Today Garmin introduced a full color mapping GPS wrist watch that doubles as a multisport watch – making for the first time they’ve merged the multisport world with their historically separate handheld mapping units. This new unit – the Garmin Epix – employs a touch screen (as well as regular buttons) to allow you to navigate on full color downloadable maps as well as Connect IQ apps. But more importantly to this segment here, it’s a fully functional GPS sport watch containing every single feature of the FR920XT and just announced Fenix3 watches. It’s effectively the ultimate single Garmin GPS device containing everything minus the kitchen sink.
I’ve had some very brief hands-on time with a prototype Epix unit to get the run through on the key features. Expect a much deeper review in a few months once it releases.
(Note: Garmin has also announced other products today including the Garmin Fenix3 GPS watch, the Garmin Vivoactive GPS smartwatch, and the Vivofit2 activity tracker.)
Main Features:
The first thing to understand is that it has every single software function of the Fenix3 (which in turn, has every software function of the Forerunner 920XT). There are some hardware differences though, mostly positive, but one negative (no WiFi). On the positives, first is that the Epix has the larger 1.4” full color touch screen. The main point of this enlarged screen being to display maps like above.
These maps can be purchased as part of an Epix bundle, or downloaded separately from either Garmin.com (paid) or free 3rd party sources (just like the Garmin Edge series). So you definitely aren’t limited to Garmin’s semi-costly maps, which is great news. That moves right into the next piece, which is storage. The unit contains 8GB of storage for maps, which should be plenty for just about any expedition out there. You can’t extend the storage, which is likely due to the increased 50m waterproofing and difficulty they’d have otherwise properly waterproofing a micro-SD card port.
Because the Epix carries with it the expanded navigation feature set of the Fenix3, it has a much higher focus on hiking and related activities. This includes features not found in the base FR920XT, like the Sight ‘N Go capability as well as the TracBack functions. Further, unlike the FR920XT you can control the zoom levels and change it as required on the fly.
For the triathletes in the house though, you weren’t left behind. As noted above, it carries with it all of the triathlon-focused functionality found in the new Fenix3 and the FR920XT (for those who haven’t read the Fenix3 post yet, all you really need to know is that there’s nothing new tri-specific software-wise that’s not in the FR920XT already).
The included multisport functionality means that you can take the watch out into openwater and track swims just as easily as navigating in the offseason in the mountains with Topo maps.
The same goes for activity settings, sensors and profiles – all of that is retained from the FR920XT. While the watch is no doubt bigger (in every way) than the slim and sleek FR920XT, it doesn’t feel much different than the older FR910XT from a size standpoint. So if the FR910XT didn’t bother you, I doubt the Epix will either.
Now, there is one hardware feature that strangely isn’t found in the Epix watch – which is WiFi. Despite being available in all other recent high-end Garmin units, it didn’t make the cut for the Epix. Fear not though, you’ve still got USB as well as Bluetooth Smart. So you can still transfer routes and what-not via your phone, just like with the Fenix series.
And finally, just like every other new Garmin device over about $200 these days, it supports Garmin Connect IQ. This means you can download Garmin Connect IQ apps, watch faces, widgets and data fields to the Epix. There’s already a number of companies (big and small) working on apps, which I’ll dive into in a post later this week.
Product Comparison Tool:
Now, it’s probably getting a bit confusing with some of these recent models as to how the FR920XT, Fenix3, and Epix all differ. In many ways, they’re basically the same base functionality with the material aspects of the watch and navigation capabilities being the major differences. Here’s a nifty little somewhat over-simplified overview of the differences that I whipped up:
But, for those of you who are more spec oriented, here’s the full rundown of specs. Note that my charts don’t fully cover materials yet (like the glass front, bezel, and band types), so this is more from a technical feature set level. Also note that for the Epix series there are two models. The first is at $549US without detailed maps, and the second is at $599US with the TOPO US 100K maps. Keep in mind though you can easily download free maps from the interwebs, so I wouldn’t let that bother you too much.
| Function/Feature | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated April 29th, 2021 @ 4:56 am New Window | |||
| Price | $249 | $499 | $549 |
| Product Announcement Date | Oct 1st, 2014 | January 5th, 2015 | January 5th, 2015 |
| Actual Availability/Shipping Date | Early Oct 2014 | February 2015 | May 2015 |
| GPS Recording Functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Transfer | USB/Bluetooth Smart/WiFi | USB/Bluetooth Smart/WiFi | USB/Bluetooth Smart |
| Waterproofing | Yes - 50m | Yes - 100m | Yes - 50m |
| Battery Life (GPS) | UP TO 40HRS IN GPS | Up to 50hrs in GPS | Up to 50hrs in GPS |
| Recording Interval | 1s or Smart | 1S OR SMART | 1S OR SMART |
| Alerts | Vibrate/Sound/Visual | Vibrate/Sound/Visual | Vibrate/Sound/Visual |
| Backlight Greatness | Great | Great | Great |
| Ability to download custom apps to unit/device | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Music | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Can control phone music | No | Yes | Yes |
| Has music storage and playback | No | No | No | Connectivity | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Bluetooth Smart to Phone Uploading | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Tracking (streaming location to website) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts) | No | No | No |
| Built-in cellular chip (no phone required) | No | No | No | Cycling | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Designed for cycling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter Configuration/Calibration Options | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| Power Meter TSS/NP/IF | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| Speed/Cadence Sensor Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Strava segments live on device | No | No | No | Running | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Designed for running | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footpod Capable (For treadmills) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...) | With HRM-TRI or HRM-RUN | With HRM-TRI or HRM-RUN | With HRM-TRI or HRM-RUN (Gen1 only, no Gen2 Running Dynamics) |
| VO2Max Estimation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Race Predictor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery Advisor | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| Run/Walk Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Swimming | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Designed for swimming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Openwater swimming mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lap/Indoor Distance Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Record HR underwater | With HRM-TRI/HRM-SWIM | WITH HRM-TRI/HRM-SWIM | WITH HRM-TRI/HRM-SWIM |
| Openwater Metrics (Stroke/etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Metrics (Stroke/etc.) | Yes | YEs | Yes |
| Indoor Drill Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor auto-pause feature | No | No | No |
| Change pool size | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Min/Max Pool Lengths | 17M/18Y TO 150Y/M | 17M/18Y TO 150Y/M | 17M/18Y TO 150Y/M |
| Ability to customize data fields | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Captures per length data - indoors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Triathlon | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Designed for triathlon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multisport mode | Yes | Yes | YEs | Workouts | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Create/Follow custom workouts | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| On-unit interval Feature | Yes | YEs | Yes |
| Training Calendar Functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes | Functions | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Auto Start/Stop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Partner Feature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Racer Feature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tidal Tables (Tide Information) | No | No | Only with Garmin Bluechart g2 maps (extra) |
| Weather Display (live data) | Yes | Yes | With Connect IQ | Navigate | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints) | Yes | YEs | Yes |
| Markers/Waypoint Direction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS) | No | No | Yes |
| Back to start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Impromptu Round Trip Route Creation | No | No | No |
| Download courses/routes from phone to unit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Sensors | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Altimeter Type | Barometric | Barometric | Barometric |
| Compass Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Optical Heart Rate Sensor internally | No | No | No |
| Heart Rate Strap Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Heart Rate Strap Capable | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| ANT+ Speed/Cadence Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Footpod Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Power Meter Capable | Yes | Yes | YEs |
| ANT+ Lighting Control | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Bike Radar Integration | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Trainer Control (FE-C) | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Remote Control | No (can control VIRB though) | No (can control VIRB though) | No (can control VIRB though) |
| ANT+ eBike Compatibility | No | No | No |
| ANT+ Gear Shifting (i.e. SRAM ETAP) | No | ||
| Shimano Di2 Shifting | Yes | Coming in update | No |
| Bluetooth Smart HR Strap Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Footpod Capable | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Power Meter Capable | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (internal sensor) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Temp Recording (external sensor) | No | Yes | Yes | Software | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| PC Application | Garmin Express | Garmin Express | Garmin Express |
| Web Application | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect |
| Phone App | iOS/Android/Windows Phone | iOS/Android/Windows Phone | iOS/Android/Windows Phone |
| Ability to Export Settings | No | No | No | Purchase | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Amazon | Link | Link | Link | DCRainmaker | Garmin Forerunner 920XT | Garmin Fenix3 | Garmin Epix |
| Review Link | Link | Link | Link |
If you’d like to compare in other models – like the now older Fenix2, you can do that within the product comparison tool/calculator over here.
A Small Gallery:
Here’s a handful more photos I have of the device. Keep in mind that at the time I shot these (early January), features and functionality was fairly limited as it was/is still early in the beta cycle. Down the road once I have a final production device I’ll include more photos and videos.
Also note that because it’s beta, things typically change a little bit.
A few initial thoughts:
The strategy that Garmin has started to roll out with is to effectively establish a common base watch (the FR920XT) and then add higher end differentiating levels beyond that (the Fenix3 and Epix). Each higher level encompasses all features of the lower level units. This is somewhat different than the past where separate Garmin divisions would create different offerings that resulted in frustrated consumers having to pick between a fitness watch and an outdoor handheld unit. Now, you can effectively get a single device that contains it all.
Of course, to get it all…you’ll certainly be paying for it. With a starting price at $549US, the Epix certainly isn’t cheap. But it is cheaper than having to buy a FR920XT at $449 and then another navigation device for yet another $300-$400. So I suppose viewed in that lens it’s….a bargain? Now with all these devices the piece I’m actually most excited about is the app component with Connect IQ. Having seen some of the initial apps including a ski resort app (lift/slope/run information), a personal safety app, and a weather app – these 3rd party companies are definitely going in the right direction. And that’s before we get into some of the cooler sensor gathering apps like Moxy and what I suspect we’ll see for other unique sensor types over the next few months.
As noted earlier, the Epix will be available in Q1 2015, though expect that to be as close to the bounds of Q1 as possible (i.e. March). And of course, because my time with the Epix was far more limited than normal – I have no idea if it’ll have any hardware teething issues. With a touch screen display, that’s always a concern – especially since this particular model hasn’t been recycled from any other Garmin product lines yet.
As always – feel free to drop any questions below and I’d be happy to track down the answers. Thanks for reading!
Pre-Orders:
Note: You can pre-order the Epix through Clever Training today, as well as various accessory bands. The units will ship as soon as Garmin starts shipping, which is currently slated for Q1 2015.
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Welcome to CES 2015! Don’t forget to check out all my CES 2015 coverage, as well as my continual updates throughout the day on Twitter. It’s gonna be a crazy busy week!
I hope this doesn’t mean they don’t intend to fix the navigation aspect of the 920xt
Darn it..just bought FR920XT as my own birthday present a month ago.
If Garmin can improve the navigation feature of 920XT it wouldn’t be too bad though.
Again nice review Ray.
Yes, I’m in exactly the same boat. I doubt that Garmin will patch the 920XT navigation, because that would erode sales from the Fenix and Epix. :( I’m wondering if I should sell and upgrade. I will wait for Ray’s full review of the newer models.
Text says no wifi, comparisaon tool say yes for wifi…
Grr…had that on my notepad written here to fix. Fixed!
comparison tool : waterproofing 100m for the F3- is it correct?
Yes, it’s correct. It’s a higher level than other units.
Ok, on my f3 test unit was written 5atm at the backside, perhaps the have changed it…
All semi-recent units have 100m on them.
Wow. Fenix3 is starting to look good. Just got my 920 XT too. How come it can do HR while submerged? Ugh. Must resist temptation….
Answered on a different thread. HR is NOT supported while submerged. Typo.
Weight?
Too bad, no gym epuipment support. Was looking to update my 910, but also dont want to throw out the support for my concept2. (not gonna update the erg). Is there any mac software around that allows you to record ant+ signals (using a garmin usb stick)
There will be some gym equipment support via Connect IQ. I’ll demo that in a post on Wednesday.
Great! Do you have any information about battery life as day-to-day watch and in navigation mode (in relation to the color screen)? Thanks
I am also quite curious about the battery times as a day-to-day watch, maybe even more so for the F3. Any updates on this?
Anyone knows if there will be a quick reelase solution for this?
I might drop my order for a 920.
I’d also like to know if there will be a quick release solution, for this one and/or the Fenix.
At this point there are not plans for a quick release kit for either the Epix or Fenix3, but Garmin is saying they are listening to feedback there.
Thanks for the review! Something that I’ve always wondered about Garmin’s fitness devices that come with navigation (like the Epix and the Edge for example): how do Garmin’s maps compare, to say, Google Maps when it comes to navigation using bicycle trails? Same question for the free online maps you gave instructions on how to use in another post.
I have no doubt that Garmin provides excellent street navigation. I’m really curious about how much it “knows” about bicycle trails.
Really, what I want to know is, if I get an Epix or an Edge with the intent of using it to replace my handlebar mounted iPhone navigation system, am I going to be happy or disappointed?
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Garmin and Open Street Map / Open Cycle Map on device “navigation” has been a little tough to use if you are particular for an exact type of trail / road. For example if you only want paved bicycle trails, I haven’t successfully achieved this with an Edge. I always end up with random mixes of Paved Trails, Roads, and Unpaved trails.
There are options to avoid highways and avoid unpaved roads, but I don’t believe the routing on the device is ideal for directing you from Point A to Point B.
My personal use was mostly pre-loading a course, “navigating” it and once in awhile using it’s maps to get me back on track… but rarely hopping on my bike and telling it to take me somewhere.
Ed, concerning navigating with a Garmin, I think you’ll find it much better in the long run when compared to an iphone. I’ve used a Garmin 705 since 2009 on my trips abroad and just pick and choose maps for the area I’m visiting through open street maps (see Ray’s post on importing OSM’s to a Garmin device). I get 15 hours of battery life while navigating with the edge 705. Not something that is going to happen with the iphone.
However, I also now carry a 310xt in my back pocket (for wireless uploads of my work outs via iphone and wahoo ANT+ dongle) and a Pebble watch on my wrist for music control and phone message alerts. The Garmin Epix looks like it will streamline my gadgetry to just one device…..nice.
Tim, Gunnar,
Thanks for the info!
Does the epix (or fenix 3) finally restore turn alerts (vibration or audible) as a feature? If so, are these alerts custom or do they only include turns on roads? i.e. Could I feasibly use this watch to avoid bringing paper directions on either a road or a trail run?
Very interested in this too. When trail running I hate to have to look at my wrist all the time ;)
I’ll have to double check that.
But, there is a cool app I’ll show on Wednesday that allows you to get full directional support on trails from a massive database online of trail routes/hikes. Pretty cool.
Ray, I took a look at the komoot app. It looks interesting, but the website and Android app both seem…unfinished. That coupled with the limitations of Connect IQ make me disinclined to trust this or any other app for what I consider fundamental functionality.
I hope that you will look into the support for courses and turn alerts when you do your full review and write up.
I think there is a small but fervent group of users who prefer to be able to keep their paper maps and directions in their pockets, while using their watch for primary run navigation. It seems like courses/routes with turn alerts should be able to be put onto the Fenix3/epix since they work with Basecamp, so that’s a good start at least. Otherwise, the 310XT still manages to be the best running watch at any price, for me. I sure would like all those fancy extra features though…
I tried the iOS app since I can’t use ConnectIQ yet. I live in what they call a beta area (North America), but the maps seemed fine. They show all the trails I know and a few that I didn’t know about. But when creating a tour it’s too fond of out and back. They should improve that into creating loops. Still, looks nice and I may use it.
Turn Alerts is the main thing I was looking for. I already had the 920XT, which has no turn alerts. When the Epix was first announced, I thought to myself “Of course there must be turn alerts. It contains complete street maps after all, doesn’t it? Well, my logic was WRONG!!!! NO TURN ALERTS!!! I’m sending back the Epix, immediately. What is up with Garmin? This should be the easiest thing to add. They put turn-alerts into my now ancient FR610. If my 610 still worked, I’d go back to that.
I found out today that the 920 does support turn alerts with the use of third party tools.
RideWithGPS
JaVaWa RTW tool
Worked out great for a test ride that I did today.
Doesn’t solve your problem. But maybe those tools will allow the Epix to give turn alerts.
Third-party software? You mean “third-party PHONE-software,” no?? The point is that I want to be able to use the watch by itself. Lugging around a phone is not my idea of fun when I’m running. And, if one is going to lug around a phone anyway, what’s really the point of the watch? The phone can monitor most of the same metrics, only more accurately. I think most of us are waiting for this Connect IQ Komoot app to materialize, but it has been so long in coming that as of this moment lthis seems to more of a pipe dream than anything else. Hey, if you do find third-party software that can be installed on the watch, please let me know.
No, perhaps I wasn’t sure of your expectations.
Since the 920XT has no maps, the only way to get turn alerts is to load a course. To create that course, you can use Garmin Connect (no turn alerts), or you can use RideWithGPS.com to create a .TCX file which will have turn alert data in it. Then you can use JaVaWa RTWtool to convert the .TCX file to a .FIT file which you can load directly into a 920XT, and get turn alerts.
I assume you could do the same thing on the Epix, but I don’t know. Obviously it is not as good as having the Epix do the routing and generate its own turn alerts.
Thanks for the instructions. I will give it a try. It’s a complicated process, but certainly the process is worth it for the added functionality. And, yes, I agree, the Epix most likely will work in the same way. But, if I can get my 920XT to perform the task, then the Epix for me will be superfluous. I’ll send it back and save quite a bit of change and bulk. The watch is quite large. Tolerable, but large. Thanks again. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Can the activity tracking stuff be turned off? I’ll have one of these on my wrist next winter, but I have no interest in step counting and would rather not have it bother me if it doesn’t think I’ve been moving enough.
Paul
On the 920xt you can turn off activity tracking. It seems the Epix and Fenix 3 are built on the same software as the 920xt so it would be logical to assume you can turn it off on these two units too.
Good, thanks.
Wow, the ultimate sports watch! My only concern is whether ConnectIQ will be able to attract the right developer community, compared to the Apple and Android developer communities.
I understood that the Fenix2 had a limitation in multisport mode of only supporting outdoor/GPS based swims and not pool swims(I could be wrong there). Do these 2 new watches, EPIX or Fenix3, have this limitation or are they exactly like the 920XT where you can put together your own activity profile with pool or outdoor based swimming included?
Both of these are exactly like the FR920XT and support indoor pool swims as part of multisport mode.
Shame that early 920xt buyers were unaware at the time that they were buying a base model from a range. If anything we felt we were very much getting the top of the range (of the triathlon-oriented product line) flagship model. Some would be happy but I bet there are a lot like me who will be saying “damn it!” right now. It is not that I am unhappy with the 920 but would have probably thrown a few more bucks (and found a way to explain it to my wife) for the extra features. Oh well…
Agree… I love everything about my 920xt, but I would’ve at least considered the Epix. I still use an older Edge 500 on my bike for outdoor rides to get simple metrics (while the 920xt stays on my wrist to record everything), and when previewing a race course, I still take a turn-by-turn printout with me. I just don’t need turn-by-turn nav frequently enough to justify buying a more robust bike computer for $500+. However, for $100 more than what I paid for the 920xt to get mapping functionality? That’s a much more compelling argument…
I don’t know about following a route off a watch. My first Garmin product was the Edge 1000. Naively i thought it would be similar to the Tomtom in my car.
Very steep learning curve and a LOT of time invested in plotting routes to follow in Basecamp and Connect. Also learning the inherent limitations of the whole system and how this might cause routing problems and the workarounds, including the device settings to have.
I’ve used my 1000 often when hiking and am considering buying the £300 OS mapping card 1:25k for the UK. In bad weather with rain on the screen and me wearing gloves, using the touchscreen is sometimes frustrating, it may lock or not respond. Don’t get me wrong, i do love my 1000, what i am saying is ‘would i be able to replace it with a watch sized screen’ i don’t think so.
Does anyone know if the HRM strap is the same as say the one from the 620? Wouldn’t mind not having to buy a new HRM.
Yes, the same.
Oh, and the poor Leikr watch buyers (if there are any….)
didn’t knew that. thx. based on a first look at it, I don’t know if garmin has the edge (!), though.
Ordered my Fenix 3 Sapphire with metal band. Looking forward to it!
Garmin why no 24/7 HR monitoring???? Accurate of course : ) Would be the ultimate, all around, do everything but cook your food for you watch, sigh. Still waiting for this elusive combination, sigh again.
Darn, waiting for my CT VIP email so I can preorder this beauty….
Ray – any chance the Epix band fits on the 920xt?
Does it pinch zoom and give vibrations for turns like an edge? I am looking for something for running where i can change course and explore but know where I am and how to get home
The epix looks very nice, but I’m concerned about one thing: the lack of wifi. Assuming I head out for a weekend of hiking (I live in Switzerland, it’s what people here do on Sunday’s), and I don’t bring my USB cord but do bring a laptop or something capable of transferring to the unit, how long might it take to transfer a map of any considerable size to the unit?
Does anyone have an off-the-cuff estimate for transfer speeds over BLE (I’m assuming that USB is quick, hopefully I’m right)?
BLE is slow! Not sure if the same as with my android wear, but moving over 1gb music via BLTE takes almost 1.5-2 hours
– Greg
I don’t think there’s going to be an option to transfer maps via BLE anyway, just USB (for the reasons noted above about being incredibly slow).
The USB would be the fast way to download the maps. That’s how it’s done on the Edge computers.
Come on! There are USB cords of 10cm or so, not speaking about its weight advantage vs that of the lightest laptop.
as someone who typically likes to get the latest and greatest in technology, I’m struggling to understand why I would want to return my 920 for a unit that is not only thicker, but also substantially heavier, and costs more. I do think that the maps are cool and being able to see the weather is cool, but as someone who is using the device almost strictly for road racing, I think the 920 is about perfect for me. I had a fenix 2 very briefly sometime ago and found the weight and thickness to just be way too much, and found the plethora of problems with the 620 that many others did to make the 920 a justified upgrade. I am still within my window to return the 920, but in all honesty the light weight is really one of my favorite features. Because I have young children, I am always forced to run with my iPhone 6 in case schools or my wife need to reach me. I am more than happy to hear opinions of others as to why it would make sense to return the 920 and go for the Epix. I do agree that the plastic of the 920 is a downfall of the unit, and I really would have loved a unit that was a solid color, but I don’t know that I’m willing to sacrifice size to get that.
Seems to be only worth swopping for this if the extra features are of interest and the extra weight (albeit not that much it seems) is not an issue. From what you have said then seems no. I quite like the idea of an Epix for the odd run I do where I like to explore a bit and/or am somewhere new. Then again my phone does maps and probably better given the bigger screen and internet access (well in some places) but it’s a pain to stop and get it out of my back pocket and then hard to run and hold it. Think will wait for Ray’s more detailed review. Also buying Garmin maps isn’t generally that cheap. As a UK user will need to check prices for OS maps especially as I already have a full set from Memory Map for my phone/iPad/laptop.
For some sports the difference in thickness would indeed be very noticable. I do a lot of kayaking, SUP and other watersports. Thicker watches tend to scratch and be scratched when moving boats and boards around. For swimming, if you’re in the pool or crowded race then thicker watches tend to hit other swimmers etc. Between thickness and wifi I would be incline to prefer the 920XT over the Epix, and I had actually bought it, I would be glad I had.
The Fenix3 / Epix does have Ocean and hunting data, haven’t found it useful yet, but haven’t really tried either.
Very interesting that the Epix post has ~30 comment and the Fenix3 has ~150… Wonder how closely comments reflect sales ect?!
Baring memory size is there any reason Connect IQ couldn’t add the mapping and navigation functions of the Epix to the Fenix 3 and 920xt?!
Any word on when IQ App Store will land? Looking forward to seeing apps and new watch faces on the 920;-)
I suspect it’s actually more just a case of me having a much stronger triathlon follower/reader base than hiking base.
For mapping on the FR920XT and Fenix3, it’s primarily lack of processing power for maps.
Connect IQ rolled out data fields and watch faces as of this morning, getting exact date for apps.
When you say rolled out Connect IQ do you mean to the public? If so how do we access them?
Looks like we go to link to apps.garmin.com and wait for content which I assume will arrive shortly from third party developers :)
The release notes for the latest Garmin Express, released (at least for OS X) yesterday, says “• Added Connect IQ Store support”. So it’s possible everything flows through Express, although I have no way of trying at the moment since I don’t have a Connect IQ device.
I just tried and Express now handles the link from the app store but the sync errors on app install since presumably there is a related firmware. I don’t want to use the beta stuff so will have to wait for the release.
For what it’s worth: I’m a hiker, the only time you’ll catch me running is during the zombie apocalypse, and I’m deciding which Fenix 3 to order.
The Epix maps aren’t going to be very useful for hiking. Either you’re on trails which are usually very easy to follow, or you’re leaving the trail and need a quality topo map (on paper so it won’t crash and the battery won’t die) and compass. Hand-held GPS units are somewhat useful but have much larger screens than the Epix so can show more detail about the surrounding area.
Plus the F3 is pretty and the Epix is something only a mother could love.
And the price difference between a Fenix 3 and the Epix would be quite a large chunk of the price of something like an Etrex 20 if you wanted a mapping GPS.
Ray – how was the scrolling on the map, fluid or laggy? Also, does it support pinch to zoom?
It’s honestly a bit too beta to tell.
When garmin does new things with devices it usually takes them about 6 months (sometimes more) to fix or add what was initially promised. So, if launch is not delayed probably not worth buying until september or so. Hope i’m wrong
I have the Fenix 2 and it’s not possible to use an ANT+ device and Bluetooth connectivity at the same time. For example it’s not possible to use a heart rate strap and get phone notifications/use Live Tracking at the same time. This is because of limitaitions to the chip in Fenix 2.
Do you know if this is possible with Fenix 3 or Epix?
Yes, allows concurrent use on both Fenix3 and Epix.
You can do concurrent on the 920 also, correct?
Yes, I do this regularly. It was a key point in getting the 920xt.
What is the actual resolution/dpi of the Epix “high res” screen? Are they coming out with something competitive with the 2″ 480×360 you could get previously from a Samsung ‘Gear S’ smartwatch?
From the Garmin site:
Display resolution, WxH 205 x 148 pixels; transflective MIP color
205 x 148 is sufficient for that size screen and it’s transreflective. Garmin is not Samsung.
Great news! However, I hope Garmin will introduce their next lineup all at once, and not months apart (e.g. the 920xt). Potential customers could then make better decisions.
I think the challenge there is just the logistics of it. While some might say that Apple and others do that – it’s not entirely true, Samsung for example has sprinkled watches seemingly every quarter this year.
is the “stop activity” hardware bug still here if you’re charging the device (with some external battery) while hiking or running a trail ?
same question with “display turned off while charging during an activity” ?
that is (was ?) a huge turn down in garmins
will also wait to see how screen behave in full summer sun.
But I’m glad I didn’t go into 920.
What about battery life, how long will it run in “normal” gps mode?
What am I missing?
What can the the 920xt do that this watch can’t?
Try Ray’s comparison tool and you can compare the different features of the watches.
Fenix 3 looks great, Epix looks like a cheap Casio watch from the 80s.
Agree. Silly that the most expensive product is not the best looking one. without knowing the specs anyone would say F3 was the top of the range.
I will buy/use the epix because of the funcionality, not because of the look…
I wish garmin would concentrate on making these smaller and improved – apple can cram so much into such small places. Why cant they make a base model and add premium features rather than having all the various confusing separate models
Apparently Apple has not managed to squeeze in a GPS to their watch. Go figure…
Apple also has the advantage of being able to pressure other companies significantly with far higher sale volumes. That said, outside of the Apple/Samsung/Sony’s of the world, Garmin is pretty much as big as it gets in Fitness – hence why you see them pushing the boundaries more than others when it comes to fitting stuff hardware wise.
Done! just preordered one via CT! Thanks Ray!
#melikeshinythings
BTW any idea if it allows charging during an activity like the F3?
Comparing spec sheets, there is virtually no difference in models aside from looks.
Umm..there’s a fair bit of difference around navigation and maps.
The million dollar questions is: how’s the navigation experience? Is the screen resolution high enough? Do the maps flow well on the screen? Is the waypoint navigation good?
If all these things work well, this is the dream watch that I’ve always wanted!
Am I the only one who sets constantly new running routes and doesn’t know whether to turn right or left at intersections and must stop to check my phone to see where I am?
What do you think Ray, has Garmin rushed wrist navigation and made just another “Samsung” disappointing watch or this time it really works?
Thanks!
This isn’t so much a new thing to be honest for Garmin, it’s just a new form factor. They’ve been doing handheld navigation for years, so this is mostly a case of shrinking it down considerably.
With 8 gb of space and bluetooth that can work at the same time as ant+, is there any reason an app couldn’t be developed for music on the Epix? 8gb was all the Motoactv needed for music and maps. Really, 1gb is plenty for a few hours of music and 2 gb will get you plenty of maps as well leaving more for apps, etc.
I’ve been following along the trials and tribulations of early MonkeyC (Garmin’s app language) developers in the forums and I don’t think it’s up to that yet. Music files have to be decoded, and there’s no hardware audio chip in the Epix for that. So it’d have to be done in software. I suppose it’s technically possible, but don’t count on it. Better to just carry a phone or an iPod along if you want music, since they’re already designed for it.
As Paul said, there’s no way to listen to said music on Epix.
That said, all three devices – Epix, Fenix3 and Vivoactive – do support music control of your phone.
Is Fenix 3 in any way better (or better choice)?
The Fenix 3 is only better in looks (estetic view). From what I understand the 3 watches 920xt, fenix3 and epix are all in the same line where the 920 is the most basic, the fenix3 adds some extra’s and the epix adds all of the extra’s of the fenix3 and then some more (mainly the ability to use actual maps)
The F3 does have WiFi, whereas Epix doesn’t. But otherwise, no.
Hmm I am in trouble now wanted two buy the 920 but did not like the colors so I was waiting for other colers but now should I go for the Fenix 3 or the epix
Are they maps for Brazil available?
link to garmin.com
Must be the ugliest looking watch Garmin has ever produced. This is the watch where wlan would make sense, but no. Tiny screen compared to the watch form factor. They should have used the development effort spent on this to something meaningful like new HR belt with HR under water or wireless charging or ultra-running easy plug&charge battery pack. If I would need map navigation, a would want a bit larger screen. This is a compromise.
I agree with you, this looks like a 90s Casio water and the bezel is much too huge. The Epix 2 will probably be out in 2015 and put these issues right. It doesn’t make sense that the F3 gets wifi and this doesn’t plus that the F3 is much more handsome.
You guys it’s not what’s on the outside where true beauty is found its what’s on the inside.
You guys it’s not what’s on the outside where true beauty is found its what’s on the inside.
I think the pictures make it look uglier than it really is. I’ll try and find a way to make it look prettier in future photos.
I personally like the rugged industrial design of the Garmin Epix. Of course, functionality is paramount.
I totally agree!
Add media player, decent working built in heart rate monitor and apple design(and logo) and we ‘ve got “the next big thing”.
Hi! Can I use Garmin epix for Geocaching? :) and does it work well?
Why not? It says it can. And who knows how well it will work, it’s not out yet.
… I did geocaching with my FR305 … so basically you can use any garmin gps device for geocaching that lets you store a waypoint and navigate to it.
I assume that the worldwide map in included when you get the USA 100k map edition. Is that correct?
Correct. Of course, the worldwide basemap has the navigational usefulness of a piece of chewed gum on the sidewalk.
This is the watch evolution/revolution I was always hoping for after the first Fenix. Time to start saving my pennies.
Another Q&A for those that had the F2 and now have the 920xt. Earlier forerunner version 405/610 etc and IMHO even the F2 are slow to respond in the very cold weather. It seems more than just slow screen refresh. button press contacts and overall operation seems quite delayed in the earlier forerunners and also at times on the F2. How is it on the 920xt? I would then speculate the F3 would not be any worse than the 920xt in very cold (single digits or below zero) temperatures.
Can’t say have noticed any difference on the 920 in this regard. In the UK in recent weeks “very cold” is about 0 deg C however.
I have been using the 920xt for several runs in cold weather (minus 5 or so) I have not noticed any problems with the watch. But on the other hand: I mostly run, and sometime look at currently heart rate and do not scroll around on the watch while running. When stopping, saving and looking everything seems to be responding like normal.
I wonder if the display realy is big enough to make a detailed map useful for serious outdoor navigation and if the watch will be fast enough with the detailed maps. If not i stick to my Oregon 550t for outdoor navigation purpous and keep my 920 for my training. But I guess Ray will review those thing i his deep review of the watch.
I’m wondering the same thing for on bike navigation following a route. I currently use a Garmin edge 705 and not sure I would want the screen any smaller for following a new route while riding.
For fast biking, I think the screen i way to small. But maybe not for hiking/trekking?
I’d like to see maximum zoom scale in reviews. The issue is that if you are using a watch for trail running, something like the Sunnto Ambit2 only has a zoom in to 0.1 miles. That sounds pretty good until you figure out that that is 528 ft. The arrow can cover up a whole lot of land at 528 ft, e.g. if you have two lefts within a short space it can be hard to tell which to take. The Garmin 305 on the other hand zoomed in to 10 ft. I’m hoping the Epix is more in that ballpark.
Hi Ray, does the navigation support turn-by-turn direction if I suddenly crave for a cupcake from a famous cupcakery while travelling in Paris by just looking up POIs on the map from Epix and away we go? Fenix/Fenix2 just show straight line to the destination.
It depands, if you use a routable or an non routable map.
That’s not why Fenix/Fenix 2 only do direct line navigation. First, they don’t officially support maps. Second, even if you could get a routable map on one, I’ll bet the device itself can’t use the metadata that allows routing along roads, even if it’s there. It’s all waypoint to waypoint straight line navigation on a Fenix.
So will the Epix be a wrist-Nuvi? Ray’s table above says it is, and I assume he got that info from the Garmin reps. The Epix page at buy.gamin.com is a little more coy and doesn’t come right out and say it. On the other hand, they do offer pre-installed Topo US 100 k maps, and I believe those are routable (certainly the 24k versions are).
This might be a remedial question but for recording interval what is the difference between 1S or smart and 1S to variable? Thanks!
I can’t say for sure, since it’s not out yet and the manual isn’t available yet, but it may mean that it does what the original Fenix does. On the Fenix, you can set any fixed time or distance interval you want to record track points, down to 1 s or 0.01 mile.
“Smart” usually means that the device itself decides when to record a track point depending on how curvy the track is. So on a straight road it may decide that every 5 seconds is good enough, while around a curve it may go back to 1 s. The recording interval is variable throughout the track.
Does the touch screen only allow navigation of the maps feature? Any idea if touch capability can be turned off? I’m a little weary of having a touch screen while I’m riding/running and accidentally start clicking things I didn’t mean to. I can see the usefulness when out hiking or exploring, just not during a more active activity. Also, I wonder how well the screen works if it gets wet?
I’m hoping this is similar touchscreen to the Oregon 600 series (just smaller obviously). I’ve been pretty happy with the touchscreen performance on my Oregon 650, works well enough when wet (ie: significantly better than my iPhone) and does work with gloves.
Garmin touchscreen handhelds (I’ve owned 2 different oregon devices) have the ability to lock the screen to input – I would sure hope they bring that feature over to the epix – it is a good option to have.
Another asking if this will charge on the go and allow you to use the training/navigation functions while charging. Since it has the fenix3 functions I assume it will…any way to find out for sure?
i feel like garmin betrayed already the 920xt. it is still not available from lots of sellers on amazon and yet to be received in many countries. i myself have been waiting it to become available from my trusted sellers. and i know lots of guys who have been waiting for it. but now the fenix3 and the epix, i think they’ll have a huge impact on the sales of the 920xt. i have changed my mind and decided to continue with my old pal 310xt till the epix become available.
I see the Epix does support Running Dynamics, but that there’s no bundle with Garmin’s HRM – and the standalone HRM price is apparently $50 higher than the bundled pricing with the 920XT and Fenix 3. What am I missing?
Not missing anything. Just them raising prices a fair bit.
What I mean is, the HRM is still $50 as part of a bundle (same price as before), but it’s apparently $100 standalone – and it seems like there’s no bundle available for Garmin’s top-of-the-line device. Do you have any idea if Garmin will eventually offer an HRM bundle with the Epix, or will that essentially represent a $50 tax for Epix buyers who actually want Garmin’s HRM?
To add fuel to this (my personal ;) ) fire, I’ve seen several high-profile sources (like PC World) report from Garmin’s CES announcements that the HRM-Run can be paired with any of the three new devices (Vivoactive, Fenix 3, Epix) for $50 extra. I’m trying to discern sure whether this is sloppy/inaccurate reporting, or indications of a bundle that just hasn’t been announced yet (possibly due to the later anticipated ship date for Epix).
There’s no current plans for an Epix bundle (at least when I reconfirmed again yesterday). Obviously, things could change by time it hits products, as that would be a trivial change from a SKU standpoint.
I do agree that it’s odd to sorta ‘punish’ both your high end purchasers (Epix & F3 Sapphire) by charging $100 extra vs $50 extra normally needed for the HR bundle.
Thanks, Ray – as always, great work. That’s exactly the perspective I was looking for. At this point, I’ll probably just go with a Fenix 3 bundle, anyway, rather than wait an extra month or so on the Epix. Even tho I want the hiking and land navigation features, I’m still a big fan of physical maps. ;)
Hi Ray,
Awesome as always! Is this true that the Epix has less swimming features than the 920XT?
3:22 – link to m.youtube.com
What other 920XT features, aside from WIFI, would it not have? Would it also be true to the F3?
No, it’s not true, there’s no differences there – it’s the exact same codebase. Another error in his video as well is his comments on waterproof ratings, which aren’t correct. Also, temperature measurement that he noted is a wash, it’ll be taken care of soon via Connect IQ.
Hi Ray,
Do we know if the these three models still have the same GPS chipset like the Fenix2, the MediaTek chipset ?
Fenix 2 is probabely the worst and most expensive watch I have bought ;o(
And I will never buy watch with this chipset anymore.
The Epix looks very intereting for trail !
Waiting on the Epix review :D
It won’t do as the new one also uses GLONASS so will be very quick to lock with much better accuracy.
Hi Ray
I don´t know how the payment works. Does Garmin make you pay a monthly fee for the maps or is it a one time purchase?
One time purchase (point in time for the maps), for most map sets. For the Birdseye maps it’s an annual fee.
Again though, tons of free maps out there that in many cases are just as good as Garmin’s paid ones.
Hi Ray,
Thanks a lot for your good Job again
May I ask you please:
1. Has Epix Metronom?
2. Does touch works like in FR 620 ?
(meaning, can I scroll through whole menu only using touch or is thre a combination of thouch and button push ?
3. Nummers and letters on display of Epix seem more grey than black and not so clear and good readable as
on FR 920 display. Right?
Thanks a lot in advance for your answer!
Herzallerliebst! Naomi
Pretty close to my ideal watch since it is multi sport, could handle some maps for hiking and emergency navigation.
Just needs a little bit more smarts and/or apps to deal with weather, local tides, weather alerts for wind & waves, severe weather alerts.
I’m assuming the data sets for those would be small enough that bluetooth can sync / push it?
But then will the Connect IQ app support that?
The current available apps & faces don’t inspire, but I hope that will change soon, as more stuff gets added or ported.
Also, I looked at the rip curl gps surf watch, but they never even responded back to me with regards to multi-sport (wind, kite, sup, etc) vs pure wave surfing.
Can’t wait for the review.
Please some more photos from the epix. I`d like to see a photo from the backside,too
Any idea if the epix might support at least basic street routing and read POIs, assuming that specific Openstreet maps, or city navigator maps are installed?, Garmin feature page only mentions: Track Navigation – Navigation assistance for loaded or saved tracks. That would be a missing feature for someone coming from an outdoor type unit such as an oregon, but willing to sacrifice on screen size…
Are opensea maps supported as well?
Hi Ray and all good people right here!
Good job Ray once again for this “quick” review. Have you been able to spend more time with it?
I’m currently possessing a Polar V800 (who is on sale on Ebay) and a new Garmin 920xt.
I currencly use it for multi-sport (Triathlon) and many others sports like spinning class and Winter Pentathlon (bike, run, X-Ski, Skating and Snowshoes running) here in Québec city.
I’ve also à Outdoor company witch I frequenly use my iphone for traking and maping. But with the low battery efficacity on the iphone, I’m thinking to switch to the new Garmin Epix. Will it be a good move? I need to be able to track some waypoint, see hike path, and download/upload waypoint, and for sure, all the triathlon fonction that the 920 already have and who are prensent in Epix.
Thx for your help,
Steph
The epix also supports blue-chart g2 maps – this maps includes, as far as I know, tides, so the epix should support tides?
And btw: which fw version is running on the epix?
Epix is not planned to support tides.
As for firmware…it changes roughly every 2 days. ;)
Garmin confirmed that the Epix will be able to support tides while using bluechart g2 maps: link to forums.garmin.com
Thanks for posting more photos of the Fenix 3. Would love to see more of the Epix, particularly some on wrist and in comparison to the 920xt.
On a side note, the lack of HRM bundle may push me to the Fenix 3. Bad decision by Garmin.
Would also be very interested in a short menu walkthrough video similar to the fenix 3 one recently posted.
Is the Epix battery better than that in the Fenix 1? My Fenix 1 had a battery life close to the 16 hours advertised when I bought it, but within about 6-8 months it was down to about 5-6 hours battery life with the GPS on. I love the Epix, but I don’t want to spend $500+ on a watch that will be useless in 6 months because the battery won’t last long enough to do what I want.
Is the usb/charging cable the same as for the fenix3? What about the readability of the display with maps in the sunlight? Good or ok or…? What about maps on the epix: if I put f. e. a cn nt and a topo map from the same area on the f3, can I choose, which one I like to see…?
1) The Epix and Fenix3 charging cables are different. I’ve gotta add in a picture above of the Epix charging cable (and the F3 and F2 cables are also different).
2) No issues reading maps in bright Vegas sunlight on the Epix.
3) No maps on the F3 (at all).
Thanks! Sorry, my mistake-I meant the epix for maps of the same area.
Picture!? It is good that the User is able to charge the unit during an activity. I hope that it is an angered cable?
No problem, I just created a small gallery in the post with 8 more photos. I don’t really have much else photo wise beyond that. But this includes the charging connector and some of the zoom functionality: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks Ray that’s an interesting connector. I wish manufacturers would just use micro USB :(
Yeah, the main reason for lack of micro-USB is the waterproofing aspect. Most micro and mini USB connectors can only be waterproofed to IPX7 standards (1-meter deep for 30 minutes), which tends to fail eventually.
Polar with their M400 tried out a relatively new connector (micro-USB) that’s 50M waterproofed. It was sorta a ‘hope this works out in real life’ type of gamble. So far it’s worked. I expect you’ll see other companies follow along as well. While some might think companies like Garmin would benefit from extra accessory sales, in reality it doesn’t really work out. The additional SKU’s to stock and create tend to wash that away for a company like Garmin, which is different from an Apple or similar where people would likely by multiple cables to have in a variety of locales.
Thanks for the explanation I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’m just glad they are giving us in activity charging :)
Thanks Ray for the pics! I want one already! I hope they release one with a bundled HRM-RUN.
Hi,
Having gone through the comparison Chart betw. 920xt, fenix3 and epix: I don’t understand, what the Advantage of fenix3 is over epix (besides wifi) and over 920xt (which is much lighter and has wifi too)
Pl. clarify. Rgds, Georg
Thanks for the great reviews you do on these products – they have been very helpful in the past! I am a photographer and use my Fenix for recording track-logs in order to geotag my photos. If I am on a road-trip and get out of my truck to take some photos, with the original Fenix it takes just two presses of the orange menu button to activate the GPS and when I am done, another two presses to stop it again – very convenient and easy on batteries too. When I originally bought my Fenix, it had a defective compass (would not calibrate) and I exchanged it and “upgraded” to a Fenix 2. However its entire fitness-oriented UI drove me nuts, even after trying to get used to it for nearly a week. Far to many button presses to do the simple things I needed, missing some key features I used (no sunset alarm, no GPX file saving – only FIT-, no fine tuning of Ultra-Trac intervals etc.) and a difficult to read LCD on top of that. It bugged me so much in fact, that I exchanged it again for another Fenix 1, which has been working perfectly for me.
I am wondering how easy it is to switch the GPS on and off in the Epix? I am tempted to pre-order one but if it takes too many button pushes to do this, that will really bug me. The original Fenix seemed more hiking oriented than the newer models and it has a feature set and UI that I generally find very convenient for my needs. However, having some higher end hiking-class features (a breadcrumb trail overlaying a topo map would be really nice!) might mean I can leave my Garmin Montana behind more often, unless I am going on a much longer hike away from the truck where I’d want a backup…
Patiently trying to wait for Garmin to publish a PDF manual, but as you mentioned the firmware is still in flux so probably too early to do so…
Dear Mike,
Did you ever find out if Epix is better for photography/hiking?
I’m also a photographer who uses the Fenix1 for all the same reasons you’ve pointed out, but in addiition, I load GPS navigation maps onto my Fenix 1. Not for turn-by-turn car navigation, but navigation for hiking on trails. Have you tried this feature?
I’ve used it successfully with maps from:
http://www.gmaptool.eu and link to garmin.openstreetmap.nl
I’ve heard these Ordnance Survey style maps are supposed to be compatible, but I’ve not yet tested it out.
link to talkytoaster.co.uk
I was surprised that Garmin nobbled the Fenix range by dropping mapping on its subsequent models. Real shame, but I guess it would have taken business away from their other mapping products.
Anthony
Love your work Ray.
Can the Gamin epix screen divide into 4 data fields for running as the 920 XT does?
The Epix contains 8 GB storage.
Would it be technically possible to develop a media-player app (Connect IQ) to play music stored on the watch and send it via bluetooth to head-/earphones?
Not at this point, as the unit doesn’t permit Bluetooth connections to headphones directly. It of course can control music on your phone though.
Will the Bluetooth work with iPod nano?
not the nano, but iPod Touch 5th gen is supported, (or iPhone 4S and up, recentish iPad,etc).
So I noticed something today using the Garmin Compare tool for the Epix vs Garmin’s other fitness devices is that for the Epix Garmin has added a “Swim Workouts” feature.
I’m wondering if this is something that will be exclusive to the Epix or is it something that can/may be brought to other (recently released) fitness devices like the 920XT via a firmware update.
Because it is something that in my opinion that has been missing (and been asked for) a long time and it would be nice to see it come to at least the multisport devices not just the newest device and honestly would be downright annoying if the new (for all of about 2 months by the time it made it to the most people) didn’t get that feature.
The website does not mention anything about 10,000 points per track like most Garmin GPS units do.
It only states 8GB built in memory.
What is the maximum number of points that can be stored in a track?
Hi Ray!
Can you post photos of the Epix similar to what you did for the F3? Can you post photos of 920XT and Epix side by side of the different data screens of running, cycling, swimming and different configurations of the clock/time screen? Thanks a lot!
I would love to…except the product honestly just isn’t to the point of being able to yet (getting the shots I had required slightly more effort than I expected). I suspect they’ll be on the outer edge of the Q1 timeframe.
Is your light working?
?
Forget it. I meant, the current fw of the epix seems to be very beta and it will take some time and I think II. Q 2015 is realistic- if I have interpreted your post correctly
Seem that all companies with multiple products or multiple product lines have the same marketing strategy as the car makers when add features on the models, don’t mix features that will do cannibalism between models. I looked at their handheld lines, the Map64 and Map62, they are like cars, camera or no camera, barometric or no barometric sensor, etc.
As for Garmin, WiFi is a selling point, maps is a selling point, sapphire is a selling point.
– Adding WiFi on the Epix will be stealing Fenix3 sells (aside from the fact that WiFi most likely doesn’t fit on the Epix, its space was taken by the 8GB of memory).
– Keeping basic maps on the Fenix3 (like on the Fenix/Fenix2) will steal sells form the Epix and definitely from the Fenix2, as some people will do fine with basic maps for routing or orientation in a big city. Garmin knows this and still wants to sell Fenix2 for a while, so maybe some time later, when the sales figures look good and Fenix2 will no longer be produced, add some basic mapping (unsupported) like it used to be on the Fenix/Fenix2. The functionality is there, just ported/enabled in the firmware.
What’s missing?
Garmin needs to release a top of the line Epix with WiFi, titanium, sapphire and audio play through bluetooth headphones. And throw some maps for free.
How is the navigation featured compared to the Etrex Series?
For example:
1. Can you choose a point to navigate to?
2. can you build a route on the watch?
The biggest drawback, IMO, is that you can’t switch AA batteries :)
That would make it a real multi-day/expedition watch.
I’m also very interested if when looking at the map that you can see a nearby POI and tap it to select it and then ‘Navigate to’ or similar. Was this available Ray on the beta software?
The beta software was a bit…rough. So it wasn’t something I was able to test well (or much).
Hi Ray,
Any news on last update on the Epix? How it’s works right now? Are we closer to a beta firmware?
I’ve place my order of the Epix on CleverTraining but didn’t get any news yet.
Thx,
Stephane
Epix was announced at being Q1 (so anytime before March 31st). I don’t think we’re that much closer at this point (still January). I expect that if Epix hits that date (March 31st), then it’ll be at the very last moment.
Thanks for the support via Clever Training, I appreciate it!
Ray, do you have any idea what the “swim workout” feature mentioned on the Garmin website is expected to include? I’m pretty sure I want a fenix, but this could tempt me.
It’s to support Connect IQ apps that may want to offer such a capability.
Hi Ray,
Am I right to presume that that Connect IQ app will be available to Fenix 3 and 920XT as well? Will there be apps, swimming, running, cycling, that will only be implemented on the Epix because of its hardware?
Thanks.
It’d be up to whomever made the app to code it to support both rectangle (920XT/Epix) and round watches (Fenix3).
Are the only maps it can use TOPO type ones or ones like British ordinance survey ones possible.?
It can use pretty much any compatible maps that you load on it.
Do you know if the battery life will be A lot lower with constant map use on the screen if using it for naving.?
I don’t know (it’s probably a bit too soon to tell).
Hi Ray,
I’m not sure if this has been asked already but is the Epix also limited to 12 Activity Profiles just like the 920XT?
Corrrection:
Will the Epix be limited to 10 individual sport activity profiles and 5 multisport activity profiles?
I don’t know at this point to be honest, and don’t have an Epix to test on currently (and would be hesitant to say authoritatively with the Epix still probably close to 2 months out). Sorry!
After inquiring on status of all recently announced products, here’s where things stand from their standpoint:
Fenix3: On target for delivery in Q1-2015, likely late Feb/Early March.
Epix: The very edge of Q1-2015, potentially just into April.
Vivofit2: Estimated late February.
Vivoactive: Estimated Mid to late March.
Vivo Signature bands: Estimated mid to late March.
(As a reminder: Here’s the order of events that has to happen for any Garmin product to be shipped: link to dcrainmaker.com)
Thanks all!