Garmin has a new Forerunner 935 training device that uses a transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MiP) display that is 1.2″ (3.4mm) diameter and has 240 x 240 pixels. Battery life in smart mode is up to two weeks and in GPS/HR mode up to 24 hours. Weight is 49 grams and a range of different wrist bands is supported.
The device supports training functions and by supporting Bluetooth Smart, ANT+ and Wi-Fi, it can be used as a smartwatch with an Android, iOS or Windows phone. The watch also supports a wide range of fitness activities including running, cycling, swimming and golfing to allow overall workload to be measured. Garmin has a heart strap that can use the latest techniques based on heart rate variability and can also calculate VO2 Max.
Garmin also has an existing product that is very similar in a metal case and called the Fenix 5.
Analyst Comment
As someone that tries to keep track of fitness using a bike, mainly, it might be useful to me to see what load I am going through on my trade show marathons! If the display is as good in real life as it is in Garmin’s marketing, it will be a big step up from a lot of its devices. The device costs from $449 and I must say that if the GPS on my bike dies (and it’s my third or fourth!) then I would be tempted by this device. (BR)
