Key Takeaways
1. Garmin launched the Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch for $1,199.99, featuring advanced LTE capabilities and the first microLED display in a widely-produced smartwatch.
2. A new rotating crown control system is in development, differing from traditional designs used by Apple and Samsung.
3. The new crown will use a Hall effect sensor to detect rotation, avoiding mechanical parts and enhancing water resistance and durability.
4. Concept images of the design exist, but they should be viewed with skepticism as they are not finalized.
5. The digital crown is expected in a mid-range model, possibly the Venu 5 or Vivoactive 7, and will allow navigation without a touchscreen, but no release date has been announced.
Garmin has recently launched its Fenix 8 Pro, which costs $1,199.99 on Amazon, featuring advanced LTE capabilities. This new Pro model is also notable for being the first widely-produced smartwatch with a microLED display. However, Garmin seems to be working on another significant innovation. Reports suggest that the company is developing a rotating crown control system for a future smartwatch, which would differ from the systems found in Apple’s and Samsung’s smartwatches.
New Technology in Development
It’s said that this new feature will not affect the smartwatch’s water resistance or its overall sturdiness. Gadgets & Wearables has indicated that Garmin plans to avoid a traditional mechanical crown that has moving parts. Instead, it appears that the company is looking to implement a Hall effect sensor to sense rotation through magnetic movement. This design could potentially do away with the need for physical contact between mechanical and electronic parts, making it more resistant to environmental factors compared to a conventional mechanical setup.
Concept Images Available
At the moment, Gadgets & Wearables only has concept images of this proposed design. Therefore, it’s advisable to approach these images with a dose of skepticism for now. It is also rumored that moving to a digital crown would mean stepping away from Garmin’s usual five-button design. As depicted in the provided image, two buttons are located on the left side of the smartwatch, while a digital crown is safeguarded by a crown guard on the opposite side.
Future Models Expected
The digital crown is likely to function without relying on the touchscreen for navigating the user interface or accessing apps. Currently, this new feature is anticipated to appear in a mid-range model, possibly within the Venu or Vivoactive series, instead of in a higher-end Fenix or Tactix model. Thus, the image could represent a forthcoming Venu 5 or Vivoactive 7. Unfortunately, there is still no specific release date available at this time.
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