Introducing Garmin epix: The First-of-its-Kind Hands-free Navigation Device
Today we’re excited to announce epix, the first-of-its-kind, rugged GPS mapping watch for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a hands-free navigator. Featuring a 1.4” high-resolution color touchscreen, epix comes preloaded with a worldwide shaded relief basemap, a free 1-year subscription to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, plus 8 GB of built-in memory for additional maps. Epix boasts an omni-directional EXO
steel antenna with GPS and GLONASS support for a quick fix and accurate position, as well as traditional altimeter/barometer/compass functionality. Epix is also compatible with ANT+ sensors like heart rate monitors and Tempe temperature sensor for even more data. Additionally, epix supports the Connect IQ store for customization and smartwatch capabilities. With a full menu of outdoor and navigation features, epix allows users to not only track where they’ve been, but plan for what’s ahead, right from their wrist.
“For the first time, we’re able to pack the punch of an outdoor handheld GPS into a wearable device,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “Garmin is already a leader in GPS wearables, and we’re excited to kick things up a notch with epix by adding preloaded mapping and extra storage to an extremely rugged watch that can handle the most rigorous conditions.”
Hands-Free Navigation
Epix features a 1.4” color touchscreen display, which allows users to pan and swipe across the watch face to access vivid, detailed maps. It comes preloaded with a worldwide shaded relief basemap, a free one-year subscription to BirdsEye Satellite imagery, and TOPO US 100K on some models. Plus, 8GB of internal memory to supports additional mapping like TOPO 24K or BlueChart® g2 maps. Epix also boasts a 50m water rating1, and extended battery life with up to 24 hours in GPS mode, 50 hours in UltraTrac mode and 16 weeks in watch mode2
Epix uses the new high-sensitivity EXO antenna with GPS and GLONASS support, which means a stronger signal and quicker fix. When connected to GPS, epix has a full suite of navigation features like track recording and navigation, as well as waypoint and coordinate navigation. Users can also reverse their tracklog back to the start using the TracBack feature, or navigate to a location within sight, but not necessarily accessible due to terrain, using Sight ‘N Go.
Equipped with auto-calibrating sensors, epix provides relevant real-time information right from the user’s wrist. The altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term changes in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass allows users to keep their bearings, no matter if they’re in a deep canyon or heavy forest.
Multisport Functionality
In addition to the navigation features, epix is also a full-featured fitness training watch, so users don’t need to change watches between activities. With different profiles for running, cycling, swimming, ski/board and indoor training, epix can record distance, pace, speed, calories burned and more. When paired with a heart rate monitor, epix can estimate the user’s VO2 max, and provide a recovery check after intense workouts3. Epix can also record advanced running dynamics4, which includes cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time to improve the user’s running economy.
Connect IQ & Wireless Connectivity
With Connect IQ, epix can be completely customized to suit the needs of the user. Connect IQ is the first-ever open platform for third-party developers to create apps and widgets for Garmin products. Through the Connect IQ store in the Garmin Connect Mobile app, users can upload customized apps, widgets, data fields and watch faces to make their epix even smarter, and to suit their specific lifestyles.
Garmin is working with several app developers that are creating epix apps for the Connect IQ store. Tempo, for example, is building a smart calendar app that will let users see their upcoming events, and send an email from their watch if they are running late. LifeLine Response personal safety app is expanding to include Garmin devices with 24/7 Professional Safety. AccuWeather will offer an app to give users air quality and allergy information at a glance. iSKI is working on an app to provide the latest weather, snow, lift and slope information at a glance. Octane Fitness is building an app to bridge the gap between outdoor runs and indoor workouts on the Octane Zero Runner to seamlessly track all workout stats. Moxy, a muscle oxygen sensor, is creating an app that monitors the oxygenation of critical muscles during a workout, so users can have more insight on what is happening within their muscles.
In addition to Connect IQ, epix is equipped with even more wireless connectivity. The Smart Notification feature allows users to pair their smartphone5 with the watch to receive call, text and email alerts right on their wrist, no matter if their phone is buried deep in their pack. Through Bluetooth® and the Garmin Connect Mobile app, users can seamlessly upload their data, or start at LiveTrack session, allowing invited friends and family to follow along in real time while out on the trail or during a training session.
Epix can also act as a wireless remote for the Garmin VIRB® Elite action cam. Using ANT+, users can start and stop recording and take stills right from their wrist. In addition to heart rate monitors, epix is compatible with a variety of other ANT+ accessories such as tempe and the speed/cadence sensor.
Epix will be available for purchase in Q1 of 2015. Epix will have a suggested retail price of $549.99, and epix TOPO US 100K will have a suggested retail price of $599.99.
1 For more information on Garmin water ratings, click here.
2 Depending on settings.
3 Heart rate monitor sold separately.
4 When paired with HRM-Run.
5 Examples of compatible phones include: iPhone® 4S & later, Android 4.3, Galaxy S3 or later, Galaxy Note 3 or HTC One, phone must be Bluetooth Smart.
The post Introducing Garmin epix: The First-of-its-Kind Hands-free Navigation Device appeared first on Garmin Blog.
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