Garmin has formally launched its latest GPS running smartwatches, the Forerunner 570 and 970, for the local market. The launch took place earlier today at APW Bangsar, where the brand also showcased its newest heart rate monitors, the HRM 200 and HRM 600.
To recap, the Forerunner 570 comes in two sizes, 42mm and 47mm, and weighs 50g. The smaller model gets a 1.2-inch display, while the 47mm variant gets a slightly bigger screen measuring 1.4 inches. According to the company, these smartwatches get its brightest AMOLED displays to date, although an exact value was not provided.
For battery life, the 42mm version lasts 18 hours on GPS mode, and ten days as a regular smartwatch. Meanwhile, the larger model lasts an extra day on smartwatch mode for a total of 11 days. Additionally, the wearables come with built-in speakers and a microphone.
As for training features, the Forerunner 570 gets Garmin’s Triathlon Coach training plan, custom multisport workouts, auto lap by timing gates and suggested finish line, as well as projected race time predictor. Health tracking features include skin temperature and breathing variations. Additionally, the watch can provide the wearer with an evening report reminding them of the amount of sleep needed.
The Forerunner 970 measures 47mm and weighs 56g, and as with the 570 models, sports Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display. It also features a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel for a more durable build. Moreover, it gets a longer battery life of 26 hours on GPS mode, and 15 days on watch mode. The rugged smartwatch also features an LED flashlight. Like the 570 models, the 970 gets all the training and health tracking features, but with some added bonuses when paired with the HRM 600. These include running tolerance, running economy, as well as step speed loss.
As for the heart rate monitors, both the HRM 200 and HRM 600 can transmit real-time heart rate and HRV data to compatible Garmin smartwatches. Additionally, they can be linked to apps like Garmin Connect and the Tacx Training app. The HRM 200 gets a battery life of one year, while the HRM 600 is rechargeable and can last two months per charge.
The smartwatches are currently available for purchase from the brand’s physical and online stores, Shopee, Lazada, AECO e-store, as well as authorised retailers. Both variants of the Forerunner 570 are priced at RM2,399, while the Forerunner 970 retails for RM3,269. Meanwhile, the HRM 200 and HRM 600 heart rate monitors will be available from 11 July, and are priced at RM349 and RM739 respectively.
