Garmin Expands Approach Series with S4, a Sleek Golf Watch with High-Res Touchscreen Display and Smart Notifications

Today, we are excited to announce the Approach S4 GPS golf watch—a feature-packed golf
watch to expand the already popular Approach Series. The Approach S4 has a high-res
touchscreen display that is sunlight readable and offers a dedicated Green View
button. It boasts a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last for up to 10
hours in golf mode. The S4 comes preloaded with more than 30,000 international courses
^[1] with free lifetime course updates, so there are no additional fees or
subscriptions. The Approach S4 also has Smart Notification technology when
paired with a compatible Apple smartphone. This allows the watch to wirelessly receive
information from the phone’s notification center such as emails, text messages,
so golfers can leave their phones in their bags while on the course. Like other
Garmin Golf GPS devices, the S4 gives precise distances to the front, middle
and back of the green, and incorporates layup, dogleg and shot distances all
while keeping score and tracking statistics on the digital scorecard. The
Approach S4 has a fashionable and functional design that is great on the golf
course, and as a stylish everyday wristwatch.

“The Approach S4 is the natural evolution of wearable golf technology,”
said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “The hi-res touchscreen
display makes it easier than ever for golfers to stay on top of their game, and
the Smart Notification functionality allows them to stay connected while on the
course. Plus, the extended battery life allows for a full weekend of golf on
one charge. The Approach S4 will give golfers a competitive edge on the course,
but the sleek form factor and smart watch technology makes it appropriate for
everyday wear.”

The Approach S4 is a golf watch like no other. The high-res touchscreen
display is glove-friendly and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Weighing
only 2.06 ounces, and water resistant to 10 meters, the Approach S4 packs
powerful features into a small, easy to wear package. It boasts the longest
golf mode battery life in the Approach watch lineup with 10 hours. The Approach
S4 incorporates Smart Notification technology, which allows golfers to stay
connected while on the course. When paired with a compatible smartphone (iPhone
4s and above running iOS7.0 and above), the S4 acts as a wireless extension of
the device through Bluetooth Low Energy so users can receive emails, text
messages and more while on the course.

Like other Garmin golf GPS devices, the Approach S4 provides precise
distance to the front, middle and back of the green. It also shows layup and
dogleg distances, and adds a Measure Shot feature, which calculates yardages
for shots played anywhere on the course. With the S4, users will even be able
to input and save customizable yardage points, like water hazards or bunkers,
to help golfers place shots more precisely. Additionally, the Approach S4 adds
a dedicated button for easy access to the Green View screen. This feature shows
golfers the true shape and layout of the green, and allows them to touch and drag
the pin to the day’s location so they’ll know exactly how much power to put into
their swing.

The S4 can be used all over the world, and because more than 30,000
courses are onboard, golfers will never have to worry about subscription fees
or roaming charges. Golfers who are traveling, playing unfamiliar courses, or those
who simply want to better understand their courses at home will be able to do
so in style with the Approach S4. The digital scorecard feature allows
individual scorecards to be saved, reviewed, shared and printed, so golfers are
able to track their progress over time. Scores can be recorded in either Stroke
Play or Stableford. The Approach S4 is also able to track golfer statistics,
which allows players to enter information such as strokes, putts and fairways
hit, along with their score at the end of each hole. This info is tabulated,
and some stats like putts per round, greens in regulation and fairways hit, can
be displayed at the end of the round. The S4 has an easy-to-use interface and
comes equipped with an odometer and round timer so golfers can track the
distance walked and time spent playing. The S4 will come in black and white, with
optional colorful accessory bands sold separately.

The Approach S4 will be available in Fall 2013, and will retail for
$349.99. It will be available at specialty golf retailers and golf course
pro-shops. The Approach S4 is the latest addition to Garmin’s outdoor segment,
which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’
outdoor experiences. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, hunting or geocaching,
Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of
all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and
services, go to garmin.com/sports and facebook.com/garmin.

^[1] Currently, there are no golf courses available in
Asia for Approach S-series devices sold outside of Asia. For more detail,
please see https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/cIntoSports-cGolfing-p1.html

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