We have the mysteriously named @Jane to thank for the first one. Thank you.
First Up:
Garmin have registered a new Trade Mark for a MARQ product. Here is what is says about the GPS-based wrist-worn wearable
“Wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wrist smartwatch for providing software and display screens for viewing, sending and receiving texts, emails, data and information; electronic devices in the form of a wristband or bracelet incorporating a display screen and/or software for viewing, sending and/or receiving texts, emails, data or other information, namely, activity trackers; Global Positioning Systems (GPS); software and hardware for use in navigation or for use in GPS; GPS incorporating a watch, GPS incorporating watches or horologic instruments; GPS incorporating watches or horologic instruments, altimeters, barometers, compasses, wireless communication device featuring data and image transmission and sensors for the determination of temperatures; and parts of and fittings for the aforesaid goods”
That could describe the intended functions or it could be a catch-all phrase to cover a category.
But it sure looks like a GPS wrist watch to me.
MARQ sounds like “Marque” and that has an air of ‘high-end’ about it. Perhaps this is a replacement for the Chronos? (edit yes…link here to Garmin MARQ latest!!) Or perhaps this is another high-end device but which is not a Fenix (the Chronos is a Fenix).
Then again it could be hunting/shooting related. Grrrr.
Perhaps this could be Garmin’s entry into WearOS? Remember I do KNOW that there will be a NOTABLE new WearOS sports watch release and I discussed it somewhat mysteriously here (link to: the5krunner.com).
Secondly:
I finally got around to testing the Polar V650 (reviewed here) on my GPS test route. Best score ever. Just sayin’ (It’s easier on a bike to get a good score)
I also reviewed soem GPS tests for the Fenix 5S Plus (GPS vs GPS+GALILEO) from arond 13 Aug aftera firmware change (v3.2, GPS v2.2). GALILEO still wasn’t good but, actually, the GPS-only track was sweet (79% joint best ever Garmin result).
Thirdly:
I thought of this the other day but never quite got around to mentioning it here.
Have a look again at this image from way back when CIQ3 was announced earlier this year.
I didn’t think much of it at the time but look closely at where it says FAMILY.
Fenix 5 plus/non Plus, 5S, 5, 5X and 935. OK that really IS A family of watches
But the 645 Music and the 645….hmmm that’s a childless family. I’d call that a couple and NOT a family. Are there more 645s to come? The word ‘family’ would imply so.
Perhaps there could be a 645T – a tri replacement for the 745XT? The FR745 is supposed to exist (and could be renamed as release gets closer). After all the 735XT seems to be out on its own somewhat.
I would also bet that Garmin had a tri release lined up for September but have now delayed it to annoy Polar when the Vantage V and Vantage M are released to the public in October.
So, in October, will Garmin bring us a: 645T, Forerunner 745, 945, something else, nothing, or a WearOS watch. I know, probably a Vivokids 2.4.
Have your say
Remember the discussion of what needs to be in the Fenix 6..? A few thousand of you have voted in this poll already
And there were also a similar number of you suggesting improvements for the 935.
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