Tech pioneer Garmin has unveiled its two new eagerly anticipated GPS multisport watches: Fēnix 7 and Epix.
New features on the flagship Fēnix 7 series include a touchscreen design (along with the traditional button controls) and advanced training tools.
The Fēnix 7 solar-enhanced models will offer prolonged battery life of up to five weeks, while the 7X model has a built-in flashlight.
While the more expensive epix wearable is dubbed a premium multisport smartwatch which also includes a bright always-on AMOLED display.
It is crafted with a sapphire lens and titanium bezel, styled to look as good in the boardroom as it does in the gym and it boasts up to 16 days of battery life.
Fēnix 7 performance design
The Fēnix 7 is built for rugged reliability from premium materials like titanium and sapphire.
The watch comes in three sizes and has been redesigned for ultra-durability with reinforced lugs and metal button guards.
Garmin’s popular five-button controls are now combined with a responsive new touchscreen interface for dual utility, improving daily smartwatch interaction and, crucially, navigation of the topographical maps.
A Sapphire Solar model pairs the solar capabilities with a scratch resistant sapphire lens.
The company said that the updated design means the solar-powered Fēnix 7X models can last up to five weeks in smartwatch mode and up to five days in GPS mode.
The Fēnix 7X model introduces an integrated hands-free quick-access multi-LED flashlight.
This multi-purpose task light will aid setting up camp or running in the dark. With running mode enabled, the light will match to a runner’s cadence, alternating between white and red with each arm swing so they can see and be seen.
Epix design
The Epix combines a durable design crafted from premium materials like sapphire and titanium.
It houses a 1.3in always-on AMOLED display.
It has the same touchscreen interface as the Fēnix series, and comes with easily interchangeable watch straps available in metal, leather, suede and silicone.
Fēnix 7 and Epix advanced training
The range of sports apps include bouldering, mountain climbing and strength training.
New features to optimise performance include a Real-Time Stamina tool that allows athletes to monitor and track exertion levels during a run or bike activity.
The Visual Race Predictor takes into account running history and overall fitness to provide race estimates and insights into how training is progressing.
Post workout, Recovery Time Advisor takes into account training intensity and other factors like stress, daily activity and sleep to estimate the number of hours of rest needed to properly recover before another session of the same exertion.
Daily Workout Suggestions gives a recommended next run or ride workout based on current training load, training status and overall fitness level.
Fēnix 7 and Epix navigation
The Fēnix 7 series and Epix both support all major satellite systems along with the additional L5 frequency range for improved accuracy in challenging GPS environments.
All Fēnix 7 watches are preloaded with the SkiView maps and 42,000 golf courses. The Epix comes with the SkiView maps too.
You can download TopoActive maps from any region around the world. The Fēnix 7 Sapphire Solar models come preloaded with TopoActive maps for your region.
Fēnix 7 and Epix other features
The Fēnix 7 series and Epix feature everyday health and wellness tools such as Pulse Ox, wrist-based heart rate, respiration and stress tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, Fitness Age and Sleep Score with Advanced Sleep Monitoring.
When paired with a compatible smartphone, you can receive all smart notifications right on the wrist, with the ability to toggle on and off or disable during an activity.
Safety and tracking features include automatic incident detection and manually triggered assistance alerts, both of which send a message with the users real-time location to emergency contacts.
The Fēnix 7 series and Epix also support Garmin Pay and offline music playlists from streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Deezer.
The on-device Connect IQ Store allows users to discover recommended apps and install over Wi-Fi directly from the watch.
What Garmin says
“We have been committed to helping athletes pursue their passions since the introduction of the fēnix 10 years ago, and we remain steadfast in our mission to bring innovative tools to the wrists of those it was designed for,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales.
“The fēnix 7 Series brings cutting-edge training and multisport features to the wrist. With its latest design upgrade, Garmin’s best-in-class performance metrics and health/wellness tracking, fēnix 7 provides serious athletes everything they need for peak performance.”
And Dan added: “Epix is a versatile premium multisport wearable with AMOLED display and exceptional battery life, built to deliver essential wellness, training and recovery features right to your fingertips,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of global consumer sales.
Pricing and availability
Garmin Fēnix 7S, Fēnix 7 and Fēnix 7X are avialble now with options for standard (non-solar), Solar and Sapphire Solar Editions. The starting price is €699. See www.garmin.com
The Epix is also available now in slate steel, black titanium sapphire and white titanium sapphire, black/carbon gray DLC titanium sapphire with prices starting at €899.99. See www.garmin.com
