CES 2022: Garmin's New Venu 2 Plus Smart Watch Adds Siri Integration

[MacRumors]

Fitness technology company Garmin today announced the launch of its latest smart watch, the Venu 2 Plus, which brings a microphone and voice assistant integration to the Venu 2 smart watch launched last year.

With an added microphone, the Venu 2 Plus is able to work with the Siri when connected via Bluetooth to an iPhone. Siri integration offers all of the same Siri features that are available on the iPhone, so Siri can be asked to send messages, make phone calls, answer queries, and more.

Measuring in at 43mm, the Venu 2 Plus has a round watch face that sets it apart from the Apple Watch. Like many smart watches on the market, the Venu 2 Plus features several health tracking capabilities. It monitors heart rate, respiration, daily energy levels, stress, sleep, and it has a built-in pulse oximeter.

As for battery life, the Venu 2 Plus lasts for up to nine days, which means that it significantly outperforms the Apple Watch, and it is also compatible with Android devices whereas the Apple Watch is limited to iPhones. Garmin's devices also have more of a fitness focus with built-in sports apps and animated on-screen workouts, as well as strength training features, HIIT workouts, and more.

The Venu 2 Plus can be purchased from the Garmin website for $450.

Article Link: CES 2022: Garmin's New Venu 2 Plus Smart Watch Adds Siri Integration

 

[MacsRgr8]

Oohh nice. I got the D2 Delta, and love it

 

[macjunk(ie)]

This looks good. I have realized that I dont need a smart watch, I need a health tracker. I rarely use the smart watch features of my apple watch TBH

 

[DaPizzaMan]

The Venu 2 Plus can be purchased from the Garmin website for $360.

The Garmin website is selling the Venu 2 Plus for $450, as far as I can tell.

 

[44267547]

The Venu 2 is loaded nicely. And for $360 isn’t a bad price for as much health capabilities it has.

In my opinion, this is what the Apple Watch needs to do, is offer a round variant. These smart watches like Garmin and Fitbit, they are definitely competitive in terms of features, but I would like to see Apple work more on the aesthetics side of things.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Wow! Only $360. Not a bad price at all. For some reason, I have a feeling google watch is going to look like that.

 

[44267547]

The Garmin website is selling the Venu 2 Plus for $450, as far as I can tell.

If you select the different sizes, there is a sale price on the 40mm and 45mm at $350.00 w/o ‘voice functionality’, the 43mm starts at $450.00, which by default adds ‘voice functionality.’

 

[Mdracer]

This is a refreshing update. I love the idea of round displays being able to use SIRI.

 

[azentropy]

If you select the different sizes, there is a sale price on the 40mm and 45mm at $350.00, the 43mm starts at $450.00, which by default adds ‘voice functionality.’

Those different sizes aren't the "2 Plus".

 

[DaPizzaMan]

Those different sizes aren't the "2 Plus".

And 350 != 360

 

[44267547]

Those different sizes aren't the "2 Plus".

Yeah, it’s kind of confusing. I think the article link (Or author could expand on this) for more clarification, with different sizes, options and price links that are not accurate.

 

[jz0309]

Good for those who want one, I’m sticking with my S7, loving it

 

[Agit21]

Siri....useless and no one uses it really.

 

[44267547]

Siri....useless……

For you……

I use dictation all the time, although not perfect, it’s actually far more convenient and manageable.

 

[TechRunner]

Nice update from the Venu. Might be time to trade up from my Instinct.

 

[MacSafe]

Just add apple music to garmin..thats all we need

 

[jicon]

There appears to be lots of compelling bits to this watch, biggest being battery life, and compatibility with different phones. I'll have to dig in to the Connect IQ app and watch face options available, but if I can get realtime readings from Nightscout on the watch face, this might be a compelling reason to leave the Apple Watch for me.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

Hm. I wonder if it can be paired to an iPad mini and used to make skype calls.
...since Apples own watch can't.

 

[rillrill]

Just add apple music to garmin..thats all we need

If it is bluetooth, couldn’t you ask siri to play something, and it will play from any of yr streaming apps?

 

[Mick-Mac]

9 days of battery life! That sound a WHOLE LOT better than the 1 lousy day offered by some company that shall remain nameless...

 

[UnseenLlama]

If is bluetooth, couldn’t you ask siri to play something, and it will play from any of yr streaming apps?

Venu supports downloading songs from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music for offline playback. Think @MacSafe wants this same functionality.

 

[giggles]

So it’s got always-on Hey Siri?
Will it behave appropriately (following the correct hierarchy) when there are multiple Apple devices listening for Hey Siri in the room?
I have a feeling an actual Apple Watch would be preferable anyway, even just for Siri voice interactions.

 

[Corsig]

This looks like one heck of a tool for the sports minded athletes. Loving the advancements

 

[Rychiar]

The battery life sounds nice but I can’t see any other reason for this over Apple Watch

 

[coolfactor]

Siri....useless and no one uses it really.

Comments like this are so annoying. Just because _you_ don't use Siri and have read online reports of others having trouble doesn't mean that nobody uses Siri. Open your mind to the full picture, not just what serves you.

Siri is great in so many ways, and is used daily in our household. Yes, Siri understands our commands exceptionally well.