Garmin is introducing the Venu 3 and 3S, and one of the standout features is the new Sleep Coach feature, which includes personalized coaching and automatic nap detection. This is a significant addition, as sleep tracking has become increasingly popular among wearable companies. For example, Samsung has been focusing on sleep tracking with its Galaxy Watch series, and Google recently added Fitbit’s Sleep Profile feature to the Pixel Watch. It’s surprising that Garmin devices haven’t had automatic nap detection until now, especially since sleep and naps are crucial for calculating recovery and readiness metrics. The Sleep Coach and nap detection features will eventually be available on other Garmin devices, although the company has not specified which ones.
In addition to the Sleep Coach feature, the Venu 3 series is the first Garmin watch to include a wheelchair mode. This mode replaces steps with pushes and movement reminders with weight shift reminders. It also offers wheelchair-specific sports apps and workouts. Garmin developed and beta tested this mode with wheelchair users to ensure its effectiveness. Currently, the wheelchair mode will only be available on Venu 3 watches as the company wants to gather feedback before extending it to other models.
Other new features on the Venu 3 include bigger font sizes for users with poor eyesight and audio-based guided meditation sessions. Users can follow voice prompts, set intentions, and listen to white noise like ocean sounds during their meditation sessions. They can choose from preset sessions or customize their own.
The Venu 3 also incorporates features typically found on Garmin’s higher-end multisport watches. These include the Morning Report, recovery time estimation, workout benefits, perceived rate of exertion, and the ability to create interval workouts directly from the watch. The Body Battery feature, which visualizes energy levels, will now provide more detailed insights into restful and stressful moments.
While the software of the Venu 3 is impressive, the hardware itself is only a minor improvement from its predecessor. The battery life has slightly increased, with the Venu 3 estimated to last 14 days (five days with always-on display) compared to the Venu 2’s 11 days. The 3S’s battery life remains the same at 10 days (five with AOD). Both smartwatches feature the new optical heart rate sensor introduced in Garmin’s Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro.
In terms of design and size, the Venu 3 series is similar to the Venu 2. The regular Venu 3 has a 45mm case, while the 3S has a 41mm case. These lifestyle watches are not as heavy or rugged as other Garmin devices, with the Venu 3 weighing 46g and the 3S weighing 40g. They feature OLED displays, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lenses, and 5ATM water resistance.
The Garmin Venu 3 series is available for purchase starting today, with both watches retailing for $449.99. The Venu 3 comes in black and white, while the 3S is available in black, french gray, sage, pink, and ivory.
Overall, the Venu 3 and 3S offer exciting new features and improvements, particularly with the Sleep Coach and wheelchair mode. These enhancements make the watches more inclusive and provide users with valuable insights into their sleep and activity levels.