Garmin is set to release the Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches, designed to prioritize sleep-tracking and customization. With the addition of a proactive sleep coaching feature and nap detection, these new watches stand out from competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Google, as they have the ability to track sleep during both day and night.
One of the notable features of the Venu 3 series is the new sleep coach. It takes into account a user’s daily activity levels, sleep history, and heart rate variability (HRV), which is a sleep metric unique to the Venu series. Based on this information, the coach provides recommendations on the amount of sleep needed to ensure optimal performance the following day. The Venu 3 can also detect daytime naps, which contribute to replenishing energy levels as tracked by the “Body Battery” tool. This tool quantifies energy levels on a scale of 1-100, depending on the user’s activity expenditure.
In addition to the advanced sleep-tracking features, the Venu 3 brings several other improvements compared to its predecessor. It introduces a wheelchair mode specifically designed for wheelchair users, tracking pushes instead of steps. It also offers handcycle activities and pre-loaded workouts, making it more inclusive for those with mobility challenges. Furthermore, the watch provides expanded insights on how workouts impact the user and how much recovery time is needed after each session at the gym.
Garmin is pushing boundaries in the fitness arena with its “rate of perceived exertion” feature. This feature allows users to report how challenging a workout felt, relying on subjective data rather than just numbers. It provides a more personalized and individual experience. The Venu 3 also introduces “interval creation,” which enables runners or bikers to build interval workouts directly from the watch face.
Beyond its health and fitness tracking capabilities, the Venu 3 boasts additional features. It will come with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing wearers to make calls directly from their watches. The AMOLED touchscreen can display photo messages, creating a more interactive experience. Garmin Pay enables contactless payments, while users can stream music from Spotify and Amazon Music.
The Venu 3 will be available starting at $449.99 and offers an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. It features a sleek stainless steel bezel and comes with silicone bands in either white or black. The Venu 3S offers even more customization options, with five different strap colors.
It remains unclear whether older Venu models will receive software updates to incorporate these new features. However, the Venu 3 represents a significant step forward for Garmin, as it aims to expand beyond its fitness-focused audience and appeal to a broader consumer base with a mainstream smartwatch.
In conclusion, Garmin’s Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches offer enhanced sleep-tracking capabilities, such as proactive sleep coaching and the ability to track daytime naps. The watches also provide improved insights on workouts, inclusive features for wheelchair users, and subjective data analysis for a more personalized experience. With added features like a built-in speaker and microphone, photo message display, and contactless payments, the Venu 3 is poised to attract a wider audience. Although it remains uncertain whether older models will receive updates, the Venu 3 represents Garmin’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the smartwatch market.