The Vivomove Sport is one of Garmin's new watches for 2022 and is targeted at those who want a smartwatch that looks like a traditional watch. By hiding its smart features, a hybrid smartwatch more easily es for a traditional watch, and is likely to be more suitable for people who don't want all of the complexities of operating a smartwatch but do want the ability to measure important health vitals.
Garmin's Vivomove line of hybrid smartwatches already has four models. Starting at $419, the most option is the Vivomove Luxe which boasts hidden dual color displays and a sapphire crystal lens. Then there's the Vivomove Style that starts at $249 and has dual displays, but swaps the sapphire for Gorilla Glass. The 44mm Vivomove 3 and 39mm Vivomove 3S, both with a single hidden monochrome display, used to be the cheapest models at $199, but that's changed with the new Vivomove Sport.
The The Withings ScanWatch is another hybrid smartwatch and one that features an always-visible display inside the dial. In contrast, the OLED display on Garmin's watch is cleverly hidden and stays out of sight until the wearer taps or swipes the dial or a notification arrives. Another neat trick is that the hands dynamically move away when interacting with the touch display.
Smart Features That Stay Hidden
On first look, it appears that all the Garmin Vivomove Sport can do is tell the time, and that's exactly the point with a hybrid smartwatch. The smart features are hidden, and on this watch, there are plenty of them. From a heart rate sensor to a pulse oximeter for SpO2 measurement to stress and women's health tracking, the Vivomove Sport hides them all until needed. Garmin has also added respiration tracking and hydration tracking to log fluid intake. There is an advanced sleep monitor too, and a handful of sports apps built into the watch for cardio, swimming, and running. One downside, however, is the lack of onboard GPS, although Garmin does claim the watch will provide accurate tracking when connected to a smartphone's GPS.
The Vivomove Sport will also display emails, messages, calendar events, and app notifications from a connected smartphone. Android s can even respond to texts directly from the watch. There are also safety and tracking features available, including the option to automatically send location information during select outdoor activities if there is an incident. The battery life of the watch is listed as up to five days in smartwatch mode, and a 15-minute charge will provide up to one day of use. This isn't Garmin's first hybrid smartwatch, but at just $179.99, it is the company's cheapest one.
Source: Garmin