring a 10″ built-in color touchscreen and precision metrics captured by 3 high-speed cameras.

Xero® L60i: Laser rangefinder

This revolutionary rangefinder lets them see their target with a full-color, high-resolution graphic display overlay and razor-sharp optics featuring 7X magnification. It includes navigation features, onboard ballistics and ranging of animals out to 1,500 yards.

Alpha® LTE: Dog tracker

This LTE-enabled dog tracker attaches to a dog’s collar and allows their movements to be tracked on a compatible smartphone (active plan required).

Give a Garmin this season and browse our complete collection of offerings.

¹_{When paired with your Garmin smartwatch}

²_{Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit use of the camera function of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use the camera function of this device.}

³_{When paired with compatible power meter and heart rate monitor}

⁴_{See Garmin.com/ataccuracy}

⁵_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/fenix9profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use.}

⁶_{Additional equipment (sold separately) and device pairing required}

⁷_{Photo and voice messaging requires use of the Garmin Messenger app on your compatible smartphone}

⁸_{Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit use of the camera function of this device. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use the camera function of this device.}

⁹_{Limitations may exist in map data for some road and trail route suggestions. Always defer to all posted road signs and conditions during vehicle operation. Garmin products using OpenStreetMap data are intended to be used only as supplementary travel aids.}

¹⁰_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions, e.g., satellite coverage up to 50 miles offshore. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/quatix8profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use.}

¹¹_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Not for use in-flight. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/d2mach2profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use}

¹²_{When paired with your smartphone, with a data connection, and in range of Bluetooth® technology}

¹³_{To use LTE features on each device, an active plan and LTE connectivity are required; see LTE coverage area at Garmin.com/bounce2ltecoverage}

_{OpenStreetMap is a trademark of the OpenStreetMap Foundation and is used with their permission. This product is not endorsed by or affiliated with the OpenStreetMap Foundation.}

_{The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.}

The post Garmin holiday gift guide appeared first on Garmin Stories.

We all keep a close eye on our smartphone notifications to stay connected to family, friends and whoever else might need to get ahold of us. But you don’t always need to be glued to your phone to stay connected. With a Garmin smartwatch, you can keep an eye on your notifications without your phone ever leaving your pocket.

Staying connected

Compatible with either your Apple^® or Android smartphone, you can get a lot when you pair with a Garmin smartwatch. In addition to next-level battery life, activity profiles for just about any sport and advanced physiological data tracking, your Garmin smartwatch makes it easy to stay connected to what matters with a flick of the wrist.

Receive notifications

Any notification you allow, such as texts, calls, calendar reminders and emails, will go from your phone straight to your watch. If you have an Android, you can even respond directly to messages from select watches using our predetermined response options. And select smartwatches, like Venu^® 4, come with a built-in speaker and mic so you can take and make calls from your watch or use your paired smartphone’s voice assistant to send text messages, ask questions and more.

Find your phone

Skip the panicked feeling you get when you realize your phone isn’t on you. Instead, use your connected Garmin smartwatch to sound an alarm from your phone with the Find My Phone feature. Follow the sound and quickly track your device down.

Added peace of mind

Garmin smartwatch users can use LiveTrack, fall detection¹ (only on Venu 4), incident detection¹ and the assistance feature to help provide peace of mind for family and friends.

LiveTrack keeps a real-time view of your location during a GPS activity so your preselected contacts can see where you are when you venture out for your next jog. If you choose to share the information with them, they’ll be able to see your current location, the duration of the activity, the distance you’ve traveled, your heart rate and more. Learn more about LiveTrack on our support page.

For all-day or activity-specific monitoring, Venu 4 users can enable fall detection¹. If your Venu 4 smartwatch detects a fall, it can send a message¹ with your live location (if available) to designated assistance contacts. 

With incident detection, an automated message including your name and GPS location (if available) will be sent to designated assistance contacts if your watch detects an incident. To utilize this feature, pair the Garmin Connect app with your smartphone.

Those in need of help can manually activate the assistance feature. Whether you’re in the middle of an activity or not, you can manually notify your designated assistance contacts with a message that includes your name, LiveTrack link and GPS location (if available).

Garmin smartwatches that include inReach^® connectivity for LTE and satellite coverage allow users to communicate with loved ones back home². Once connected to the LTE network, send up to 30-second voice messages as well as make or answer phone calls from your smartwatch to users with a compatible smartwatch or those who are Garmin Messenger app users. For support from Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 international emergency coordination center², activate an SOS alert on your smartwatch or Garmin Messenger app.

Tracking your health and fitness

Garmin Connect also includes your health and fitness data in one place so you can easily view the metrics your watch is tracking and access additional features such as Garmin Coach plans and workouts. Plus, help meet your nutrition goals through tracking and logging with a Garmin Connect+ plan.

Ready to stay connected without staring at your phone screen all day? Explore Garmin smartwatch offerings to find the wearable that’s meant for you.

¹_{When paired with your smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking feature requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.}

²_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/fenix9profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use.}

_{Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.}

The post Yes, Garmin smartwatches work with your phone appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Let’s be honest: Outdoor running is great for your mind and body, but you may lead a busy life and only have time to run when it’s dark out. Or maybe you’re training for a longer race, such as a 10K, and your routes lead you away from home.

That’s why our running watches have safety-enhancing features such as LiveTrack, fall detection (fall detection only available on Venu^® 4), incident detection and assistance. Plus, with LTE connectivity on select wearables, you can remain connected — even without your phone¹.

What is LiveTrack?

LiveTrack creates a real-time view of your location when you’re out running or doing any GPS-based activity so friends and family can follow along wherever you are. This is a great way for your biggest fans to cheer you on every step of the way on race day, but it also helps give you and your loved ones peace of mind while you’re training.

To start a LiveTrack session, pair your compatible Garmin device with the Garmin Connect app and enable LiveTrack for your GPS-based activity. When you select Auto Start, all future timed activities on that device will automatically start a LiveTrack session and can be sent via email to designated contacts. With a Garmin Connect+ plan, your friends and family can be notified via text when you start an activity on a compatible device. You can also create a personalized LiveTrack profile page where followers can view a map with the current location of your phone or LTE-connected device (if available).

How do fall detection, incident detection and assistance work?

Fall detection, incident detection and assistance features can send alerts to your friends and family when you need help. These features offer a couple of ways to get in contact with your loved ones. To utilize these features, pair your smartphone with a Garmin GPS-enabled device and ensure you’re in an area with cell coverage.

Fall detection

Looking for a safety-enhancing feature with all-day monitoring? Venu 4 users can enable fall detection to track throughout the day or for specific activities such as running, walking or cycling. If your Venu 4 smartwatch detects a fall, your smartwatch can send a message² with your location (if available) to your 3 designated assistance contacts.

Incident detection

If your Garmin running watch detects an incident during an activity, your paired smartphone or your fēnix^® 8 or fēnix® 9 Pro Premium GPS smartwatch can send an automated message through Garmin Connect with your name and GPS location (if available) to up to 3 assistance contacts when enabled.

Before the message is sent, you’ll receive a notification on your smartwatch or paired smartphone that your designated assistance contacts will be notified within 30 seconds. You can cancel the automated message if help isn’t needed.

Learn more about requirements and setting up incident detection on your device before starting your next activity.

Assistance

Whether in the middle of an activity or not, users can get in touch with designated assistance contacts directly from their wrist if they need help. To manually notify your assistance contacts, request assistance and your watch can send a message with your name, LiveTrack link and GPS location (if available).

What about LTE connectivity and SOS messaging capabilities?

When connected to the LTE network, you can use your fēnix 8 or 9Pro to send 30-second voice messages, make and take phone calls, or send and receive text messages from other fēnix 8 or 9 Pro or Garmin Messenger app¹ users.

Plus, safety-enhancing features, like LiveTrack and incident detection, on inReach-capable smartwatches work with the LTE network so you can leave your phone behind. Your LiveTrack location (if available) as well as incident detection alerts and notifications can be sent directly from your wrist.

When you activate an SOS alert on your fēnix 8 or 9 Pro, it sends a message over satellite or cellular connectivity to Garmin Response℠, our 24/7 international emergency coordination center that can connect you to help if you need it².

Ultimately, running is about freedom. When you’re equipped with a Garmin running and triathlon watch with safety-enhancing features, you can focus on the challenge — and worry less.

¹_{Active plan required; LTE network coverage is not available in all regions. Satellite connection and SOS functionality on this device have important limitations compared to other inReach devices that could affect the performance of connected features, making them unavailable in certain situations. Check Garmin.com/fenix8profeaturerequirements for requirements and limitations and to see which services are accessible in your area — or in areas to where you may be traveling to ensure the performance, coverage and service levels of this device are suitable for your intended use.}

²_{When paired with your smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking feature requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.}

The post How Garmin helps you run with peace of mind appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Want to easily track your distance, pace yourself, improve your training, and more? Here’s how Garmin smartwatches can help swimmers

Recreational swimmers and athletes alike spend countless hours in the pool year-round. Whether refining their technique or pushing through high-intensity interval workouts, dedicated swimmers are always looking for ways to improve.

If your goal is to improve your distance, times or technique, Garmin has multiple multisport GPS smartwatches with dedicated swim features, such as select fēnix® and Forerunner® smartwatches, to optimize daily training and race-day performance.

Let’s dive into the features that make Garmin smartwatches a powerful training partner in the water.  

Know your distance

Tired of counting laps? Your Garmin swim watch can do it for you.

Enter your pool size and your compatible smartwatch will automatically calculate and track the distance you swam.

Swimmers can’t always look at their watch mid-swim, which is why you can set up customizable distance alerts to notify you with a long tone and vibration on your last length. Many swimmers use an alert every four lengths to help them keep track of their distance. 

Training with intervals and rest monitoring

Interval training is an effective way to improve your swimming by combining different distances and intensities to build endurance, technique and speed. That’s why your swimming smartwatch has two styles of rest timers for effective training and rest monitoring.

With auto rest enabled, your Garmin smartwatch will automatically detect when you’re in motion or when you’ve stopped to recover. The watch timer starts and stops based on your movement so you can focus on your workout instead of managing your timer.

For the most precise interval timing or for rests shorter than 10 seconds, simply press the Lap button to start and end rest periods. Want to get set into position before pushing off the wall? Turn on Countdown Start and the interval timer will begin as you leave the wall.

To get the most out of your workouts, it’s important to monitor your rest time, which is why your Garmin device gives you two options. If you’re aiming for a certain amount of rest between efforts, your Garmin smartwatch will display your rest time. If you’re training by send-off time, the timer will count up from the start of your last interval. So, if your goal is 8×100 meters on a two-minute sendoff time, rest until the timer gets to two minutes and then push off again.

Pacing yourself

Going for a long interval and curious if you’re on track to hit your target pace? Pacing alerts are your answer.

To ensure you’re hitting your ideal split, enter your target pace and your watch will alert you at each turn, signaling when you should be turning and pushing off the wall. If it alerts you before you’ve completed your turn, you’re behind your target pace. If it alerts you after you’ve pushed off, you’re ahead of pace. For those looking for even splits, this might be your signal to slow down. But if you’re looking to achieve a negative split, you’re in a great position to do so.

Depending on your workout and goals, easily mute or adjust pacing alerts.

Swim drills

Improving your technique often means isolating elements of your stroke, such as body position and rotation, your catch, pull, and recovery phases, or your kick mechanics, and building muscle memory by repeating them until they become second nature. But when you deviate too far from any of the four standard stroke types, it can affect the accuracy of your smartwatch’s tracking. That’s where drill mode comes in.

Drill mode allows you to ensure your distance is accurate when you’re doing kick sets, one-arm swim, catch-ups and more. Use the drill logging data screen and then follow the on-screen instructions for accurate time and distance data.

Confidence in your performance starts with a Garmin smartwatch. Browse our lineup of smartwatches with dedicated swim features to round out your swim gear.

The post Improve your swim training with Garmin appeared first on Garmin Stories.

Outfitting your boat with Garmin marine audio is essential for setting up the ultimate boating experience

If you’re looking for high-quality audio that cuts through wind and engine noise for an elevated boating experience, you’ve come to the right place.

Garmin audio systems are built with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology for superior audio performance and power management for system protection. Plus, they’re built to withstand saltwater and harsh marine environments for years of quality listening.  

Ready to install your new favorite marine audio electronics? Let’s break down Garmin marine audio offerings so you can decide what makes the most sense for your boat.

Superior marine speakers

Looking for superior marine speakers? We’ve got you covered. Delivering optimized sound for all listening ears onboard, Garmin marine speakers can be installed in the cabin, in the open or as enclosed marine speakers, so even those who are wakeboarding can hear. Plus, JL Audio® marine speakers have DMA-optimized woofers for reduced distortion, clear audio and deep bass. Matching silk dome or pure silk tweeters help speakers output crystal-clear high-frequency sound.

JL Audio M3: These speakers are an excellent choice for those wanting quality audio. Thanks to DMA-optimized woofers and pure silk tweeters, these durable speakers provide quality bass and high-pitched sound. Plus, sport style grilles come with optional RGB LED lighting for an enhanced look.

JL Audio M6: For sound you can rely on, JL Audio M6 speakers provide maximum performance from DMA-optimized woofers and matching silk dome tweeters. You can expect excellent bass, crisp detail and balanced audio coverage. Advanced filter networks are placed in each speaker for tweeter protection and to ensure everyone in the listening area continues to hear their favorite tunes with superior quality. Giving these speakers an enhanced look can be credited to Transflective RGB LED lighting that’s radiant and smooth.

Powerful subwoofers

Though JL Audio speakers come with woofers, some boaters prefer to upgrade their setup so it’s dedicated solely to deep bass. If that’s you, we’ve got the JL Audio marine subwoofer.

JL Audio M3: Focused on smooth, precise, balanced bass, JL Audio M3 marine subwoofers are a solid choice. These models have an infinite baffle installation, which means they can perform without a dedicated enclosure. They’re also built to withstand harsh marine conditions.

JL Audio M6/M7: The premium JL Audio M6 and M7 marine subwoofers are the kings of bass with power handling up to 600 watts RMS for an unparalleled listening experience. Plus, they’re purpose-built to operate without dedicated enclosures, relying only on large volumes of air so you’ll get powerful sound.

Premium head units

With sleek and modern design features, Garmin head units belong on every boat. Built with sound quality, amplification, high-resolution audio and integration in mind, Garmin head units offer seamless audio streaming. Easy to install, consider upgrading to an advanced head unit system.

JL Audio A60: Fit for your helm, this sleek, compact marine head unit brings premium sound to 4 separate audio zones in midsize boats. If you have JL Audio M3 speakers onboard, the JL Audio A60 head unit is the perfect pairing. Bluetooth® LE technology audio streaming lets you easily control sound from your smart device, including the Garmin Audio app or quatix® marine smartwatches, anywhere on the boat.

Fusion Apollo MS-RA800: If you’re looking for our best of the best, consider the Fusion Apollo MS-RA800 marine head unit; you’ll thank yourself when you have this water-resistant, salt-protected head unit for the long haul. Autophiles will appreciate this head unit’s high-end components and built-in amplifier that delivers 4 x 40 watts RMS, twice the power of the previous generation. When it’s time to play your favorite songs, built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity lets you use AirPlay® audio streaming. Plus, enjoy synced audio sources, audio control and power options when you create an onboard network with other Apollo Series head units. For even more integration across your boat, pair your Garmin MFD to your head unit through the NMEA 2000® network or Garmin BlueNet network.

Advanced marine amplifiers

Garmin amplifiers ensure the power and clarity you need are delivered to the speakers and subwoofers onboard. Easy to install, choose between monoblock or multichannel Garmin amplifiers based on the setup you’re looking for. Depending on the RMS power you need, you can choose among various total power options.

JL Audio XDM: Fit for your boat, the JL Audio XDM amplifier offers powerful sound at sea. Multiple configurations make it easy to fit this amplifier nearly anywhere. NexD technology operates efficiently while providing clear sound and outstanding noise rejection thanks to the dual-mode input filter and differential-balanced inputs.  

JL Audio MVi: The JL Audio MVi marine amplifier is perfect for those looking for a luxury setup that provides unmatched fidelity and performance. Thanks to advanced DSP functions — such as equalizer, delay, crossover signal routing, mixing and more — and TüN® software, your amplifier automatically adjusts to provide you the best audio. Plus, it’s equipped with NexD2 technology that synchronizes your amps power supply and output channels, so you get top-flight fidelity with ultralow noise and distortion.

Life on the water isn’t complete until you have a top-tier entertainment system. Better listening starts with Garmin, so browse our full lineup of Garmin marine audio.

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