Garmin, which has shown great skill at micro-segmenting the fitness band business, announced three new mid-range devices at the German IFA consumer electronics show.
At the higher end, the vivoactive 3 is a GPS smartwatch with NFC payment capability licensed from FitPay. Featuring a heart-rate monitor and an always-on touchscreen, the vivoactive 3 includes auto sensing for 15 activities and is supported by an app store that includes what the company says are “thousands” of watch faces and other software add-ons, including Uber and AccuWeather. Battery life is claimed at up to 7 days, or 13 hours in GPS mode. Pricing starts at $300.
The vivomove HR is designed to look like an analog watch with a digital display that comes on when wearers turn their wrist. It does not have GPS or payment capabilities, but does (as its name implies) have a heart-rate monitor with profiles for walking, running, cardio, and strength training. It’s got a claimed battery life of 5 days in “smart mode” and two weeks in “watch mode.” Different versions cost $200 or $300.
Garmin’s vivosport is a waterproof elastomer fitness tracker with capabilities that sit between the vivoactive and the vivomove. It’s got an integrated touchscreen, GPS, and a heart-rate monitor. No NFC chip, and no expandability through an app store, although — like all Garmin smart watches — it does communicate with the Garmin Connect community. Battery life is promised at 7 days, or 8 hours in GPS mode. Price is $200.