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Garmin is quietly innovating beyond its recent advancements in LTE functionality adn microLED displays, reportedly prototyping a digital crown control system for a future smartwatch model. This move signals a potential shift in Garmin’s design philosophy, moving away from its signature five-button interface.
Garmin recently unveiled the Fenix 8 Pro, currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge technology. However, the company appears to already be looking ahead, exploring new ways to enhance user interaction wiht its wearable devices.
A New Approach to Control
According to information obtained by Gadgets & Wearables, Garmin isn’t planning a conventional mechanical crown like those found on the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. Instead, the company is investigating a system utilizing a Hall effect sensor to detect rotation thru magnetic movement.
“This approach would theoretically eliminate the need for direct contact between mechanical and electronic components,” the report states, “which should be less susceptible to the elements than a physically moving mechanism.” This is a crucial consideration for Garmin, a brand renowned for the durability and water resistance of its products. The potential for a more robust and reliable control system is a significant advantage.
Design Shift and Potential Models
The adoption of a digital crown is reportedly linked to a broader redesign, potentially reducing the number of physical buttons on future Garmin smartwatches. Concept images suggest a configuration with two buttons on the left side of the device and the digital crown, protected by a crown guard, on the opposite side.
While the exact timing remains unclear, sources indicate this new control scheme is more likely to debut on a mid-range model, such as the venu or Vivoactive series, rather than a high-end Fenix or Tactix device. This suggests a future Venu 5 or Vivoactive 7 could be among the first to feature the new design.
Enhanced User Experience
The digital crown would likely offer an option method for navigating the user interface and interacting with apps, self-reliant of the touchscreen. This could prove notably useful during activities where precise control is needed, or when wearing gloves.
It’s importent to note that the images currently available are concept renderings, and the final design may differ. As such, a degree of skepticism is warranted until official announcements are made. However, the potential benefits of a durable, magnetically-controlled digital crown are clear, and represent a compelling evolution for Garmin’s smartwatch lineup.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: Garmin is exploring a digital crown to enhance user interaction, improve durability, and potentially streamline the design of its smartwatches, moving away from the traditional five-button interface.
Who: Garmin is the company initiating this change, with information sourced from Gadgets & Wearables. the potential impact is on Garmin smartwatch users.
what: Garmin is prototyping a digital crown control system utilizing a Hall effect sensor for future smartwatches. This involves a potential redesign with fewer physical buttons.
How did it end? The article doesn’t report a definitive end. It states the digital crown is still in the prototyping phase,with a likely debut on a mid-range model (Venu or Vivoactive series) in the future. The final
