What's Next in the Garmin Fenix 9?

[@Hikingguy]

What are you looking for in a Garmin Fenix 9?

[@GatoFelixST3]

My #1 is that it works. 20 years using outdoor Garmin devices and I had never seen bad firmware’s like today. Being F8/E3 or F7X Pro. It’s a shame 😢

[@ronlau328]

LTE

[@gamingwithujbuk9699]

show notifications with nativeapp logos for each app. not a generic logo for all notifications?

[@TrustaBro1914]

I agree with you the software is not good. Use to be great

[@Hikingguy]

@@GatoFelixST3 Agree 100%

[@sunnydavies3990]

Built in inreach 24/7 fall detection A way for family to be alerted to fall detection as well as emergency services Esim capability

[@Mdogbrown]

Neither AWU or Garmin give me everything I want/need. I feel like there’s only a couple things Apple would have to do that would cause me to totally leave Garmin, whereas there’s multiple things Garmin would have to do to for me to totally leave Apple. For me, Apple ONLY needs to improve two things: 1) Proper routable navigation/maps 2) Just a hair bit more battery life. For Garmin, I feel like I would need: 1) Better sleep tracking 2) Fall detection that actually can alert emergency services 3) Faster, less buggy software 4) Better implemented strength training 5) Cellular 6) Full keyboard/text reply 7) Brighter amoled screen 8) More responsive gestures

[@paulramsey2000]

I expect Garmin is stuck in an "Innovator's Dilemma" situation. Their market base expects Garmin to have a huge battery life compared to something like an Apple Watch. So many of those features you describe will sap the battery big time. People who already love their Apple Watch will be thrilled to have new satellite features with same battery life. People who already love their Garmin Watch will crap all over a new watch with lots of new features and a relatively tiny battery life. Garmin is backed into a corner. Trying to directly compete with the Apple Watch on Apple's home turf will be hopeless for Garmin.

[@TacticalStrudel]

@@paulramsey2000 they have a million products though. Theres room for a more focused watch with battery life and one that trades battery for the smartwatch features.

[@Hikingguy]

Yeah, I’ve been thinking the same. With features like voice control and dive capabilities, it seems like the Fenix 8 is entering smartwatch territory-so, game on. In the video, I focused on features that enhance the Fenix’s outdoor and safety functionality, not the ones that are just daily conveniences. I think Garmin could strike a balance by letting users toggle features like LTE on or off, giving people more control over the battery vs. features trade-off. Honestly, if you just want the best watch for the outdoors, I think it’s the Enduro 3-it sticks to what Garmin does best without all the extra fluff.

[@wolfeadventures]

Came here to say the same. Battery life is their differentiator. No need to lessen that.

[@martinlecuona2860]

Garmin has a million watches, it could launch a new epix 3 with all this bells and whistles and use it as a means to test all this things for future fenixes. My wish is that they went back to launching watches with no bugs and it would be great to have ECG worldwide

[@wobblysauce]

The SKU count is very high...

[@sergiogarcia5077]

Maps smoothness is on top for me. As a trail runner trying to follow a new route with garmin is ridiculous. I had past summer a Fenix 7Pro to try it and I had to stop multiple times waiting for the compass to show my actual orientation. That's the reason I use Suunto, much smoother maps rendering and quick compass reaction... But I do miss Garmin statistics so I wait patiently a future faster Fenix.

[@Coachkieranhalfy]

This is an awesome video , happy to have found this channel..

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@thedarkslide]

Ha, I’m still using the 5x. Since 2016.Amazing how long lasting that device is.

[@Hikingguy]

You're smart not to have upgraded since then. For me that was the last real revolutionary change (the offline maps / nav)

[@jeffbarrick6826]

@@thedarkslide Same here. It’s a matter of time though because my battery life is about half now on my 5X. How about the ability to replace the battery.

[@thedarkslide]

@ I can track hikes with GPS and be put with it for 14 hours straight and the battery still doesn’t dip below 20% at the end of that. I love that watch. Makes any Apple Watch look like a toy.

[@brent_f]

Before or along side the next generation Fenix, I would like to see Garmin introduce a fitness tracker band. It would measures all current metrics but without the watch face, for day to day use outside of an activity. All metrics synchronized back to Garmin Connect as a Primary Wearable similar to owning a second Garmin watch. This opens up the option of wearing different watches or going without a Garmin watch without losing 24 / 7 tracking.

[@SimonGreyGhost]

Fantastic idea but I don't think they'll ever do it. They would lose a lot of watch sales.

[@sanctusrimoradv]

isnt that basically whet the vivosmrt5 is? or are you looking for no display?

[@brent_f]

@@sanctusrimoradvNo display; lighter and less bulky, maybe easier to sleep with.

[@karomac]

Yes, I am with you. I am in the Apple ecosystem and love my AWU which I wear the whole day. And for MTB I have a Garmin Edge 630 which syncs to Garmin Connect. The metrics and statistics are more useful than Apple Health but I have only my cyclings there. If I make other workouts or sports I have no data in GC. I tried to use the iOS App RunGap, this can transfer some Apple Health data, but Garmin Connect consider these data in its traingsplan. @sanctusrimoradv I also thought about the vivosmrt5, but I wish there would be any lighter solution...

[@jeffbarrick6826]

@@brent_f A ring would do some of this

[@rcuadro]

I want cellular connectivity. That is really what I want. In reality I want it on the forerunner but if it is on the Fenix that's fine.

[@test123]

Global warranty, not only in region where device is bought.

[@thomas.kovacik]

I’d love cellular to be able to send and receive quick messages while out surfing or in zones with no service but didn’t plan to bring inreach. Atleast having Inreach messaging would be so sick. I’d rather not buy an Apple Watch, so hoping they add this soon haha

[@davidbraswell1481]

Oh goodness Garmin may now see why Apple only has 72 hours ….😢

[@Dnserror88]

Would like a Garmin band/strap without a display, like the Whoop.

[@CoreyMarlin]

Lets be honest. If Apple comes out with Satelitte on the AWU3, doubles or even improves battery by 25%, and adds button only mode... Whos going to be buying a Garmin? Apples software is already LEAGUES ahead, and in many ways, their hardware is too.

[@ivanhoek]

@@CoreyMarlin Anyone not using an iPhone

[@tkmpr]

Just wondering if patents held by other companies are preventing Garmin from incorporating some of these features.

[@semo7566]

Not specifically for Fenix 9 but related - one Garmin app, not 6 that i currently have. Trade in and Inreach are spot on

[@sophiasot6060]

Great video!!! Inreach, 24/7 fall detection that can alert family members and emergency services, diving function to 60 meters (suunto ocean has this and is way cheaper) and last but not least less buggy software!

[@jeffbarrick6826]

Can it tap into native satellite ability of new phones

[@Hikingguy]

I like that a lot

[@Catcrumbs]

Before I consider buying a Fenix 9, I'd like to see some feature updates for the Fenix 7 and 8. Garmin were being good about bringing newer features to older devices with the necessary hardware, but it seems they've pivoted away from that recently. That change has to be reversed if I'm to buy from them again.

[@eduardodfj]

The missing feature is that Garmin devices (not just watches) are just too buggy. They promise extreme reliability and then freeze mid-workout, or HR monitors don't work right. Things like that which, by the way, in some cases stay for months and even years. Garmin seems to be stuck in the 80's, and their software definitely is from the 80s. Once they have that figured out, I personally need LTE and improved usability. Garmin Pay might work, but it's a pain to use compared to the Apple Watch. They menu-under-menu system of Garmin's UI is... From the 80s.

[@Thavisup]

Less bugs and more reliable.

[@Francesco-De-Luca]

1.5 inch display for both MIP and Amoled (there is already room for that) in addition to all the points that you mention. Even if it would drain more battery.

[@dragandjurovic5790]

I think the most realistic and useful thing is to install a PM2.5 sensor so that we can measure pollution in the field where we plan the training. For athletes who live in big cities, this would mean a lot.

[@GarminPro]

I mainly want wellness features. Focus on that Garmin. Wellness and fitness. Something with strength like a strain profile. Kind of like whoop.

[@MarkDaniel_]

Love those activity ideas at 3:25. That would be incredible to get real time estimates

[@eatthepi]

Would the theoretical Fenix 9 with Cat M1 LTE (like Forerunner 945) get AMBER alerts? Maybe it depends on the carrier? Does Forerunner 945 get AMBER alerts today?

[@Hikingguy]

I'm not sure but it should. It should get any alerts pushed out for natural disasters, evacuation, etc., seems like a no-brainer

[@meehwasal]

1. SOS via inreach 2. Either create a Garmin ring device or compatibility with other ring devices for sleep tracking. This alone has me considering a move to another ecosystem.

[@jeffbarrick6826]

I’m in on a Garmin ring or the ability to incorporate other products like an Oura ring into Garmin connect ecosystem

[@davidbraswell1481]

I am done with Garmin; I gave them a shot with heart rate monitor. I have a condition, and I wear two watches daily so I can see my heart rate before I have an episode with my heart. What happens is my heart will shoot up and down from 70 to 170 it takes my breath sometimes well it did it today and it's very sneaky but I see it on my AWU as I ran the heart rate app and it said 169 bpm I looked at my Garmin Epix pro g2 51 mm and nothing it was reading 90 to 95 and down while my ultra is staying at 169 steady then I started having PVC's and so I rushed for my meds and got them down. I have been having this, just not this bad and I would just glance at my Garmin, and it's said I was fine, so I blew it off and that is what led to this big episode. I trusted my Garmin more than my apple, never again. I will never buy another one either after this I'll get another apple watch now to be sure I am not heading into another bad episode. This AW series 8 saved my dad's life as it found his AFIB with the ECG function when I told the Dr. he said apple watches can't detect AFIB and when he seen it he said that is sure enough AFIB. His watch said he was in AFIB 10 - 15 % of the day they put him straight in the hospital did an ablation and it completely removed the AFIB, and one thing called Trigeminy (or that may have been the AFIB I don't remember). Eliquis he is now on for the rest of his life; they are scared it may come back and throw a clot so its maintenance drug for now. No more Garmin for us not even on our boat!

[@Hikingguy]

First off, thanks for sharing that, glad they caught that with your Dad. I'm in the same boat with you. I've been using a Garmin watch since 2006 and I've just about lost my patience with the issues. I've noticed the same thing with the heart rate. Unless you are in an activity (and sometimes not even then), the heart rate lags or just never reads up correctly when you exert yourself. It's disappointing for sure.

[@davidbraswell1481]

@ yes sir, I’ll still use my Garmin ep2 51 mm, I am just over everyone telling me this watch has correct everything when just about everything with sleep, heart rate, just about all of it has never really been right with how I feel, so I’ll use it now only during my exercises and my polar h10 it’s correct when it’s paired with that heart rate strap only though. I wanted to buy the next Fenix but I am now waiting for Apple ultra 3 and so on. I might would consider Garmin again but they would definitely have to add lte or 5 g for me to return and all the health side of the watch needs to get much better before I spend another 1200 on a broken watch with a outdated Os that lags sooo badly! Any ways thank for the line I’ll be watching ..

[@monguzzle]

I agree with everything you’re hoping for - but I suspect any satellite SOS functionality might be squashed by Apple probably buying up bandwidth and exclusive access to Starlink and possibly other services. I hope I’m wrong there. Other things I want to see before I’ll upgrade from my 7XSS: 1. Velcro band in the box along with silicon. The watch is sold as being able to run in jacket mode. That means Velcro. 2. Availability of a carabiner style clip like the one offered by Coros. Wearing the watch on a shoulder strap or waistband should be easy. 3. A drastically improved charging adaptor, or at the very least USB-C fast charging from end to end in the range. 4. Better music controls. I can browse albums from the music settings - why not the player screen as data fields? 5. Included relative wind data as per WindField (this’ll need LTE). 6. Limited LTE - at least give us live tracking.

[@jeffbarrick6826]

Maybe combine Garmin apps like connect, connectiq, explore, and possibly others I don’t use into one app. My Fenix doesn’t integrate well with the phone because the functionality is ignored. The phone itself is a supercomputer the watch can piggyback off of.

[@kristoffpotter]

One more: editing/creating workouts in Garmin connect, particularly gym sessions. The UI is not even obsolete, it’s antiquated. It should be basic functionality, but no, can’t even copy and paste an activity mid-list. Have to go all the way down, create, and then drag it all the way up.

[@david168-d6f]

I'd want a faster CPU/GPU or more RAM, so the maps don't render at a snail's pace. Competitors such as Suunto have much smoother maps, to the point where Garmin's feel unusable despite the larger feature set.

[@fitdude]

Love all your ideas!! If these were all features then I would stick with Garmin. I keep moving back to Apple because of some of these lacking features.

[@vor_ben]

Coming from the Epix Pro I would love to see an overhaul for the sleep schedule. I love to edit the schedule !easily! on the fly and optionally sync with my iPhones sleep mode and schedule (probably a limitation by Apple). If garmin could open up their API a bit more I could come up with a solution myself.

[@NeilLavitt]

As others have said here, Garmin would have to compromise their battery life goodness to allow much of this. That is unless they can access newer power to battery draw processors. The voice commands for instance are not going to come unless it can handoff to a phone and process.

[@Hikingguy]

If battery life went from 29 days to 15 days and offered inReach, etc. with the ability to turn things off to extend battery life, I don't think anyone would be saying that the battery life was bad. The AW has offline (on-watch) Siri and I don't seeing it draining the battery any more than normal. When Garmin decided to add voice and other features, I think they took the Fenix into the smartwatch market, for better or worse. For me, I wasn't asking for voice commands or diving functionality, but obviously they're looking at AWU as competition. Best sports watch for hiking? Probably the Enduro 3. Stick to doing the core functions well.

[@till_57]

Having been a Garmin user for almost 30 years, I have lots of fond memories. But I have also been increasingly annoyed by the lack of progress. Three weeks ago my phone broke, and the ability to make a call with my watch would have made life much less stressful. After pondering my options for a week, I bought an AWU2. Within the last two weeks the Apple Watch has grown on me. At this point, I am not sure that adding LTE to a Garmin watch would be enough to get me to move back to Garmin.

[@Hikingguy]

Similar boat here. I've been wearing a Garmin since 2006 (and using marine products since before then). Having my Fenix 8 reboot at random times and having my otherwise solid Epix Pro get a firmware update and have problems was incredibly frustrating. I've been doing a side-by-side with the AWU2 for months and there's very little I turn to the F8 for anymore.

[@till_57]

@@Hikingguy I have used the Garmin boating app a lot. It is nice to quickly check something. But it is full of dangerously false information. I originally got the inReach because I was crossing the north sea in bad weather, and family and friends started to think I was lost at sea and panicked. Fortunately they did not start a rescue mission, but it was close.

[@jeffbarrick6826]

I would like to see a better display for solar watches.

[@roderick9018]

Lte doesn't seem that useful to me since I always have a phone with me but I could see the benefit if my phone died when I was on a long ride. I think being able to start an activity with touch screen only should be a software pushed down now. Or t9 text response.

[@gregorypuryear387]

If they would add cellular I would totally leave Apple and stick with just Garmin. But right now I just wear the Fenix 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on both wrists while I’m out on an activity.

[@fitdude]

May I ask which one you use for what? I have both but can’t decide on which one does the workout tracking, keeping from duplicating Strava exports. I guess don’t connect Garmin to Apple Health and use one or the other for calories tracking?

[@gregorypuryear387]

@ For right now I use the Fenix 8 for my daily driver and my main activity tracker and my uploads to Strava for now. But I do go back and forth sometimes between the Fenix 8 and the Ultra 2. I basically use the Apple Watch Ultra as an expensive overpriced iPod to listen to music, the cellular connection and for the fall detection when I go out for runs. If I could have all these things in one watch it would be great! I’ve had Garmin Pay since it was introduced on the Garmin 645 and to this day I can’t get any of my cards to work on a Garmin. The Spotify integration is not bad on the Garmin, if they added cellular I’m sure that we be enough me to totally jump ship from Apple.

[@maranr]

For me the most annoying thing about my watch is that I like sleep data. I like how it contributes to my training readiness etc. But hate wearing my Fenix watch to bed. It is heavy, bulky and annoying. I could buy another smaller Garmin watch, but I wish Garmin would have a low-cost companion ring, band, whatever to allow me to sleep with it and synch up with my watch data during the day and activities. I heard that they are not interested in getting into this market but maybe they should partner with someone.

[@Bob_PA]

I'd like my Fenix 7X Pro to not constantly crash during activity navigation. Is that too much to ask for a $1000 watch?

[@HeyThatEpicNoob]

- Faster calculation of the maps as you mentioned. Come on Garmin, its 2025 and I dont use the maps for more than following the breadcrumbs because of that. - Message emergency services in case of a fall, not just my emergency contact. They are probably busy. - Open up the ecosystem to Apple Health. I love how Healthfit pulls the pictures for a activity and like that better, for a training analysis I will still stay in Connect.

[@RaulLica95]

I would love that the next Frnix line to have an LTE model

[@rideSYV246]

Great video & ideas! Thanks! Data to the edge of the screen would be nice, vs. the big border. Seems thats where the solar goes, but my fēnix 8 is not solar. The 8 has been a nice upgrade from the epix pro and I was able to get a full refund towards the 8, from BestBuy with the extended warranty over a year later.

[@lchojnack]

LTE functionality, could be the same as in forerunner 945 LTE e.g. LiveTrack, messeges without phone!

[@twloughlin]

I do not use Garmin watch products so am unfamiliar with their features. But I will say that they are expensive units. There may already be something out there that meets this criterium, but I'd like to see a "Garmin SE" product similar to what an Apple SE Watch could do. Essential features at less cost. Thank you.

[@CheapHomeTech]

A replaceable battery. Also is it too much to expect the battery to last for a month?

[@lilianm7151]

LTE, Inreach, 24/7 fall detection, automatic SOS if person doesnt respond after a fall was detected, tracking, better battery live in the backcountry, overall be more user friendly. Maybe have a trader in program?

[@isthi000ify]

Auto activity recognition start!!!

[@poulan9]

The map draw is extremely poor when you consider the premium prices of these watches.

[@ryuhayabusa9]

Sounds like you would like Garmin a little bit more Appleish.......So do I.... When I'm using a Garmin watch...these are the exact things I'm missing..... And....automatic workout detection... When I'm wearing my Apple watch -I really can't stand the fact that it is unable to notify me when I left my phone behind and bluetooth is disconnected. -I miss the morning report -Of course the battery life (altough on my AWU2 is now running for 56 hours without charging and still has 30% left....it's getting there)

[@madAdventures6987]

LTE and inreach would be perfect , but id settle for better integration with text messages when connected to phone , I can answer calls , and send canned responsees , why can't I use the microphone to send a full response or text to someone. Using the phones assistant is clunky through the watch. I read that the Fenix 8 can send sos messages from fall detection with a Google Pixel phone , I read the to pixels sos service is through Garmin

[@bhargavramoliya]

Garmin Fenix 9 My Dream Watch Gift Please God Will Bless You 🙏🙏🙏

[@kristoffpotter]

A 43mm MIP version, without a solar panel. Surely this won’t last less than 43mm amoled. Not everyone who likes MIPs got the wrist girth for the 47mm version.

[@darrylyk]

I think Garmin stops LTE production after 945. I personally think if they are just going to send messages, they could have done this better via built-in inreach rather than LTE.

[@antowen1308]

Yeah, I got sick of all those spam accounts, probably all created by the same person who copy/pasted instructions from an Instagram post about to to make money from youtube, so much so that I gave up searching KZbin for Garmin info! I own a Fenix 6 and would have bought the Enduro 3 if it had a Fenix 8 shell. I've no interest in paying extra for the extra hardware on the Fenix 8, which is way overpriced in my opinion. I'd be after a faster CPU and better GPS as maps still seem a little slow and jumpy. I'd also want a higher resolution MIP display with more colours. I've also wonderd about an ePaper screen and whether it would use less power, as well as being easy to see. LTE would be handy, but not something I'd use unless my phone died. I'd be reluctant to cram in too many smart features, as it'll hammer the battery!

[@TelmoJohn]

Wireless charging and ditch the cables!

[@kiki-pd8qj]

Since they have E model they should just make watch that have maps and cellular conections with biigggg battery,46mm and in store to make diferent apps that we can download if we go golfing or running owr swim or diving..I want to pick what i want in watch..I would use android if battery can last 30 days..70% of apps in watch we dont use..is good to have them but we dont use them..If i want to look in dept i go to see in phone i dont have to see it in watch..

[@NimsChannel]

Everyone has different wants. Theyre just building it the way the general market wants. Personally I'd prefer if they went with a more durable OS, and brough back my mip screen. Theres no point in a watch made for adventures if it has a short battery life. I

[@johanmarais4179]

24 hour fall detection.

[@MiniEggs1999]

Definitely better processor to handle maps better

[@kristoffpotter]

Garmin connect and connect iq (the latter for tweaking existing apps and watch faces)to have full functionality while offline. What a complete nonsense not to be able to access core data and functionality if I’m offline.

[@seansutton4836]

InReach yes please! LTE Please! Trade in Program yes!

[@mudlee1058]

24/7 fall detection

[@limton3275]

Wireless charging!

[@14er54]

User replaceable battery....yeah I know.

[@jeffbarrick6826]

@@14er54 Even if it was just a service to send the device in to get a new battery

[@jakeva9802]

Value. They are over priced for what you get. After seeing the horrible bug ridden launch ive switched to coros. I get maps, amoled, etcc.. for $150-200 less

[@MrProphetius]

You cant have a Eierlegendewollmilchsau, as the germans would say.

[@SimonGreyGhost]

HR sensor working properly & always reading on tattooed skin. Elevate 5 works OK, but sometimes stops, Elevate 4 doesn't work at all on tattoos, making watches almost useless for sports...

[@s_to_the_r]

first

[@MIAMIC70]

Apple Ultra 3 w/ 5G and satellite connectivity will put nail into POS Garmin.

[@kieransmith6072]

It’s the opposite for me I tried the AWU it was trash why do I have to download third party apps for just thing that should be built in the watch app. But the was trash battery all that $800 all I’m getting 2 days no thanks. Back to Fenix 8 Solar 51mm garmin not be perfect but the battery it nails hands down 32+ days 🙌nice