2023 Sportswatch Year In Review with DC Rainmaker - Garmin, Apple, Suunto, Samsung, COROS, and More!

[@DesFit]

If you like this video you'll love our new podcast! We've extended our year-end chats to a regular, on-going podcast where we chat about all things sports tech including smartwatches, sportswatches, bike computers, bike trainers, trainer apps, and anything sports tech related. 👉 www.youtube.com/@thefitfile

[@cognetic]

You guys need to do an awards episode. Best of the year. Best value. Best running / fitness. Best smartwatch. Best battery life. Etc.

[@enb3810]

The instinct 2x would probably always win - would need to subdivide the category

[@mayur1234560]

YES!

[@carmeloojr2893]

I second this!!

[@Jjengering]

Yeah exactly like how MKBHD does his smartphone awards

[@gerym341]

Great idea.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Dang almost 2 hours long? Gotta get the popcorn! 🍿 🎥

[@thomassummer1144]

Haha haha yes. Indeed

[@DesFit]

Lots of goodies this year!

[@dccd3237]

Garmin should have a trade-up program to foster loyalty and buying without 3-5 year gaps.

[@Isildur58]

That's actually a brilliant idea

[@deetles98]

I would LOVE that!!!!!🎉

[@WestPennFeistHunter]

It would be nice but Garmin will forever have my business due to their exceptional customer service.

[@Slowhand871]

Do they need to foster loyalty? I’ve got a 935 and really it does everything you need and more. I think people who buy a watch every couple of years are going to buy one anyway. Why reduce your profit?

[@randallsmith7885]

Agree. And they should consolidate their lines by at least half. Too many permutations.

[@danscoular]

This is fast becoming a private Christmas party for my adventure watch guilty pleasure. Thanks for all the hard work! This was fun!

[@DesFit]

It's always fun for us too! Thanks for watching!

[@illbeback2YT]

This video is extremely helpfull. It saves me at least 12 hours watching different channels of reviewing smartwatches.

[@DesFit]

Happy to help! (but also watch some of our other videos if you feel the need 😄)

[@jmichael6931]

The FR965 getting a sapphire screen would be fantastic. I long stayed in the Fenix family, but recently pulled the trigger on the 965. It's a fantastic device, but I admittedly was apprehensive about how the screen would hold up after spending years with a sapphire screen. So far so good. I love how much lighter it is. Less bezel, more (AMOLED) screen!

[@DeeKay1911]

Sapphire is a must if you have scratch OCD like me as well!

[@essaalansari9508]

I have the lte version the screen is easy to get scratched

[@jeffward24]

​@@DeeKay1911Nope. They sell discs that Perfectly stick to the screen and last for Many months. You get 8 in a package for under $10. Scratch it? Replace in 30 sec.

[@vigneshswaminathan2912]

Both of you are among the better more-balanced reviewers in the field of sports tech. Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Appreciate the kind words, thanks!

[@bingbong2935]

Glad to see Suunto finally upping their game and being competitive again in the market on all aspects going from software, features, price, and as usual their GPS accuracy. Hope to see more great things again from them next year!

[@natehayes82]

I really feel like the vertical is my next purchase

[@bingbong2935]

@@natehayes82 great choice if you're looking for a watch with long battery life since the Vertical has one of the longest battery life, along with solar charging on the titanium variant

[@MattSwain1]

Completely agree with you both on Garmin and their completely broken model naming. I consider myself to be reasonably up to date on sports tech but the whole epix vs fenix thing with various suffixes just leaves me scratching my head. In my head because of the different names I’m deeply suspicious that somewhere in the menus there’ll be a crucial missing feature. If only the display is different lets have fenix 7 and fenix 7 amoled and then it’s clear. Great work guys, just another 55 minutes to go 😊

[@NealMcQuaid]

Apple user here who considers picking up a Garmin as I return to ultras. And every time I go on the Garmin website, I give up after 10 minutes with poor filtering and that naming that is as clear as mud. So I end up going back to picking an ultra 2....

[@MattSwain1]

@@NealMcQuaid Yes I’ve got my reasons for not picking an Apple watch but at least I understand what they offer. I do think Garmin could get down to 3 or 4 models and then allow you to choose whether you want plastic / metal, small/medium/large and Amoled/reflective display. Ok there might be some niche watches such as the ones for pilots etc but at this point the high-end forerunner should just be the “Fenix plastic” (ok maybe not the greatest name but you get the gist), then you have a budget Forerunner and something like the Venu as more of a general fitness/lifestyle offering

[@ikuturso7570]

As we are going amoled (whether I like ot or not...) I think they should just drop Epix and have the more traditional Fenix (w/ amoled) and Enduro (same lineup but w/ mips).

[@davidthomson1978]

If Garmin could add cellular capabilities for messaging and calls as well as strong vibrations/tones for notifications that could match Apple Watch then it would be a no brainer for me instead of being stuck on the fence between full blown smart watch or full blown fitness watch

[@Alfian-m7h]

Wait until 2050

[@jimhine]

Very cool you both collaborate. Would love to see you each speak with Product Managers from Garmin, Casio, Citizen, and Apple about the convergence of fashion watches and fitness trackers.

[@tudoriusmaximus]

So, first of all, thank you, your genuine friendship is inspiring. Will watch all your videos in 2024 as well. Next, Garmin really needs to repair their naming convention. They should state clearly the entry level, the mid level and the flagship. Plus, enough with the pro/plus/etc

[@DesFit]

Thanks! It certainly makes it fun just being able to sit down and chat about things we usually just chat about over some beers :)

[@MasterRen.]

One of the best days of the year! 🎉

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@roymacfarland5455]

Guys I have spent the last 3 months reviewing options to replace my Apple Watch (series 7) with a focus on health, fitness and outdoor activities. I was all over the Garmin map (no pun intended). I don’t need phone capabilities, so I ended up with the Fenix 6 pro solar (reconditioned). With all your info on both your channels, I am confident about the choice for me. I just want to say “Thank you”.

[@DesFit]

You're very welcome and glad our information helped. Thanks and enjoy your watch!

[@joshua09118]

Y'all are the real deal.! Even though I ended up finally pulling the trigger on the 7x pro because of a great sale of $700 and your reviews. I still have to watch this. 😂 Thanks for all y'all's hard work and help with my decision. I couldn't be happier for my gym workouts and health tracking coming from a galaxy watch 6 classic. 💪

[@brucelin5842]

Is fenix 7 pro good for gym if you are an Apple user? What about epix pro?

[@mteguhariyanto]

After weeks of consideration and watching numerous sportwatch reviews, I decided to buy the Coros Pace 3. I love its long-lasting battery, features, and frequent updates that add more features, making early reviews less relevant.

[@marcr9923]

I currently use the Samsung Watch 5 pro and what keeps me in the Samsung family is really decent trade-ins. I got $170 for my Watch 4. I'd highly suggest Garmin institute the same business practice. Create brand loyalty and show recycling conscience

[@the-amateur-runner-mt]

It's a lovely video; keep it up, guys! I agree with the naming strategy! It should become simpler. I have the Enduro 2nd Gen, which I believe should be merged with the Fenix unless they will release an Enduro 3 with Amoled, solar charging and whatnot to make battery life more amazing than it is!

[@fabricioluna2621]

Hello Des and Ray...it is nice to see you guys togheter again. Also nice to see new brands - like Mobvoi-, units being included on the review. My brand is Suunto and currently own a 9 Baro Unit and may be upgrading next year. Not a real fan of AMOLED displays but MIP's are my thing. More discrete and power saving devices. Huawei and Amazfit are getting more sport units and less smart watches devices. Samsung and Xiaomi maybe?. Cheers from México. Keep up the good work. Happy Holidays. Peace.

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much and happy holidays to you as well!

[@FCBoulder]

Really AWESOME overview. Love the insights you guys bring. Thanks for everything you do to give the community the best information out there!

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much! 🙌

[@reineroberhaus]

DC Rainmaker and Desfit in one Watch Test. Thats an Blockbuster !! A litte Bit like The Expendables :)🤣

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@BeingandTiiime]

I genuinely look forward to this every year

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@MountainRhode]

What comes through is that these are great guys. Here's to continued success with both your channels and the podcast

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!!

[@bigbigdog]

As a Garmin Instinct 2 user I really wanted an Epix 2 or Fenix 7, but they are just soooooooo expensive. I ended up picking up a Amazfit T-Rex 2 instead. That will have to do for now...

[@EfferusZangetsu]

I am loving my FR 965. I use it for fitness, running, indoor rowing, hiking and motorcycling. It does everything I need and want it to do, and it is very comfortable to wear with the nylon strap.

[@austinslater4773]

My 7x pro with the better MIP screen has been almost perfect. If they didn’t update it would of gone with the epix pro

[@MateHegyhati]

Thank you guys for he whole year, and see you in many more reviews!

[@DesFit]

Thanks, Mate! 🙌

[@vpnconsult]

For a Non-Garmin, device the Amazfit Balance was a great surprise. One of the first more accurate Amazfit watches. But i would still advice most to pay 30% extra and get a real garmin.

[@Ellissg]

1:27:48 I have one of the bands - it takes some time, probably a few months, but it broke in to a point where it’s comfortable, but it is still stiff. I can tell you now that it’s comfortable on the size that I always wear it on, and if I had to change it, I would notice it because of how stiff the band it. Saying that, I like to wear a silicone band when I run or swim as it’s easier to clean and dry, but I often forget to switch it because of how comfy this band is now. It’s also really hard wearing, which, for the intended use and what I use it for, is key.

[@johnmanley4528]

My experience with the 265 - Venu 3 comparison was exactly what Ray commented on. In the end, I threw my hands in the air and upgraded my Apple Watch. The Venu 3 with training readiness/training load features would have been an easy buy for me.

[@alierchiang]

I hope Garmin came to their senses and eventually added it to Venu 3. They have the capabilities Garmin just needs a update 😂

[@johnmanley4528]

@@alierchiang Garmin will never release it as an update, even if they can. If they one day merge the two product lines we could see it. Otherwise, they will be separate in their features.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Finally got a chance to sit down and watch this! Fantastic 🍿

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

My 51mm Epix Pro is IMO the best athletic watch in existence today!

[@erikdahlborg]

I would love to see a new Suunto 7 Google wear smart/sports watch. I have to say that was one of my favorite watches for a mostly smartwatch user who likes the rugged/sporty design

[@bjc1219]

Thanks, guys! I watched countless hours of both of your channels to decide which Garmin watch was right for me. Epix Pro 2 (let's just get rid of the 'gen' as mentioned in the video) ftw. Love it!

[@DesFit]

Glad you're enjoying your watch! Thanks!

[@pcraenme]

Totally agree on the features vs price level on the Garmin watches. Garmin did something similar with the 645… when the 245 was released at a lower price, it had some more advanced features (not hardware related) that were never added to the 645. I liked my 645 very much, but Garmin totally discarded the buyers of the watch.

[@joshuaniles-dancy585]

Can't wait for your guys descent MK3 review. Very curious on why they put the old heart rate sensor on it instead of the latest one 🤔

[@mjsolomon]

You guys really spoke to my struggle. The 265s and the Venu 3s are so close, and yet so vexxing. i had both and yet I wanted to settle on one. But I miss my training features when I'm wearing the Venu 3s. Yet the neat little notes after training that you get with the Venu 3 is nice as well. Plus the touchscreen interface on the Venu 3 while adding in information... aaaaaaggghhh! So what do I pick? The microphone and speaker? Or the beloved training features that I have coveted since Vivoactive Heart (or whatever that ugly thing was called) "accidentatlly" had training effect for 2 weeks before it was deactivated. Sigh...

[@oggeman00]

Amazing stream, thanks guys! 🙏🏼

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@thomassummer1144]

We were looking forward to this!!!

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@thani7963]

Always great to hear you guys… I wish you gave the rest watches the review you gave Polar v3, great video.

[@astonrichardson4309]

I just brought the Garmin tactix amoled, and iys awesome, a very solid watch, with that amoled display, and hardware, and so on its my ideal watch.

[@wojtek_kos]

great video Guys ! Especially last seconds of it ;)

[@DesFit]

Haha thanks!

[@cruzanstx]

Vendors add features so spec comparisons look good. Trouble is, many features are shallow and useless, but the buyer learns this too late. Thank you for helping us know which features meet our needs and actually work as expected.

[@1989Tod]

After so many years (for as long as I can remember) I have always used Garmin, but honestly, acquiring GPS signal takes so long sometimes more than like 5 minutes, updating older models is just non existent! I have the Enduro 1 and its like they have forgotten about it! It was flagship watch and just no new features or anything, they can easily implement alot of features! But yeah, I will be switching to either Coros or Suunto!

[@bonn1771]

I always look forward to this each year!! love it

[@DesFit]

They’re just as fun to do! Thanks!

[@enb3810]

Wow I didn't know you guys did these! How cool.

[@DesFit]

5 years running! 🙌

[@AndrewUKLondon]

Nice review. Currently, I'm using Apple watch 6 for the functionality and an amazfit bip 2 for when I want 2 weeks without charging. A great combo for my needs for using with my android phone. The watch that tempts me most is the vivoactive 5. And having had the vivoactive 3, its great seeing the vivoactive name coming back.

[@jackwilson1245]

This made me glade I bought a Garmin Epix Pro. Good job guys.

[@learzetur6]

I've become a huge Fénix fan. From the original, now rocking the 6 (waiting for the newest Pros to get cheaper) it will be sad to see such an iconic name to go away. But this is me just being a fan boy of this watch

[@_paddy]

I dont think the name will go away, its their flagship model for so many years and it has a huge fanbase. Rightfully so, just ordered a Fenix 7 Pro

[@Ibrahims14]

Hello Guys, Thank you very much for this great review. I have a question, What is your recommendation for a watch that is good for fitness, HR and tracking sleep. (Not necessary a smartwatch, I rarely use my phone actually) … Thank you so much guys for always sharing your knowledge 🙏🏼

[@WP7Nettwerk]

This one is must watch. I'm waiting more than Apple WWDC. Thank you again this year for this video.

[@DesFit]

Just don’t tell Tim Cook 🤫😄 Thanks!

[@wandatowellable]

Garmins next versions of the Crossover and Instinct 2x are probably going to be the next devices ill be interested in. I was sooooo close to pulling the trigger on both at different times of '23

[@NealMcQuaid]

Congrats on this and nailing the piece around Garmin naming while discussing the Fenix and Epic - I've been researching for months and had no idea up to now of how Garmin organises their models and naming convention. Here's something crazy considering I'm stepping up to the 100km ultra marathon distance this year: because of the million models of Garmin which I just can't work out, I'm going for a Coros or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (and likely the latter as I'm wary of Coros). That is crazy.... Honestly, I've been things to be doing than working out the multitude of Garmin models... Also, my crazy wish: a double width Apple Watch Ultra 2. Amazing for mapping. And I'm willing to bet it comes in around the same weight as a Fenix/Epix.... It'll never happen :)

[@_paddy]

I just realized a few weeks ago that the Epix Pro is the exact same like the Fenix 7 Pro, but with amoled. But why dont you go with the Fenix 7 Series ? I mean its their flagship model for a decade and ticks all the boxes for Ultras

[@bike314]

Do you think Garmin is going to do anything more with LTE? They seem to have released the 945lte then just gave up on it.

[@MrPulami]

Another fantastic annual overview, Des & Ray. Thanx! Unfortunately I was ultimately unable to attend the morning run or visit the cave. Hopefully we will meet again next year. Suggestion: Would also like to see an annual review of accessories as well, such as the Whoop band, Stryd, Oura Ring, ...

[@DesFit]

Sorry you weren't able to make it - next time! Great suggestion...we'll see what we can do!

[@qewolf]

Thank you for doing this! 👏 I just bought my first Garmin watch today - Vivoactive 5

[@DesFit]

You're welcome and hope you enjoy your watch!

[@artemloginov9393]

Thank you guys. Really love this review.

[@DesFit]

We love doing them :) Thanks!

[@kenslavikrealtorkellerwill6671]

Awesome review! Thanks guys!

[@DesFit]

👍

[@brianhunley5302]

Two of my favorite creators.

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@JBUCKNE]

Great job. I really enjoy these. Thanks

[@DesFit]

Thanks! These are fun for us as well!

[@djholender]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!! THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@MrRobottm]

I have just brought a Suunto Race watch black 😀👍

[@thanhthanh831]

How long have you been buying Race? Can you give me a feel for touch sensitivity, GPS accuracy and battery life? Thank you

[@MrRobottm]

@@thanhthanh831 will be delivered next week, unfortunately I can’t answer to you

[@mlegrand]

Hot take: AMOLED is overrated. I’m not saying it’s bad. And I’m not saying it’s not hear to stay. I’m just finding that when I switch back to MIP, I don’t miss the sharper display all that much. I very often wear the Enduro 2 on my left wrist and AWU2 on my right wrist. The MIP display doesn’t bug me or cause me any issues. Works just fine. (Grandpa rant. 👴)

[@Rickline84]

Totally agree. Oled kills the battery if always on display. Otherwise have to move arm to wake up display. Don’t like that.

[@braddavister137]

You are not alone. I like amoled in the Apple Watch but for some reason I don’t think it looks that good in garmin yet. That’s why I’ve tried the epix but ultimately I go back to the fenix pro and I’ll just be a two watch wearer 😂

[@gregbrown3082]

I can’t be the only heavy garmin user that gives zero hoots about amoled. No thanks. How bout some extra battery, YEP.

[@_paddy]

@@braddavister137just ordered a Fenix 7 Pro, how do you like it so far?

[@savid3n]

The Tactix band (which I use for my 2x) is the most comfortable band once you break it in. It also adds style to the 2x (Tactical).

[@DesFit]

Appreciate the info!

[@TheBloodprof]

fantastic job and review Thanks!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

As a current spix usernif i was buying again id go for the fenix 7 pro. The amoled screen on the epix is nice but only makes a difference for maps which is used very infrequently. The febix has the better battery life and solar, both of which would be benefitted from daily. Splitting hairs really as both are top of the pile in my opinion but for iutdoor endurance events thenfenix nakes more sense as the MIP screen is also better in sunlight than the Amoled anyway

[@valmysk]

Hey gents! I truly appreciate your videos on KZbin. I have watched your videos and others on Epix pro v. Fenix 7X pro battery and amoled screen difference. I’m still conflicted on whether the Epix pro battery in a smartwatch mode can last me a full marathon and 50KM (my longest distances). Happy to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

[@em_ignite]

BEST Collab! 🎉

[@DesFit]

🙌 thanks!!

[@dj.mb_one]

Another great video..thank you guys 😊

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@Badsmarty]

Appreciate the video! Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulkline3011]

Yes!!! I was waiting for this. 😅

[@DesFit]

👍

[@hardmtnbiker]

Unfortunately Polar seems to be loosing the momentum. I transferred from my Polar Vantage V2 to the Garmin 965 after years of being a Polar fan since their usb connection to their Polar Trainer PC software years ago. I would think that Polar would have something to expand on their Fitness Testing and Recovery programs

[@liliakilmer9773]

I agree. My man and I both started with Polar, I switched to Garmin 6 months ago and I'm surprising him with a Fenix X pro sapphire solar on Wednesday. Polar has dropped the ball.

[@drews1290]

Nice review. Huawei Watch GT4? (My original commentaries x 2 were longer but I think were deleted).

[@ckat609]

So good! Thank you!

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@bobby4500]

the suunto vertical looks so good, sad that the sensors are not great

[@bsmukler]

I’ve worn the Forerunner and then Fenix/Tactix series (always the large versions) for years, and picked up the Epix Pro Sapphire 51mm this year, particularly due to the battery life. While the Epix Pro 51mm equals or betters the Fenix 7 Pro in battery life with always-on turned off, there is still the gap, of course, with it turned on (although 11 days’ life is incredible). I am interested to see whether Garmin somehow merges the Fenix and Enduro lines and comes up with a MIPS model with even better battery life, or whether they focus on improving AMOLED battery life and eventually drop the MIPS watches altogether. It would be neat to see an Enduro 3 with updated HR sensor and better-than-Fenix 7 Pro battery life. On a completely different note, it would be amazing to see a Fenix or Epix watch that squarely took on Apple by finally including LTE functionality and/or standalone InReach capability.

[@jakejoyride]

Enduro will stay with MIP as oled chugs battery juice. Oled has built in expirity date.

[@Dannyv1987]

Love love love my garmin epix pro Gen 2❤

[@harry1583]

Its this time of the year alteady? Time sure flies fast.

[@Bogdan7453]

Great review. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

👍

[@LobsterRavioli]

I have an Apple Watch SE and I still enjoy it. I just wish the battery life was a bit closer to what Garmin puts out. The Apple Watch Ultra looks awesome, but I have the wrist of a small teenager, so it would look bad on me. I don’t like to usually go more than 46-47 on lug to lug.

[@peterchileshe9760]

Love your channel ..and i enjoy both of you guyz channels very informative and really to be honest the best place to get a review of any snart watch. So Whats your favourite watch..as in which tops them All.🙏🏿??

[@loldatfunny]

thanks for this video!

[@DesFit]

Of course!

[@Alex_564]

A 975 solar with sapphire(w/amoled) would be an immediate buy for me as an upgrade to my 945 LTE.

[@Thatsmantas]

I think sleeper watch of 2023 is Garmin 255, you get all the metrics and dual band gps, great battery life and price now is unbeatable for what you get.

[@1519Spring]

I am not an operator, but I think the Tactix with amoled will be marketed at the non-military "tacti-cool" market that want the look but don’t need the actual security feature.

[@radekgacek8050]

What i should buy ? Epix 2 pro, fenix 7 pro, Suunto race or vertical ?

[@gregbrown3082]

1:28:40 as a former operator, can confirm: The percentage of actual military professionals wearing pieces like this, rounded to the nearest percent… is zero. You tend to find forerunner series (looks, and lightweight) and instinct series (disgusting battery life) on the wrists of actual operators. Night vision, zeroize, applied ballistics, and jumpmaster features are just marketing for tactical Bros. Solid wrap up, guys. See you all next year!

[@jkadbhjadhboa]

I look forward to this all year. Do either of you review the Withings Scanwatch Nova?

[@sahabatyorofun6552]

Thanks for your video, you're amazing

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@jonathantran7102]

Awards please! Hard to digest the entire video, but lots of great information!

[@DesFit]

Thanks! This isn’t an awards-type video so we don’t do rewards, it’s going through all the years releases and what we thought of each one

[@Mike_v_E]

As someone that's looking for their first Garmin watch, I completely agree that Garmin needs to clean up their watch lineup. It just feels so chaotic and cluttered.

[@NAW32Nicoisme]

Instinct 2x!!!

[@gabriie13]

Hope that Polar will come with some major updates for vantage v3 to make it more competitive

[@cbenson513]

Des's Sapphire option on the forerunner 9xx series is a good one. I'd buy it. I'd also like to see better smartwatch features such as improvements to both text_email handling and turn-by-turn Google Maps navigation. Plus the latest HR sensor of course.

[@Cassadin1410]

It's a pity that you haven't tested Amazfit Balance, I'm curious about your opinion on it. I hope you will record something else about this watch soon.

[@allaroundstrong]

Good selection

[@arshadarifek7351]

Huwaei GT4 prices £199 and Garmin instinct 2 standard for £185 .Among these 2 watches which is compatible for i phone and accurate health monitoring

[@cyclelife9179]

help please. So should I get epix51pro now for christmas, or wait for the next revision? i have a 935 its okay, just getting old! my christmas wishlist would be a an epix that has inreach capabilities...

[@cfau6290]

So what yall think? AMOLED or MIP Display? Wanting to get into a higher end watch like a 965 or 955 for running, xc skiing, fitness and smartwatch features...i like a big readable screen but is it possible to set the 965 always on while doing activity?

[@liliakilmer9773]

In my case, MIP only, because my wrists are so small I can only wear an S version, which is smaller with less battery life, so I didn't see the point in wasting battery to amoled. I get a full week with all the settings at full blast.

[@jakejoyride]

I got 955 for this reason, also for another reason, oled develops burn in. 955 will be fine 10+ years while oled will die in 3 years. Yes you can set always on only for activities.