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Garmin's new Edge 1060 bike computer has arrived for testing – and the voice-control function is still finding its way.
My initial attempts to use the Edge 1060's headline new feature have exposed some teething issues, with the device struggling to interpret place names and even the word 'train' when asked to navigate to my local railway station.
My initial prompt to ask it to start a ride worked, but based on my repeated attempts to navigate to my local station, interpretation of place names and some speech isn't bullet-proof.
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I've asked Garmin for comment, while I'll continue testing the prompts and await software updates that may remedy the teething issue.
I’ve only just got the Edge 1060 out of the box and set it up, but it’s an early snag for a very expensive device that brings a host of other evolutionary developments.
A familiar interface, polished
Leaving the voice-control issue aside for the moment, my initial impression is that it feels like a design cross between the previous-generation Edge 1050 and the smaller Edge 850.
There are some welcome changes to the physical layout, most notably a reduction in the bezel size around the same screen as before.
As someone who has long campaigned for edge-to-edge screens on bike computers (because they're practically everywhere else), I'm pleased to see Garmin at least beginning to move in that direction.
There are now seven buttons surrounding the display, indicating a move to a more flexible user interface.
It's also lost 19g in weight compared to the Edge 1050, at 142g. It still feels like a weighty piece of kit in the hand, though, despite its more compact shape – I'm not expecting weight-conscious racers to suddenly start favouring it over other bike computers for that reason.
The user interface feels quick and responsive from the outset – there are no major surprises here.
Garmin has given it a visual spit and polish, with more detail and menu access integrated into the home screen. The overall experience, though, feels instantly familiar if you've used a recent Garmin Edge computer.
Garmin's established software is notoriously feature-rich, and each generation adds more on top. I doubt many people use all the functions, and I stand by my observation on last week’s BikeRadar Podcast that most might be better off with the less performance-oriented, cheaper Edge Explore 3.
Nevertheless, the headline addition for this generation is voice control, enabled by a built-in microphone that lives on the bottom edge of the device (the USB-C charge port has moved to accommodate it).
The jury remains out on how well this feature works, but in theory it can be prompted to read out ride data, change screens, request a route or report road hazards without having to take your hands off the handlebar.
The microphone also enables voice messaging through Garmin Messenger, while the integrated speaker can read out navigation instructions and incoming messages. The bike bell feature remains.
More navigation options and connected features
Garmin has also expanded the navigation functionality, albeit you could buy the Edge Explore 3 for that.
The new ‘Route Options’ feature offers alternative routes to a destination, with information such as estimated ride time and elevation gain to help you choose. ‘Route Previews’ provides additional information before setting off, including traffic and reported hazards, while ‘Free Flow Routing’ is designed to offer routes with fewer stops and junctions.
There's also a new ‘Up Ahead’ feature, which enables riders to prioritise points of interest such as coffee shops and toilets, plus receive new road closure alerts.
‘GroupRide’ has received an update, too, making it easier to join an active group ride nearby, but of course you need those riders to be using the system.
These changes sit alongside Garmin's existing training features, including adaptive training plans, personalised workout suggestions and TrainingPeaks workout synchronisation.
The other addition many may appreciate is the ability to use the 1060 as a power bank.
A significant price increase
The Edge 1060 costs £699.99 / $799.99 / €799.99, representing a £100 / $100 / €140 increase over the Edge 1050.
That's a sizeable jump, particularly given the Edge 1060 looks to be 'just' another iterative update and, currently, one with an obvious flaw.
The new features will all need testing before I can reach a verdict on the Edge 1060. Voice control, naturally, is something I’ll be continuing to assess.
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