{"id":792901,"date":"2024-10-01T09:33:19","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T07:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=792901"},"modified":"2024-10-01T09:36:44","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T07:36:44","slug":"hands-on-with-the-new-garmin-fenix-8-smartwatch-an-athletes-ultimate-companion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/industry-news\/792901\/hands-on-with-the-new-garmin-fenix-8-smartwatch-an-athletes-ultimate-companion\/","title":{"rendered":"Hands-on with the new Garmin fenix 8 smartwatch \u2013 An athlete\u2019s ultimate companion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Garmin has unveiled its new fenix 8 smartwatches, which feature extensive upgrades and improvements over the previous generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These flagship smartwatches offer advanced strength training, sports apps, 24\/7 health monitoring, dynamic round-trip routing, and an improved battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is complemented by AMOLED or solar charging variations, options for a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a range of sizes: 43mm, 47mm, and 51mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This ensures the fenix 8 smartwatches cater to every type of user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Garmin sent us the 47mm AMOLED fenix 8 for review, and we spent several days testing the rugged smartwatch in various scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch our review below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Ultimate Performance Smartwatch: Garmin f\u0113nix 8 Review\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eoYAT60E94Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exciting new features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fenix 8 offers a bright AMOLED touchscreen display or an always-on display with a solar charging lens &#8211; available in 47mm and 51mm sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The AMOLED display, which we tested, is ideal for users who want the brightest possible screen &#8211; whereas the solar charging display is the better option for those who prioritise battery life, as it extends the 16-day battery life to an incredible 28 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This display is the centrepiece of a rugged, stylish design that also includes an LED flashlight and a new sensor guard, which Garmin added to protect critical sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When combined with an overall robust build quality, it ensures the fenix 8 meets U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance up to 40m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The sensor guard also protects another exciting new addition to the smartwatch \u2013 a microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working alongside a built-in speaker, you can now make and take calls, record voice note reminders, and use smart voice controls all from the watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes voice commands like \u201cstart a strength training activity,\u201d \u201cset a timer for 5 minutes,\u201d \u201csave waypoint,\u201d and more \u2013 even without a smartphone connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Training and workouts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Garmin has also improved the software capabilities of the fenix 8 \u2013 focusing on the fitness features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Advanced strength training plans and sport-specific workouts for athletes of all types have been added, alongside 4\u20136-week courses that help you elevate your performance and meet personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout your training, Garmin status reports will then help you determine how strained or productive you are in your training regime &#8211; while a training readiness score based on your sleep quality, recovery, and training load is ideal for determining how hard to train in your next session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fenix 8 will suggest daily workouts based on your previous exercise performance, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another standout feature of the smartwatch is Garmin Coach, which provides you with adaptive training plans to help you prepare for your next race or milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Health and wellness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Garmin fenix 8\u2019s extensive health features do not stop there, and the new smartwatch is equally well equipped to handle your day-to-day health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes sleep tracking and your heart rate variability (HRV) status, which provide you with a better understanding of your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional built-in health features are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wrist-based heart rate<\/strong> \u2013 constant heart rate monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pulse ox sensor<\/strong> \u2013 blood oxygen saturation tracking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sleep<\/strong> <strong>coach<\/strong> \u2013 tracks sleep stages and helps to improve sleep quality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nap detection<\/strong> \u2013 track how naps benefit your body.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Body battery monitoring<\/strong> \u2013 track your energy levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stress tracking<\/strong> \u2013 see how calm or stressed you are.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respiration tracking<\/strong> \u2013 tracks breaths per minute and provides breathwork exercises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay connected<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A key upgrade to the fenix 8 is its advanced mapping and navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A new map interface makes it easy to customise layers, while you can view terrain contours using TopoActive maps and access preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dynamic round-trip routing then lets you specify the distance you want to walk, and your watch will automatically generate suggested routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also receive suggested routes to manually-entered points while exploring, and your fenix 8 will provide you with turn-by-turn directions throughout this custom route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your maps and routes can then be managed through the Garmin Connect smartphone app &#8211; alongside your workout plans, exercises, apps, watch faces, Garmin Pay, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With unrivalled fitness features, a stylish design, and robust build quality, the Garmin fenix 8 is the ultimate multisport smartwatch in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takealot.com\/garmin-fenix-8-51mm-amoled-glass-ss-slate-gray-steel-black\/PLID95925871\"><strong>Click here to learn more about the Garmin fenix 8.<\/strong><\/a><strong><u><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a  data-lightbox=\"post-image\" href=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-792912\" srcset=\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Garmin-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Garmin fenix 8 smartwatch offers advanced strength training, sports apps, 24\/7 health monitoring, dynamic round-trip routing, and improved battery life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":792915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10459],"tags":[20426,20578,20576,3130,20577,15389],"class_list":["post-792901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-news","tag-amoled","tag-athlete","tag-fenix-8","tag-garmin","tag-review","tag-smartwatches"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/792901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=792901"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/792901\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":793097,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/792901\/revisions\/793097"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/792915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=792901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=792901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=792901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}