Tag: inReach

  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro hits all-time low at Amazon

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro hits all-time low at Amazon

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (47mm, Carbon Gray) is $849 on Amazon, a 29% ($350) discount, its lowest price yet.
    – The watch offers inReach satellite/4G LTE communication without needing a smartphone nearby.
    – Battery life reaches up to 19 days in energy-saving mode or about a week with always-on display.
    – InReach features (e.g., texting via 4G LTE) require a paid monthly subscription.
    – The 51mm model is also on sale for $949.

    Summer Adventures and Thinkin About Tech

    Some tech enthusiasts might be planing their upcoming summer vacation or at least an adventure or day-trip, which usually means less screen time and more activities outdoors. While leaving behind the laptop and smartphone can do wonders in terms of stress management, having a device on hand in case of an emergency might be a good idea.

    Garmin Watches Are Tough and Smart

    Garmin smartwatches like the Fenix 8 Pro are made for these scenarios as the latest flagship smartwatch from the American wearable maker sports inReach communication via 4G LTE or satellite, even when no smartphone is in Bluetooth range. Users who would like to take advantage of this feature might want to consider the latest offer for the aforementioned Fenix 8 Pro.

    Pricing and Size Options For You

    To be more exact, the 47mm version of the Garmin watch has been discounted to $849 including free shipping. This constitutes a 29% or $350 discount and results in the lowest price yet according to Camelcamelcamel. Only the “Carbon Gray” color variant is part of this offer. For users with bigger wrists, the 51mm model is also on sale for $949.

    Better Check The Review First

    Since the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is still a very expensive gadget, its worth checking out our in-depth review of the Fenix 8 Solar before ordering. Although there are a few differences between these two SKUs, our impressions of the basic features will apply to the Pro SKU thats on sale here.

    Battery Life and Subscription Details

    In any case, buyers can look forward to a robust wearable with a long battery life of up to 19 days in energy saving mode. With the always-on display enabled, the Fenix 8 Pro should still last around a week according to Garmin. Prospective owners should also note that inReach features such as sending text messages via 4G LTE require a paid subscription with a monthly fee, which is a fact that we recently criticized. Nevertheless, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is one of the best-equipped outdoor multi-sport smartwatches on the market and might be worth the discounted price for some.

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    • Garmin Emergency Features vs Apple: Life-Saving Costs Compared

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin now offers a reduced-cost emergency satellite call for $7.99 via paused subscriptions, plus a $39.99 activation fee.
      – This change targets average smartwatch users (e.g., Fenix 8 Pro), not just serious outdoor adventurers with inReach handhelds.
      – Garmin appears stingy compared to Apple, which offers free satellite emergency communication for two years with no announced paywall.
      – The pricing may lead to reputational damage and long-term costs, as the choice of smartwatch can be life-or-death in emergencies.

      A necessary change?

      I fully expected this, and now it has happened: Garmin has reduced the cost of inReach in one specific scenario, likely the one most relevant to broad user groups. It is now possible to place at least an emergency call at an effective price of $7.99 by pausing the inReach subscription, and not only with various inReach devices, but also with Garmin smartwatches that support satellite communication. An initial activation fee of $39.99 also applies.

      Potentially problematic for the brand

      The move is not really surprising, but it probably will not protect Garmin from a potential marketing disaster and could end up costing the company more than lost inReach revenue at a lower level. This only partial change to the pricing structure seems problematic for two reasons. First, with the Fenix 8 Pro models, Garmin is targeting average users much more directly than it does with its inReach handhelds, even if those users are interested in sports. Put casually: Anyone who buys an inReach handheld is planning serious outdoor adventures and ideally also knows that such a subscription can be vital for survival.

      A different kind of customer

      That may not always be the case for customers who buy the Fenix 8 Pro or Quatix 8 Pro. Still, even a short hike in a dead zone, or a professional but ultimately not well-organized diving trip, can quickly turn into a fatal horror trip, or into the kind of story told well into old age about a successful helicopter rescue after what ultimately turned out to be a not-so-dramatic broken leg. It’s a bit of a gamble, requiring users to be very proactive about there subscription setup.

      Comparing to Apple

      Garmin looks particularly stingy compared with Apple: Satellite communication is free for the first two years after purchase, and there is no information yet for the period after that. Looking at the situation with iPhones as well, I strongly assume that Apple will at least not put basic emergency communication behind a paywall. This may sound somewhat naive, but in such cases, which are not exactly rare, the choice of smartwatch can quite literally decide between life and death, even if the smartwatch itself technically supports satellite communication.

      Long-term reputational risk

      Beyond the individual tragedy, this could also cause significant reputational damage for the otherwise very successful company and ultimately become much more expensive for Garmin in the long term. Average consumers might not understand why they need to pay extra for a life saving feature, especially when a rival offers it for free. It remains to be seen if Garmin will adjust there polices further, but for now the reaction from the market and potential buyers seems mixed at best.

      • Pricing specifics: $7.99 effective price per month for emergency call capability
      • Additional cost: $39.99 initial activation fee
      • Requires pausing the inReach subscription after activation
      • Works with Garmin inReach devices and select smartwatches (Fenix 8 Pro, Quatix 8 Pro)
      • Apple offers free satellite communication for first two years
      • No pricing information from Apple for period after two years
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    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

      Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin now allows SOS functions on “suspended” inReach subscriptions, saving activation fees.
      – Pausing a subscription for up to 12 months enables year-round SOS access with just one $7.99 payment per year.
      – Other features (check-in messages, photo/voice transfer, LiveTrack) still require a paid subscription.
      – Voice calls and text messages via mobile network need at least the cheapest “Enabled” subscription.
      – The SOS-only feature on paused plans requires a firmware update and is limited to specific Garmin products.

      New SOS Access on Garmin Devices

      While smartphones like the Apple iPhone 17 ($759 on Amazon) have been offering free satellite SOS features for years, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, a Quatix 8 Pro or even a dedicated inReach satellite communication device have to take out a paid subscription to be able to use this function. This is now changing, at least partially, as users with a “suspended” inReach subscription can now also access the SOS functions.

      Subscription Pause Changes

      Until now, pausing a subscription was mainly practical in order to save the activation fee of $39.99 if the subscription was to be continued at some point. A subscription can be paused for a maximum of twelve months at a time and is then automatically reactivated. The new arrangement means that it is effectively possible to pay $7.99 once a year for the cheapest inReach subscription and use Garmin inReach emergency call features all year round. However, as this requires a firmware update, emergency calls are only available on the following products during a paused subscription:

      • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
      • Garmin Quatix 8 Pro
      • Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
      • Garmin inReach Mini 2

      Remaining Features Still Paid

      All other inReach features, such as sending check-in messages to friends, transferring photos and voice messages via the satellite network, and LiveTrack location requests are still only available if a paid subscription has been taken out. Voice calls, text messages and voice messages via the mobile network also require at least the cheapest “Enablded” subscription


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    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: New inReach Smartwatch Features Explained

      Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: New inReach Smartwatch Features Explained

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch uses geostationary satellite systems and LTE-M technology, offering compact design and improved battery life.
      2. Key features include SOS functionality, voice/text messaging, voice calls via LTE, weather updates, and location sharing.
      3. Communication priority is set to connect to a phone first, then LTE, and finally satellite if necessary, with manual satellite messaging options available.
      4. Users must subscribe to an inReach plan to access LTE and satellite features, starting from $7.99 monthly, with a 30-day free trial offered.
      5. The Fenix 8 Pro will be available for order starting September 8th, with a starting price of $1,199.99.

      Garmin has revealed additional details regarding the LTE and satellite capabilities of their latest Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch. This technology is part of the inReach sub-brand, but it operates differently compared to Garmin’s handheld GPS devices.

      Satellite Technology Overview

      The previous Garmin inReach models utilized a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, which needs larger antennas and batteries to function. In contrast, the Fenix 8 Pro, being more compact, relies on geostationary satellite systems. It’s important to mention that having a clear line of sight is essential, as obstacles can hinder connectivity. Additionally, the Fenix 8 Pro employs LTE-M technology, which is designed to consume less power and help extend battery life.

      Key Features of the Fenix 8 Pro

      The inReach smartwatch boasts several important features, such as the SOS functionality with Garmin Response, which allows users to reach out to the brand’s 24/7 emergency assistance center. Users can also transmit 30-second voice or text messages to their friends through LTE or satellite. While Garmin suggests that recipients download the Garmin Messenger app, it is still possible to send a text to a saved contact directly. Other features include making voice calls via LTE and receiving weather updates through the same technology. Furthermore, you can share your location using LiveTrack or send updates via satellite.

      Communication Priority

      When it comes to communication, the inReach smartwatch will first attempt to connect to your phone. If that fails, it will activate LTE for most communication needs. Should you find yourself outside of LTE coverage, the device will switch to satellite mode. Users can also manually choose to send a message via satellite if preferred.

      To utilize the LTE and satellite features, Fenix 8 Pro users must subscribe to an inReach plan. This subscription is managed through Garmin Connect, with prices starting at $7.99/£7.99/€9.99 monthly for inReach Enabled (with tiers and pricing detailed below). A 30-day free trial will be available for users. It is also essential to recognize that LTE coverage and satellite connectivity can differ by country; a coverage map is accessible on the Garmin website.

      The Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch is set to be available for order worldwide starting September 8th, with pricing commencing at $1,199.99.

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      Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: New inReach Smartwatch Features Explained

       

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    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Rumors: LTE and Satellite Smartwatches Leak

      Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Rumors: LTE and Satellite Smartwatches Leak

      Key Takeaways

      1. Garmin hinted at refreshing popular smartwatches with LTE capabilities, including models like Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8.
      2. Confusion arose about which models would receive phone call functions, with speculation mainly focused on the Fenix 8 series.
      3. A significant leak suggests Garmin may release multiple LTE-enabled devices, not just the Fenix 8 Pro.
      4. The new devices may integrate with Garmin’s inReach series, which uses the Iridium satellite network for messaging.
      5. Garmin is likely to develop a wrist-worn device that incorporates inReach features, similar to the existing Fenix and Quatix series.

      A few months ago, Garmin hinted that it might refresh several well-liked smartwatches with LTE capabilities. Back in late April, we noticed that Garmin’s Connect app had references to phone functions for models like the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8, but these references were soon erased. Since then, Garmin hasn’t made any official announcements.

      Confusion Over New Models

      Interestingly, there was a mix-up where it was suggested that the newer Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 could handle phone calls. Still, new whispers emerged claiming that Garmin would only provide LTE features for the Fenix 8 series as part of a Fenix 8 Pro launch. Now, the5krunner has shared that it has what it calls a ‘huge leak’ about Garmin’s future plans for LTE and Satellite tech.

      Details from the Leak

      According to regular informant @JohnW, the5krunner has put much of this supposed leak behind a paywall. At the moment, there’s no word on when they will disclose this ‘huge leak’. However, we can still pick up some details from what they have shared thus far.

      For example, the5krunner mentions that Garmin’s strategy may involve ‘new devices’ instead of just one. This suggests there will be a range of LTE-enabled wearables beyond just the rumored Fenix 8 Pro. Additionally, it appears these new releases are connected to Garmin’s inReach series, which utilizes the Iridium satellite network for worldwide two-way messaging and other functions.

      Future inReach Devices

      Currently, Garmin offers devices like the inReach Mini 2 or inReach Messenger (currently priced at $249.99 on Amazon) and the more standard GPSMAP 86 or Montana 760. It seems that Garmin is planning to integrate inReach features into a wrist-worn gadget. Consequently, we might see another variant of the Fenix series, similar to the Quatix 8 that was released in June.

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