Tag Archives: Garmin

Review of the Oakley Meta Vanguard: Impressive AI Running Glasses Featuring Garmin Integration

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T
he Oakley Meta Vanguard represents a new era of display-less AI glasses, crafted for running, cycling, and action sports, featuring robust integration with Garmin and Strava. These could potentially be the first functional sports smart glasses on the market.


These innovative glasses serve as running eyewear, open-ear headphones, and alternatives to head-mounted action cameras—all in one. They mark the latest collaboration between Meta and the sunglasses giant, Essilor Luxottica, which includes brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.

Unlike the popular Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, which focuses on leisurely use, the Vanguard is specifically engineered for athletes, enabling them to move fast and track their performance without hesitation.

As one of the priciest screenless AI glasses available, they start at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789), surpassing the £399 Oakley Meta HSTN and £379 Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer.




The included silicone nose pads come in three sizes, allowing for a customized fit that remains secure and balanced. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Vanguard distinguishes itself from traditional smart glasses, thanks to a design brought together by Oakley, ensuring a great fit and finish. The large wraparound visor and 3-point fit system take cues from the renowned Oakley Sephala sports glasses, ensuring that the 66g frame stays snugly in place, even under a helmet.

With two frame colors and four contrast-enhancing lenses, though without prescription options, the glasses incorporate a small button on the left arm to power on and off, allowing for dual functionality as sunglasses.




The speaker is conveniently located next to a large camera button and a small action button, allowing you to configure various functions using the Meta AI app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The hidden speakers within each arm can be directed towards your ear for listening to music, taking calls, and engaging with Meta’s AI chatbot. They offer superior sound quality compared to other open-ear speakers, and are loud enough to be heard over wind and road noise. Although they may not deliver the bass of traditional headphones, they are well-suited for music during physical activity. The five beamforming microphones effectively minimize background noise during calls or interactions with the AI, even in busy environments.

A touch panel on the right arm allows for manual control of playback and volume. Music automatically pauses when the glasses are removed, and the volume adapts to match surrounding noise—a great feature for road use.

Specifications

  • Size: 136×120×59mm

  • Weight: 66g (258g case)

  • Water resistance: IP67

  • Camera: 12MP/3K Ultra Wide

  • Speaker: Stereo open-ear

  • Microphone: 5-microphone array

  • Battery life: 6 hours of music playback (30 hours with case)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6

  • Storage: 32GB




The ultra-wide camera is discreetly mounted between your eyes and remains unseen when worn. An LED directly above indicates when the camera is in use. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The central camera captures quality 12-megapixel photos and stable video at up to 3K resolution for five-minute intervals. It also supports hyperlapses that combine a series of action shots into a single fast-paced clip, as well as slow-motion video at up to 120 frames per second at 720p.

While it cannot compete with high-end smartphones, the camera effectively captures live action—similar to mid-range action cameras commonly used by adventurers. Users can take photos by pressing the camera button, initiate video recording with a long press, or request the Meta AI for hands-free photo or video capture.

All functionalities, including voice controls for music, auto volume adjustments, and camera operations, work seamlessly with Bluetooth-connected devices, like running watches. For enhanced AI features, however, connections to Android or iPhone devices are necessary, via the Meta AI app.




The Meta AI app enables you to configure settings for the glasses, sync media, and translate or transcribe conversations with the chatbot. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Similar to any chatbot, you can query Meta AI about its visual input. It can identify plants, translate text, and address inquiries about your surroundings. Notably, it also quickly converts distance and pace between metric and imperial units while running, although it falls short of the comprehensive capabilities of Google’s Gemini on mobile.

Furthermore, users can send messages, share photos, and make hands-free calls using their glasses, connected to devices or apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram.

One of Vanguard’s standout features is its seamless integration with the latest Garmin running watches and bike computers. Utilizing the free Meta AI app on Garmin, you can access real-time statistics during activities just by asking.




An LED indicator next to the right eye flashes to inform you when the AI is listening, interacting, or capturing an image. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The AI can relay personal metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and cadence on request by saying “my stats,” which are gathered directly from Garmin at that moment. It audibly communicates your pace and other metrics for each lap, mile, or kilometer using a small LED indicator at your right eye to indicate your status in pace or heart rate zones, turning red when outside desired ranges.

Garmin integration also allows the camera to automatically document your workouts, whether walking, hiking, running, or biking. It captures five-second videos every kilometer or mile, or during significant milestones like sprint finishes or heart rate spikes. After your activity, the Meta AI app compiles your manually captured videos and highlight reels. You can overlay workout stats like distance, pace, altitude, time, heart rate, and power data, then quickly share this content with Meta’s app or Strava for immediate posting to your activity log.




The Meta AI app showcases a workout summary and processes any videos automatically captured via the glasses. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All functions operate effectively, and although not every run needs a video documentation, the capability to automatically capture highlight moments without hassle is a substantial bonus.

However, video capture does drain the battery. During a one-hour run, I interacted with Meta AI multiple times, listened to music, automatically recorded 14 five-second videos, and manually shot 13 minutes of 1080p/30fps video along with 14 photos. The glasses concluded the run with 25% battery life intact.

They should survive a full marathon with automatic capture activated, but caution is advised for prolonged filming to ensure coverage over the entire 42km distance.

For those without Garmin devices, the Meta AI app can sync with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Strava to retrieve data retrospectively from other trackers, such as Apple Watch and Coros devices. However, the metrics displayed on videos are limited, and there are no automatic capture features or running statistics available for these integrations.




The glasses provide up to six hours of continuous music playback and come stored in a durable Oakley case, complete with four additional charges while transmitting photos and videos to the cloud during recharging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Sustainability

The glasses’ battery retains at least 80% capacity even after 500 full charge cycles. Replacement lenses (£69), charging case (£139), and nose pads (£10) are offered, but the glasses themselves cannot be repaired, and the battery is non-replaceable, ultimately deeming them disposable. Currently, these glasses do not incorporate recycled materials, and Meta lacks any trade-in programs or environmental impact reports for the product.

Price

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789).

For reference, the pricing for other models includes the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 2) at £379, the Oakley Meta HSTN at £399, the Oakley Sphaera at £191, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 at £169.

Verdict

The Oakley Meta Vanguard stands out as the finest sports smart glasses available. While expensive, they are clearly crafted for athletes by individuals who comprehend the needs of runners and sports enthusiasts.

By concentrating on the essentials for runners, cyclists, and adventure seekers—like an impeccable fit, lenses that effectively shield from the wind, decent water resistance, clear open-ear audio, extended battery life, and user-friendly controls—you end up with an excellent product without unnecessary bells and whistles.

The nose-mounted camera is excellent and could easily substitute for action cameras for many users. The microphone performs adequately, and Meta’s integrated AI is beneficial for answering inquiries that arise while on the move.

The primary highlight is unquestionably the integration with Garmin, allowing users to monitor statistics and create an automatic highlight reel from their camera capture during activities. However, it requires you to carry your phone while running, which could be a minor inconvenience. The glasses also have links to Strava and other fitness applications for non-Garmin users.

If you utilize them with your running watch to listen to music without needing your phone, basic voice commands for volume, playback, and camera will still operate smoothly.

Although the steep price is hard to justify, the main drawback remains the non-replaceable battery. While the lenses and nose pads are replaceable, like most earbuds and other smart glasses, they cannot be repaired, which detracts from the overall score.

Pros: Large, high-quality lenses; secure fit; powerful and clear open-ear speakers; nose-mounted camera; IP67 waterproof rating; long battery life; protective case; excellent Garmin integration; compatible with Strava and other fitness apps; customizable lenses and nose pads.

Cons: Very costly; non-repairable; advanced features necessitate a phone; excessive vocal commands while driving.




The Oakley logo doubles as part of the touchpad for controlling music playback and volume adjustments. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Messaging Without a Phone

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The newest upgrade to Garmin’s leading Fenix adventure watch introduces potentially life-saving capabilities: independent communication and emergency messaging through 4G or satellite.


The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already remarkable Fenix 8, incorporating new cellular technology as well as an advanced microLED display in a special edition of the watch. As Garmin’s flagship model, it’s designed to be your comprehensive tool for exploration and tracking.

This ambitious design comes at a high cost, starting from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, AU$2,300) for the 47mm OLED variant, and £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/AU$3,399) for the 51mm model with a microLED screen, nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You get remarkable value with top-tier exercise, activity, and adventure tracking capabilities. If you find yourself lost without your phone, an extensive offline map of the world will guide you back. It boasts a stunning, large, clear, and exceptionally bright touchscreen.


The Fenix 8 Pro is thicker and heavier than the regular Fenix 8 by 2.2 mm and 4 g, respectively, giving it a rather bulky presence on the wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fenix 8 Pro is offered exclusively in case sizes of 47mm or 51mm, lacking the smaller 43mm option available in other Garmin models, making it suitable for larger wrists. Nevertheless, the 47mm OLED version we examined supplies an additional day of battery life for smartwatch usage with the screen continuously on, lasting 8-9 days between charges.

Messaging, Calls, and Live Tracking Without Phone

Garmin utilizes its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription services, rather than depending on a watch plan linked to a smartphone provider like other smartwatches. However, unlike satellite-enabled devices from Apple and Google, emergency SOS messaging isn’t offered for free.

Plans begin at £7.99 per month or its equivalent, offering unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls, and services. LiveTrack enables location sharing, allowing friends and family to monitor your whereabouts while engaging in activities like running or cycling, and providing emergency satellite SOS messaging as well.


Establishing and activating an inReach subscription can be relatively time-consuming, but it’s a one-time process. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Satellite check-ins and text messages incur extra costs, escalating to an unlimited plan of £50 monthly for higher-tier options that provide various satellite allowances. The watch includes a 30-day free trial enabling you to test the service.

Once configured, simply step outside without your phone, and your watch will connect to LTE. While it can’t stream music, you can make calls, send texts, and stay in touch with loved ones.


Messages—including texts, reactions, audio messages, and transcriptions—will display on your watch as well as in the recipient’s Garmin Messenger app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

When you send a text, Garmin transmits an SMS from a random number, and the recipient can reply directly to your watch. Install the Garmin Messenger app to send and receive both text and voice messages as well as making voice calls. Recipients don’t need a Garmin account; a phone number is all that’s required to register for text messaging.

Messaging on the smartwatch functions adequately, but typing on the small onscreen keyboard can be slow. It also includes customizable quick replies for faster interactions. Voice messages and calls work fine, though the quality may not be ideal for lengthy conversations.

LiveTrack is an especially valuable feature. You can configure it to automatically send a link to select contacts when you start an activity, allowing them to track your real-time location on a map. This feature is fantastic for monitoring progress during races and primarily acts as a safety measure for someone you trust to know your whereabouts. The actual location may experience slight delays when transitioning in and out of a strong LTE signal, but it generally performs well.


To transmit a satellite message, your watch must be oriented correctly, with a clear view of the sky. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All these features are accessible on other Garmin watches as long as you have your phone, but in locations where LTE coverage is absent, the Fenix 8 Pro activates satellite communication for sending texts, location check-ins, and emergency SOS notifications.

The guide provides instructions on how to establish a line of sight to a satellite and to send and receive messages within approximately 10 to 30 seconds. While this function is remarkably user-friendly and can prove to be a critical lifesaver, it’s essential to understand that satellite coverage is confined to the continental U.S., most of Canada, and much of Europe, excluding certain regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north latitude.

Sustainability

Watches are typically optionally repairable as explained on the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly recharging. Currently, this model contains no recycled materials. Garmin provides a recycling program for new purchases.

Price

Pricing for the Fenix 8 Pro begins at £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). Optional Garmin inReach subscription plans are available starting at £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the existing Fenix 8, transforming it into an exceptional adventure watch by adding LTE capabilities for messaging, calling, and LiveTrack, alongside satellite messaging, check-ins, and emergency SOS features when a signal is unavailable.

The result is an even more powerful adventure tool for those seeking to go phone-free. If you’re looking to have someone monitor your safety while you’re out at night or in remote areas, Garmin provides this capability without the need for additional devices.

While it is liberating to venture outdoors without your phone, this convenience comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of the watch’s significant cost and the ongoing subscription fee for the inReach service. At least it is independent of phone providers, working with any smartphone brand or network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is an excellent choice for those who prefer not to carry the bulk of their phone while running, cycling, or hiking but still want to remain trackable and reachable. For others, it might feel excessive, especially given that the excellent Fenix 8 model is readily available.

Pros: Track everything with LTE and satellite messaging, an ultra-bright OLED display, best-in-class GPS, an integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, over 8 days of battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify access, 100m water resistance and 40m diving capability, with both button and touchscreen functionalities.

Cons: High price point, LTE and satellite features require a monthly subscription, limited banking support for Garmin Pay, sluggish voice functionalities, and smartwatch features are comparatively limited compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Please Clarify: Why Are Runners and Riders Concerned About the Strava and Garmin Feud?

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Josh, there’s been quite the buzz online among runners and cyclists regarding Strava’s lawsuit against Garmin. As a runner, I must admit that I hit the pavement to escape reality, not to get involved in more online debates. What is going on?


Miles, Strava is the essential app for runners and cyclists to log their workouts. Its social features enable users to compete against each other’s times in a friendly rivalry and discover popular exercise spots.

If you’re eager to showcase your workouts to everyone, this is the Instagram for fitness.

While workouts can be tracked via smartphones or Strava’s integrated GPS, many prefer wearing fitness watches for their perceived accuracy. This is where Garmin comes into play. Strava lets Garmin fitness tracking watches interface with its app through Garmin Connect.

The collaboration between both companies has worked well for several years, but now Strava is suing Garmin in US court, claiming that Garmin has infringed on two of Strava’s patents: segments and heatmaps.


Segments and heatmaps… I’m feeling lost.

Segments allow users to monitor their times on specific sections of a route and compare against others, while heatmaps help users identify popular locations for running worldwide.

Strava alleges that Garmin has copied these features, thus violating a 10-year-old agreement they had where Garmin promised not to reverse engineer certain functionalities of the Strava app.

But why do runners seem so obsessed with their sport (see what I did there)? Why does my Reddit feed overflow with enthusiastic runners?

Perhaps you’ve heard someone annoying say, “If it wasn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen.” Runners fixate on their metrics and strive for the quickest segment times. It almost resembles a cult. Some people are even sharing coffee mugs, t-shirts, and their unique creations, with wedding photos on Strava.

The surge of Strava coincides with the running boom, and like other cultural shifts, it’s manifesting both in real life and online. Strava simplifies data sharing, making it a hotspot for fitness influencers.

Despite some unrest since early November regarding Garmin compelling users to watermark Strava workouts with Garmin device details, much of the backlash centers on Strava’s lawsuit that may impede users from sharing their runs.

Some users worry that this conflict might hinder their workout plans, with reports like tracking no longer available. Others express that while they enjoy the Strava app, it feels too closely associated with their Garmin devices for comfort. Tracking training.

One user pointed out that much of the data forming Strava’s heat maps is sourced from Garmin users, meaning a lack of this data could spell trouble for Strava.

So what does Strava seek from Garmin? Or are they just looking to end the partnership?

Matt Salazar, Strava’s Chief Product Officer, addressed the situation on Reddit recently. He indicated the lawsuit was filed after Garmin mandated Strava to comply with new watermarking protocols, which threatened the continuation of Garmin data usage by November 1st. This lawsuit attempts to address that issue.

In its court filings, Strava is demanding Garmin halt the sale of devices that allegedly infringe on their patents.

Salazar’s Reddit post bore the title “Setting the record straight on Garmin.” However, comments under his post revealed users stating they would stop using Strava if it were discontinued, accusing Strava of hypocrisy regarding its claims to safeguard user data.

Currently, Garmin has yet to comment on the allegations or requests for statements. The company plans to hold a conference call for investors later this month, ahead of the Strava deadline on November 1st, so we can expect more information then.

What steps should runners take? Which side should they support in this clash?

If you head out for a run and it doesn’t appear on Strava or Garmin, remember, it truly took place. Log off, lace up, and reconnect with nature.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Garmin Forerunner 570 Review: Running Watch Falls Short

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Garmin has introduced its latest mid-range running and multi-sport watches, which are now equipped with an ultra-bright OLED display, a voice assistant, and enhanced sensors.


The Forerunner 570 builds upon its predecessor with improvements to its running watch capabilities. It features upgraded GPS chips and heart rate monitoring technology. Placing itself just below the 970, it replaces the well-regarded 265. The design closely resembles the Topwatch, though some notable features have been omitted.

However, the price remains steep at £450 (€550/$550/$999), exceeding most mid-range competitors and veering too close to the premium segment.

Offering numerous enhancements in both hardware and software from the 265, the 570 comes in 42mm or 47mm sizes and a range of vibrant color options.




The speaker above the strap delivers clear alerts for laps and other notifications while running, including new Bluetooth calls and voice assistant features. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The polycarbonate body, metal buttons, and aluminum bezel contribute to a high-quality feel, complemented by a vivid and sharp OLED touchscreen.

Like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970, this watch includes Garmin’s new Offline Voice Command System, enabling quick timer settings, activity metrics, and more. It also allows you to connect with your mobile voice assistant to interact with Siri or Gemini, or make calls directly from your wrist.

The 570 features the same enhanced interface as the 970, providing improved smartwatch capabilities for notifications and music control. The recently Google Maps app is currently available, but exclusively for Android users.

You can access various apps via the Connect IQ App Store, including options for music streaming without a phone, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Garmin Pay also facilitates contactless payments, although banking options in the UK remain limited.




The 570 offers numerous customizable watch faces, with additional options available on the Connect IQ App Store. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery life of the 47mm variant falls short compared to the 970 or 265, lasting around five days of smartwatch use. Adjusting the brightness to a lower setting can extend battery life by an extra day, while the always-on display mode can deplete it in about ten days.

Specifications

  • Screen: 1.2″ or 1.4″ AMOLED

  • Case Size: 42mm or 47mm

  • Case Thickness: 12.9mm

  • Band Size: Standard 20mm or 22mm

  • Weight: 42g or 50g

  • Storage: 8GB

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)

  • Sensors: GNSS (Multiband GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou), Compass, Thermometer, Heart Rate, Pulse Ox

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Running and Activity Tracking




The bright and clear display provides visibility of numerous data fields and metrics, allowing for quick reference. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Forerunner is equipped with Garmin’s latest optical heart rate sensor, dual-band GPS, and some of the most precise tracking capabilities available. With over 85 built-in sport profiles, it covers a wide array of activities.

For running and triathlons, it encompasses nearly all the features of the 970, including wrist-based power statistics and running dynamics, training recommendations, performance evaluations, and adaptive coaching plans with various VO2 Max and fitness assessments. However, it lacks offline maps, providing only route navigation or a simple return to the starting point.

It also features Garmin’s helpful recovery tools, offering some of the best training preparation available. Unfortunately, the new shock load and running resistance feature is exclusive to the 970.

Battery life reaches approximately 14 hours, or around 8 hours with the most accurate settings while streaming offline music through Bluetooth headphones.




The watch charges via a USB-C cable, fitting into a port adjacent to the sensor cluster on the back, achieving 70% charge in about 40 minutes and a full charge in approximately 83 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 570 includes all of Garmin’s latest health monitoring features, such as the advanced body battery system, a sleep coach, morning and evening health and recovery briefings, stress tracking, women’s health tools, and heart health metrics. However, this feels lacking compared to similarly priced offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung, which integrate features for mental well-being.

Sustainability




The voice command feature provides quick access to offline functionalities, although it requires specific phrases to operate correctly. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The watch is generally repairable, with support options available. The battery is designed to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years, based on weekly charging. However, the watch does not incorporate recycled materials. Garmin commits to security updates until at least May 21, 2027, and usually provides support for extended periods. They also offer recycling programs with new purchases.

Price

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is priced at £459.99 (€549.99/$549.99/A $999).

For comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £780, the Forerunner 970 at £630, while the Forerunner 165 is available for £250. The Coros Pace 3 is priced at £219, Suunto at £199, and the Polar Pacer Pro at £299.

Verdict

The Forerunner 570 stands out as a strong running watch, albeit with a price tag that detracts from an unreserved recommendation.

It boasts a stunning design with vibrant colors, an exceptionally bright and crisp display, and many desirable features taken from the Forerunner 970. The watch excels in GPS and heart rate accuracy, encompassing nearly every available metric while providing access to Garmin’s exceptional training and recovery ecosystem. It’s also effective as a daily smartwatch.

However, the absence of offline maps, integrated beacons, ECG monitoring, and advanced running resistance features, along with a relatively shorter daily battery life, are drawbacks that would be more acceptable if the price were lower. The £460 cost of the 570 places it unfavorably against more feature-rich competitors.

Pros: Daylight-readable OLED screen, phone capabilities and offline voice control, Garmin Pay functionality, extensive tracking and recovery analysis for running and various sports, offline music support, buttons and touch functionality, and highly accurate GPS.

Cons: High price point, absence of ECG, lack of offline maps, limited running resistance features, no torch, restricted Garmin Pay support, and lesser smartwatch functions compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices, plus shorter battery life compared to other leading models.




Offline support for Spotify and other music streaming services remains a standout feature that other running watches struggle to match. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Garmin Forerunner 970 Review: Setting New Standards for Running Watches

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gArmin’s latest flagship running watch, the Forerunner 970, aims to take the place of one of the top training and racing companions available. Will the integration of built-in torches, software enhancements, and voice control truly make an impact?


The latest version builds on the body of the previous Forerunner 965 while incorporating advanced tech from Garmin’s top-tier adventure watch, the Fenix 8, which includes a significantly brighter display and enhanced running analytics.

These enhancements come at a price of £630 (750 Euros/$750/$1,399) – £30 more than its predecessor, positioning it at the pinnacle of running and triathlon watches, yet still below the Fenix 8, priced at £780.




The Forerunner 970 is sizable but remains unobtrusive, fitting comfortably under your shirt cuffs while exercising. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The 970 retains the same dimensions as the Forerunner 965, featuring a 47mm case and a stunning, bright 1.4-inch OLED display. The touchscreen is shielded by robust sapphire glass, akin to luxury timepieces, while the titanium bezel compliments the polycarbonate body in three color variants.

A notable enhancement is the transition of features from the Fenix 8, transforming the 970 into a more versatile everyday smartwatch. Garmin’s new offline voice control system allows you to quickly set timers, alarms, adjust settings, or initiate activities. The watch connects to your phone’s voice assistant via Bluetooth.

The upgraded interface provides faster access to notifications from your smartphone by swiping down from the top of the screen. With an iPhone, you can view and dismiss text-only notifications, while Android users can interact with images and reply directly from the watch. Although bank support is limited, you can control music on your mobile device and download streaming playlists from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music for hassle-free listening during workouts.




Having a built-in torch on the watch is something you won’t want to be without. I find myself using it at least five times a day. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The standout feature is the built-in LED torch on the top edge of the 970. It’s incredibly useful, recalling fond memories of the Fenix 8, and is my favorite addition to the Forerunner. The brightness is sufficient to illuminate dark streets at night or to search for items in dimly-lit cupboards, and it can be adjusted to a gentle red light to avoid disturbing anyone at home. It can also be utilized as a strobe light for visibility while running at night.

The battery life is approximately six days with typical smartwatch use including always-on display, health monitoring, night tracking, frequent notifications, and torch functionality. The screen features auto-brightness; however, I adjusted it one notch lower to ensure it’s visible outdoors, which slightly extends battery life. By adjusting always-on display settings, you can gain an additional 12-15 days.

Specifications

  • Screen: 1.4in AMOLED (454×454)

  • Case Size: 47mm

  • Case Thickness: 13.2mm

  • Band Size: Standard 22mm

  • Weight: 56g

  • Storage: 32GB

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)

  • Sensors: GNSS (Multiband GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), Compass, Thermometer, Heart Rate, Pulse Oximeter

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi

Running and Activity Tracking




This watch charges via a USB-C cable which connects next to the sensor cluster on the back, reaching 70% charge in about 40 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The predecessor was an excellent running watch, full of metrics, useful analytics, and features from which the 970 is built. The large screen allows for the clear display of up to eight data fields simultaneously. The maps are notably refined and user-friendly via touch.

Though it includes modern dual-band GPS, Garmin’s algorithm remains superior in tracking accuracy compared to its competitors, even those with similar technology. The upgraded Gen 5 enhances heart rate monitoring in challenging conditions with an improved sensor on the back, enabling ECG (arrhythmia) measurements.

The 970 boasts a top-tier collection of fitness, recovery, and training metrics, along with several new insights designed to help prevent injuries.

Impact load measures how demanding your run is on your body relative to its intensity compared to simple, flat running at slower paces. A 7km uphill run felt comparable to a gentle 12km run, highlighting how it affected my legs and the need for longer recovery before my next workout.




Impact load estimations assist in preventing overtraining by assessing the toll a run takes on your body. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Furthermore, the new running load feature monitors mileage over a week and advises if you’re fit to run without elevating the risk of injury. Many runners, including myself, have suffered injuries during race training when exceeding weekly mileage too soon.

The 970 also introduces a running economy feature tracking the efficiency of your form, including how much speed you lose upon foot strike. However, this requires Garmin’s latest heart rate monitor strap, an additional purchase of £150.

Battery life for performance mode averages over 11 hours while listening to offline music via Bluetooth headphones; without music, expect around 16 hours. Adjusting screen brightness can extend battery life by several hours, while reducing GPS accuracy mode can last up to 26 hours.

Robust General Health Monitoring




The Forerunner watches have vibrant colors on their bodies and straps, yet they remain distinctly sporty, making them less suitable for all occasions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Garmin provides extensive tracking for running, triathlon, and over 30 other sports. Additionally, it boasts a comprehensive suite of general health monitoring tools, including sleep tracking, activity monitoring, stress levels, women’s health, and heart health metrics, comparable to the Apple Watch.

Garmin’s advanced training tools evaluate your recovery both day and night, advising on your bodily condition. These features encompass built-in sleep coaches, running and triathlon coaches, and various activity suggestions to determine when to engage in hard workouts versus low-intensity sessions. The daily recommended workouts are adaptive, based on your sleep and recovery, preventing you from undertaking intense workouts following a poor night’s sleep. These automatic workouts can also be adjusted using Garmin’s robust tools or third-party resources to align with your race calendar.

Sustainability

These watches are generally repairable, with support options available here. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not include recycled materials. Garmin assures security updates until at least May 21, 2027, but typically offers support for much longer. They also provide recycling programs with new purchases.

Price

The Garmin Forerunner 970 retails for £629.99 (749.99 Euros/$749.99/$1,399).

For comparison, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at £780, the Forerunner 570 at £460, the Forerunner 965 at £499.99, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at £799, and the Coros Pace Pro is priced at £349. The Suunto Race is available for £299, and the Polar Vantage V3 costs £519.

Verdict

Garmin continues to elevate the standard with the Forerunner 970. While it may not be a groundbreaking leap from the Forerunner 965, it enriches an already stellar design.

The display is brilliant, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire, and accented with titanium bezels for a luxury feel; the interface has become more modern and responsive. The incorporation of voice control and faster access to notifications enhances its usability as a smartwatch alternative. It signifies a sporty lifestyle when worn, differentiating itself from Apple or Pixel watches.

The upgraded heart rate sensor helps you optimize during challenging workouts and includes ECG measurements for thorough heart health tracking. Yet, the integrated torch stands out as an ideal addition for everyday utility—every watch should have one.

Moreover, the new impact load and durability features are incredibly beneficial in preventing overexertion and injuries, enhancing the already outstanding training and recovery metrics. Additionally, it offers top-tier running accuracy and detailed off-board maps for navigation.

For those seeking a premium running and triathlon watch packed with features, the Forerunner 970 remains an excellent choice, albeit at a high price point.

Pros: Comprehensive tracking and recovery analysis, ultra-bright OLED display, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, Garmin Pay, and extensive support for running and various sports, complete offline mapping capabilities, responsive control through buttons and touch, and highly accurate GPS and ECG.

Cons: Despite its cost, Garmin Pay bank support is limited compared to Apple, Google, and Samsung watches, and it still lacks some smartwatch functions while having shorter battery life than some LCD competitors.




There is a wide range of customizable watch faces available from the Garmin IQ store to choose from. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com