Garmin recently revealed more details about the advanced LTE and satellite features of its upcoming Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch. These capabilities, marketed under the company’s inReach brand, offer a new level of connectivity directly from your wrist. While Garmin has long been a leader in satellite communication with its handheld devices, the Fenix 8 Pro represents a significant step forward in integrating this technology into a more compact form factor.
How the Technology Works
Unlike older Garmin inReach devices that use Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and require larger antennas, the Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch utilizes a different approach. The watch connects to geostationary satellites, which are positioned much farther away and don’t require the same bulky hardware. However, a clear line of sight to the sky is crucial for a successful connection. For everyday use, the watch is also equipped with LTE-M technology, which is designed to be highly power-efficient, minimizing the impact on battery life.
Core InReach Smartwatch Features
The Fenix 8 Pro’s new features offer a range of safety and convenience tools. The emergency SOS with Garmin Response feature allows you to contact the company’s 24/7 emergency response center, which can dispatch help to your location. For less critical situations, you can send quick text or voice messages of up to 30 seconds to friends and family. While the watch can send messages directly to a phone number, Garmin suggests recipients download the Garmin Messenger app for the best experience. The watch also supports LTE voice calling and provides weather forecasts via LTE. Furthermore, you can use LiveTrack to share your location in real time or send a one-time location update via satellite if you’re out of cellular range.
Communication Prioritization and Subscription
The Fenix 8 Pro has a smart system for prioritizing connectivity. The watch first attempts to use its Bluetooth connection to your phone. If that’s not possible, it will automatically switch to LTE for most communication tasks. If you find yourself completely outside of LTE coverage, the watch will then use its satellite capabilities. For situations where you need to be sure the message gets through, you have the option to manually force a satellite connection. To unlock these features, users will need to purchase an inReach subscription, which is managed through the Garmin Connect app. Subscription tiers, like the basic “inReach Enabled” plan, start at $7.99 per month, and a 30-day free trial is available. It’s important to remember that both LTE and satellite coverage can vary by region.
Also Read: Garmin has officially launched the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED & AMOLED: What’s new?
