Garmin’s Fenix series has long been the gold standard for adventure watches, packing features, and durability that cater to even the most hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. But with each iteration, the question remains: what can Garmin do to make the next Fenix even better? As a passionate Fenix user myself, I’ve compiled a wishlist of features I’d love to see in the Garmin Fenix 9 (or whatever they decide to call it!).
The Fenix 8’s solar charging is already impressive, but I dream of a future where the sun alone can power multi-day adventures. Imagine never having to worry about plugging in, even during extended treks or backcountry skiing trips. Garmin could achieve this by increasing the efficiency of the solar panels or perhaps incorporating them into the entire watch face or band.
While the Fenix 8’s transflective display is great for sunlight readability, an AMOLED option would be a game-changer. Imagine vibrant maps, crisp data visuals, and stunning watch faces, all while maintaining impressive battery life. Garmin could potentially offer an AMOLED model alongside the traditional transflective version to cater to different user preferences.
The ability to access voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant directly from your wrist would be a major convenience. Imagine asking your watch to play music, check the weather, or even send a quick message without needing your phone. This would be especially useful during activities where taking out your phone is impractical.
While some Fenix 8 models offer cellular connectivity, I wish it were a standard feature across the entire lineup. The freedom to leave your phone behind for runs, hikes, or bike rides without losing connectivity is simply liberating. Garmin could potentially offer different pricing tiers based on cellular capabilities to cater to various budgets.
The Fenix 8’s sleep tracking is already good, but I crave deeper insights. Imagine sleep stage analysis, blood oxygen monitoring during sleep, and personalized recommendations for improving sleep quality. Garmin could partner with sleep specialists to develop even more advanced sleep-tracking features that truly take your sleep health to the next level.
While the Fenix 8’s touchscreen is functional, it can feel clunky and unresponsive at times. A smoother, more responsive touchscreen would make navigating the watch and using its various features a much more enjoyable experience. Garmin could utilize newer display technologies or refine their touch sensor algorithms to achieve this.
Despite its durability, the Fenix 8 can feel bulky and heavy on some wrists. A lighter, more streamlined design would make it more comfortable for everyday wear and long-distance activities. Garmin could explore using different materials or refining the watch’s overall form factor to achieve this.
