And compared to the smaller normal series watches - it should still be able to do better with battery life? Same size difference compared to normal model
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The AW Ultra suddenly seems like a bargain now with Garmins silly pricing
- Thread starter dj1891
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I'm a Strava subscriber and i'm pretty sure the AI stuff is included, i dont think its an add on.
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I think you need to be subscriber to get it - but it doesn't really add anything of value yet
Garmin Venu X1 | Premium Fitness Smartwatch with GPS
Venu® X1 is a fitness smartwatch with an easy-to-read display, health insights, a built-in led flashlight, 8 days of battery life, and can make and take calls.
www.garmin.com
Well this looks a bit...derivative.
No built in cellular and no diving but 8 day battery life which means with actual daily GPS use probably 4-5 days.
Garmin Venu X1 | Premium Fitness Smartwatch with GPS
Venu® X1 is a fitness smartwatch with an easy-to-read display, health insights, a built-in led flashlight, 8 days of battery life, and can make and take calls.
Well this looks a bit...derivative.
No built in cellular and no diving but 8 day battery life which means with actual daily GPS use probably 4-5 days.
As a Garmin fan and customer, I have to say -- I find that thing to be hideous
🥴
I'm a Garmin fan too, and I share your take. DC Rainmaker has a pic with the Venu X1 beside an AW Ultra and the Ultra looks puny in comparison.
I find the price even more hideous.
I like where Suunto is going with more reasonably priced options.
agreed, the price is a bit
but that's everything Garmin these days.I was hoping this WWDC Apple would've showed something that helped cement the AW further as a 1:1 Garmin competitor (yes, we can debate its already there). For me, it was just hoping for a little more native apps / cleaner integrations.
Having said that, I understand Garmin's positioning with the X1. It's basically their version of Ultra and includes a lot of the things we gripe about is missing on AW (battery, buttons, HR broadcast, fitness features)
They're price matching the Ultra but IMO, if it was $100-200 cheaper, it would be more compelling for cross shoppers.
You're talking to a guy who still has MIP because the OLED constantly changing level is distracting to me.
I like a round watch and I like a screen that doesn't flash at me at all.
agreed, the price is a bit
I was hoping this WWDC Apple would've showed something that helped cement the AW further as a 1:1 Garmin competitor (yes, we can debate its already there). For me, it was just hoping for a little more native apps / cleaner integrations.
Having said that, I understand Garmin's positioning with the X1. It's basically their version of Ultra and includes a lot of the things we gripe about is missing on AW (battery, buttons, HR broadcast, fitness features)
They're price matching the Ultra but IMO, if it was $100-200 cheaper, it would be more compelling for cross shoppers.
I can remember DCRainmaker talking about how they seemed to have a three year plan (and that was four years ago) and for the first two-thirds they executed well on it. Dropped the ball at least half way last year and then this year so far after WWDC it's looking like a giant turd.
First year was running dynamics and hand free triathlon mode.
Second year was power meters, structured training if I am remembering right and offline maps via the iPhone.
Third year was full downloaded maps to watch, route but only through the maps app and for walking, running, some measurement of sleep and health metrics but with no real actionable information given.
This year there is no new navigation, no ability to create training plans on the iPhone or use AI to generate them. No new action on health metrics, but your AI buddy will give you a pep talk and your watch will pick music for you.
It's been the same on Fitness+ in that people have been asking for plans that are structured and maybe even adaptive.
Garmin has similar donut holes of missing features, lack of integration and general WTF right now too.
The watch I highlighted, you can use the running, cycling and strength coach but no word on the triathlon coach.
These adaptive and integrated plans should be pushed to as many watches as possible.
If Garmin did that and had an Apple TV app that would just show you the same info are seeing on the watch in animated form (do pilate push ups for 45 second and rest for 20 second) they would be untouchable.
off topic but I was MIP for life. Picked up an OLED F8 on the recent sale, I don't think I'm returning it. My eyes are getting too old and the detail / contrast is pretty nice, especially maps.
I can see the benefits, but I personally prefer the more discrete look of MIP and fantastic outdoor experience with it.
On my crossover in particular I really enjoy glancing at the hands to see the time, ala a "normal watch".
I'm sure I'd learn to live with OLED if there were no other option, but I still slightly prefer MIP + hands of my Crossover.
That's saying a lot considering most Garmin watches are not that great looking to begin with. I like the Venu design, but not sure about the price.
They have taken a page or two from WorkOutdoors app that I was used to when I had the AW.
I like the rectangular screen, has more screen real estate than a round one for the same size.
Totally disagree .. I love the look of most of the Garmin watches, especially in the Instinct line.
I don't want rectangular "computer my wrist" looking watches.
To each our own.
I hear you, you said it well, to each their own.
My personal preference is that function should follow form. Circular watches were limited to being circular because the watch hands need to turn. Get rid of the hands then gets rid of the limitation of the circular shape of the watch. If I can get more screen area from a rectangular watch, it works for me and gets rid of self-imposed constraints on preference.
I know it's not going to change anyone's mind, but that's one way of looking at it.
I’m with you here. Apple has been on a pretty amazing journey and have been updating with great stuff for the watches and the workout app.
This year it seems like the team have been off all year and close to zero new workout features with the exception of a new front part of the menu.
If they didn’t change a single thing, but gave us offline maps with navigation from the workout app (at least just the version they already have in maps app) it would be another feature Garmin couldn’t use as a benefit
I can see your point with the shape of the watch but I can also see the function following form with the circle. You're right about not following hands but the difference can also be we are manipulating buttons with our fingers and that works better with a circle in my opinion. There are lots of complaints about Apple Watches and iPhone having it be hard to press buttons when the are on flat sides directly across from each other.
On Garmin at least, the buttons get a bit of angle from the circle and it seems to prevent the concurrent presses of multiple buttons at the same time. We throw and manipulate a lot of round things than we do square things as well with our hands. Opening and closing your hands down to a single point flows more like a circle than a square.
Just my two cents.
I’m in the circular watch camp as well. Not only for aesthetics, but buttons. As you said, pressing multiple buttons at the same time on the Apple Watch is absolutely a runners nightmare. I can’t count the number of times I’ve messed up because forgotten which combination of buttons or swipes.
Apple could go a long way by simplifiying starting and stopping a workout with a single button press (on non-ultra watches).
As far as information viewing information, I get the argument of additional screen real estate afforded on a square device. But I much prefer having fewer metrics on one screen. Spacing out three data points, of different sizes in distinct areas, is much easier to digest than 6 same sized data points stacked to the left or on each of the four corners of the watch. Sometimes less is more.
Or maybe I’m just old school.
The buttons are one of many reasons I prefer Garmins.
When I'm on my runs, I like to change data views occasionally and I can grab my wrist and do it by feel quickly and easily with the side buttons. I also prefer no touchscreen so there is no chance of accidental input when I'm out there grinding away and my hands are sweaty and/or it's wet out/raining, etc.
I sold my AW v1 and bought a Garmin Epic Gen 2. It was on sale, I figured, let's see what the fuss is about. Here is what I can tell you after about 6 months of using it.
First, I run about 60-80km a week currently, should get that up to 80-100 before my marathon.
What I like more about the Garmin:
1) Battery life. Ya, it's so much better. I went on vacation for a week, didn't need to bring a charging cable. Never have to worry about it. Never have to think about it.
2) Buttons. So much better. They are tactile, easy to reach..
3) Flashlight. I use it all the time. I use it in the middle of the night for a trip to the Lou.. I used to bring a flashlight with me when I went to the cottage, no need, the watch does fine.
What I like more about the AW:
1) I don't need to bring a phone ! Today, I went for a run, didn't bring my phone, my wife called me a bunch of times needing to know something, I wasn't answering, it required her to go home and change her plans for the day (long story).. she wasn't happy.
2) Apple Pay. I often buy things (milk, whatever) after a run. I can't do that anymore.
I'd say those are the main points. I will also say that all those fancy Garmin metrics are garbage. Training readiness and heat acclimation.. yada yada.. I don't trust them, they don't speak to me. They are fun to look at, but I'd never guide my training on them.
So really, it comes down to those above points.
I _think_ that when the AW3 comes out, I'll probably get it. I was going to upgrade my iPhone 12. I think Apple will EOL it at the end of 2026.. So I can get another two years out of it. Instead, I will get the AW3 and probably sell the Garmin. Not having to bring a phone with me, for me, out paces all the others..
First, I run about 60-80km a week currently, should get that up to 80-100 before my marathon.
What I like more about the Garmin:
1) Battery life. Ya, it's so much better. I went on vacation for a week, didn't need to bring a charging cable. Never have to worry about it. Never have to think about it.
2) Buttons. So much better. They are tactile, easy to reach..
3) Flashlight. I use it all the time. I use it in the middle of the night for a trip to the Lou.. I used to bring a flashlight with me when I went to the cottage, no need, the watch does fine.
What I like more about the AW:
1) I don't need to bring a phone ! Today, I went for a run, didn't bring my phone, my wife called me a bunch of times needing to know something, I wasn't answering, it required her to go home and change her plans for the day (long story).. she wasn't happy.
2) Apple Pay. I often buy things (milk, whatever) after a run. I can't do that anymore.
I'd say those are the main points. I will also say that all those fancy Garmin metrics are garbage. Training readiness and heat acclimation.. yada yada.. I don't trust them, they don't speak to me. They are fun to look at, but I'd never guide my training on them.
So really, it comes down to those above points.
I _think_ that when the AW3 comes out, I'll probably get it. I was going to upgrade my iPhone 12. I think Apple will EOL it at the end of 2026.. So I can get another two years out of it. Instead, I will get the AW3 and probably sell the Garmin. Not having to bring a phone with me, for me, out paces all the others..
Set up Garmin Pay -- I use it all the time -- works every bit as well as Apple Pay IMO
Garmin Pay is a joke. Insecure + data privacy is not that good. Not having a phone with me is a games breaker. The metrics are completely useless. The accuracy on the AW is far better.
My main jealousy of the Garmin is still battery life - Hopefully that can be a bit better with the Ultra 3 coming up. Two full years in the oven should make it a pretty good upgrade?
But just as you mention here, I have a wife that likes to know I'm okay when going on the long runs in the weekend in the early morning, so being able to go without my phone is just a killer feature