Garmin reinvents the sports smartwatch

Electronic gadgets are increasingly finding their way into the everyday training or touring routine of mountain bikers. At CES, the largest electronics trade fair in Las Vegas, Garmin is presenting its latest smartwatch models that are worthy of the name.

The Vivofit® 2 wristband offers new functions such as a backlit display. The band can be used for a year without recharging. An integrated alarm reminds you when it is time for exercise and sport. The bracelet is available in 13 different colors at a price of 159.- Swiss francs and 199.- Swiss francs with the heart rate belt.

The new Vivovactive will appeal to all multi-sport enthusiasts. The smartwatch contains various apps that measure athletic performance. The IQ Connect system allows the watch to be customized. You can also develop your own apps or download them from the IQ Store. The Vivoactive is also suitable for everyday wear; it follows the wearer's movements and connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth, at a price of CHF 299 without the heart rate belt and CHF 369 with this accessory.

Adventurers looking for a watch for everyday life and sports will appreciate the new Fenix 3. This latest-generation GPS watch is much lighter and thinner than its predecessor. Thanks to the various profiles, the watch can be customized. This model also has the IQ Connect function and can be easily paired with a smartphone. With the heart rate strap, the retail price is CHF 559 without the strap at CHF 499.

The Garmin epix™ is the first GPS watch with an integrated map. This watch is the ideal tool for outdoor and mountain activities. With the Garmin epix™, you can always find your way quickly thanks to the included map of Europe. With the altimeter and barometer, the GPS watch provides the user with important information. It is operated via the 1.4-inch touchscreen. Connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth, it displays the text messages, calls and e-mails received. With its eight gigabytes of internal memory, the smartwatch is ready for additional functions and applications. The price for this smartwatch will be 599 Swiss francs.