The possibilities for the Garmin Fenix 8 are quite exciting! Nonetheless, the Garmin Fenix 7 made its debut in January 2022 after a long wait, as Garmin typically waits at least two to three years before introducing a new iteration within any range. For instance, the Fenix 6 arrived in 2019.
Curious about what the next-gen watch might bring? While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly indulge in some informed speculation based on current rumors and popular expectations. Stay tuned for the latest buzz!
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Garmin Fenix 8: What’s All the Buzz About?
- It is a premium multi-sports watch.
- When is it out? Possibly in early 2024.
What We Want to See in Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 6 was launched in April 2019, and the Fenix 7 series in January 2022. Hence, a 2024 release is possible for Garmin Fenix 8.
The next upgrade could lead to many specific features since they are what the customers were lead to believe for the new watch. This might happen very soon. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for exciting developments!
Many Size Options
Garmin has made significant strides in inclusivity, and we expect them to continue with the release of Fenix 8. The Fenix 7 came out in three different sizes during its launch, and it would be surprising if Garmin Fenix 8 is not released in multiple sizes. In fact, there might even be a super compact version like the 40mm diameter of the Vivo active 4S.
We don’t expect the watch to be as compact as Garmin Lily, but with the pace of technology, it might be possible to package a powerful multi-sports watch in a new, more compact form.
An AMOLED Display
Fenix 7 made waves in 2022 by being the first Garmin Fenix watch with a touch screen. We expect Fenix 8 to also be touch-sensitive, and we’ve crossed our fingers that advancements in battery technology might allow the addition of an AMOLED display without the need for frequent charges.
Fenix 7 is an excellent watch, but when we reviewed it, we felt that its display lacked in some aspects compared to its peers, to the extent that it was a step back from older watches like the 2018 Garmin Instinct. An AMOLED display not only looks sharp (as we’ve seen with Garmin Epix and Venu 2) but would allow Garmin to include animated sports on the screen and make reading the watch’s designs much easier.
A Microphone
In January 2022, Garmin unveiled the Venu 2 Plus: a new addition to the Venu 2 with a microphone, allowing you to access your phone’s voice assistant or make calls without taking your phone out of your pocket. It may seem like a small upgrade in a glance. However, in our tests, it proved extremely useful and we found ourselves using Google Assistant more than we normally would. While the Fenix 7 Plus might be released with a microphone during the coming months, it’s something we want to see as standard on Garmin Fenix 8.
Abundantly Loaded Maps
We reasonably expect that Garmin Fenix 8 will offer more storage than current Garmin watches and we’d like to see ample space dedicated to maps. Garmin released a set of free map packs with the Fenix 7, and they added a new map manager to make it easier to access and download maps, but only the Sapphire Solar model came with pre-loaded TopoActive maps.
The Fenix series excels in navigation and mapping, and additional onboard storage would allow Garmin to liberate a complete set of maps for the Fenix 8 series, easily manageable outside the box with dedicated maps for the watch’s topographic needs.
An ECG Sensor
Even though ECG sensors are becoming quite standard in smartwatches and fitness trackers, interestingly, they haven’t become a norm in Garmin devices just yet. However, the latest scoop suggests that Garmin is actively working on integrating this feature. They’re being meticulous to ensure the readings are accurate and reliable. Stay tuned for potential updates. While it’s not guaranteed that it will make it to this top-tier level, the possibility of Fenix 8 being the first watch to care for your heart’s atrial fibrillation signs is exciting, and it’s something we expect to be included.
Variants: S, X, Solar, and… Cross Over?
We’ll likely see several different versions of the Fenix 8. Before like the Fenix 7, a smaller S series, a larger X series, and another model with Garmin’s Power Glass Solar technology, which enhances the solar battery, are all possibilities. However, one thing we’re unsure about is the cross-over model, similar to the Instinct Crossover, which could be sacrificial in terms of topographic maps for a more casual wearing experience. For now. let’s wait and see.
Stay tuned for further news on what Fenix 8 might bring to the table. For more similar content feel free to visit: TECH, BLOG
