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Garmin introduces its first LTE-enabled smartwatch

Garmin introduces its first LTE-enabled smartwatch

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And it’s the Vívoactive 3 Music

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Garmin has announced its first 4G LTE-enabled GPS smartwatch today, the Vívoactive 3 Music, with support by Verizon Wireless.

Now with cellular connectivity, the watch lets users leave their phones at home when they head out for a run or go to the gym and still be able to listen to music, send text messages, and track their workouts. Garmin claims up to five days of battery life in smartwatch mode, or as little as four hours with GPS enabled, music playing, and LTE enabled.

The device also comes with new safety features, like a built-in incident detection feature that is capable of notifying pre-loaded emergency contacts if an impact or fall is detected. If a user feels unsafe while working out, they can hold the smartwatch’s button for five seconds, quickly sending out a message along with their real-time location to those emergency contacts. Garmin LiveTrack can also be switched on, sharing location data with friends and family at any time.

The original Vívoactive 3 was first announced late last year; this latest version builds on it with the new LTE capabilities. Users will be able to download songs and playlists directly onto the smartwatch, including those from third-party music apps like Deezer, and — some time in the future — Spotify. Wireless headphones can be connected directly to the smartwatch through Bluetooth.

Of course, a Verizon device plan is required in order to access all of the new features. Availability is estimated at between five to eight weeks, but there’s no price listed for the LTE version of a watch that usually costs $299.99.

Garmin also announced a partnership with Daimler today, introducing a Mercedes-Benz branded version of the vívoactive 3 GPS smartwatch for Mercedes-Benz owners  (not to be confused with the Music 3). The device will be able to monitor a driver’s stress levels and heart rate if it’s connected to the Mercedes Me app. Daimler and Garmin are currently working on ways that the data can be used, like providing chair massages or playing soothing music for stressed-out drivers. These options are not included at this time.

Updated 1/7/18 at 2:05 p.m. EST: Added information on Garmin’s partnership with Daimler.

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