Garmin has launched the Venu X1 ultra-thin smartwatch, which can be worn all day but doesn’t scrimp on high-tech features.
The watch has an “industry-leading” 2in display and Garmin says it’s a trend-setter with its lightweight material, built-in speaker, microphone and torch.
With wearable fitness trackers growing in popularity, the thin design will likely appeal if you want to keep a tab on your health metrics but don’t like the bulk of the best cycling watches.
An ultra-thin design
The Venu X1 has an 8mm-thick watchcase and 2in screen, making it thinner and wider than an Apple Watch.
The watch combines a titanium caseback with a scratch-resistant Sapphire lens and easy-to-read AMOLED display.
This makes the watch suitable for wearing all day, according to Garmin.
“Not only does it pack all of Garmin’s most popular features into a slim profile, but the large display makes it easy to see everything from preloaded maps and workout stats to health insights and smart notifications with stunning clarity,” says Garmin’s Susan Lyman.
Despite its thin design, Garmin says the watch has up to eight days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which reduces some functions.
The watch face is customisable, so you can see data of your choosing, including step count, heart rate, altitude and training readiness.
Built-in features
Like the recent Forerunner 970, the Venu X1 has a built-in speaker, microphone and torch.
Garmin says the speaker and microphone enable you to take calls from your wrist, when the watch is paired with a compatible smartphone.
The watch will use your phone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages.
Certain voice commands, such as “start a running activity” and “set a timer for five minutes”, can also be activated from the Venu X1 with no phone connection required.
ComfortFit strap
Designed to be worn all day, the Venu X1 has a 24mm quick-release ComfortFit nylon band.
The £679.99 smartwatch is also available in two unobtrusive colours, black and moss.
The Venu X1 will be available to order from 18 June.
