Key Takeaways
1. Durability and Sizes: Available in 47mm and 51mm, the Tactix 8 meets military durability standards and is water-resistant up to 40 meters.
2. New Activity Profiles: Features specific profiles for rucking and diving, enhancing tracking for outdoor activities and offering essential data for divers.
3. Communication Features: Includes a built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice command control when paired with a smartphone.
4. Advanced Navigation: Preloaded with TopoActive maps, improved GPS accuracy, and customizable map layers, plus round-trip routing for better navigation.
5. Tactical and Health Options: Offers Stealth Mode and NVG compatibility for tactical use, along with comprehensive fitness and health tracking tools.
Garmin has launched the Tactix 8, a durable smartwatch made for use on land, in the air, and now even at sea. This newest version comes with fresh features aimed at military users, outdoor lovers, and divers.
Sizes and Durability
The Tactix 8 is available in sizes of 47mm and 51mm, meeting military standards (MIL-STD-810) for heat, shock, and water resistance. It has a 40-meter diving capacity with buttons that are leakproof for underwater activities. The battery life has seen enhancements, with the AMOLED display on the 47mm model lasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, and the solar-powered 51mm version lasting up to 48 days.
New Capabilities
This smartwatch includes specific profiles for rucking and diving activities. The rucking feature allows users to enter pack weight for more precise exertion tracking, which can also apply to hiking and trail running. For diving, the watch supports both scuba and apnea activities, offering necessary data and navigation tools, with its 40-meter dive rating ensuring dependable performance underwater.
Communication and Control
Equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, users can make calls directly from the watch when it’s paired with a smartphone. Voice commands provide hands-free control over different functions.
Navigation and Mapping
The Tactix 8 comes preloaded with TopoActive maps and offers an optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription for enhanced mapping detail. With SatIQ and multi-band GPS, positioning accuracy is improved. A new map interface allows users to customize map layers, and round-trip routing assists in navigation.
Tactical Options
Stealth Mode allows the watch to turn off wireless communication while still tracking distance and biometric data, making it handy for operations in sensitive locations. The Night Vision Goggle (NVG) mode dims the display to work with night vision devices. Additionally, a multi-LED flashlight with both white and green light options is built in.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The smartwatch features training tools like strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, and various sports applications. Health monitoring capabilities include Pulse Ox, Body Battery, sleep tracking, and compatibility with ECG apps.
Ballistics and Aviation Features
The Tactix 8 is equipped with the Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver, while the Tactix 8 Elite features the AB Elite solver. Aviation capabilities include Direct-to-navigation, access to aviation weather data, and Jumpmaster functionality for airborne operations.
Cost and Launch Date
The Tactix 8 smartwatch from Garmin will be available for purchase on Garmin.com starting February 21. The price for the 47mm AMOLED version is $1,299.99, while both the 51mm AMOLED and the 51mm solar models retail for $1,399 each. The Solar SB Elite variant, which comes with the Applied Ballistics Elite Solver, is priced at $1,599.
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