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Hands On: Garmin Adds LTE to Vivoactive 3 Music Watch

The latest version of the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is the company's first device with LTE connectivity. It also comes with a few new safety features. We go hands on at CES.

January 8, 2019
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

LAS VEGAS—Garmin has released a few iterations of its Garmin Vivoactive 3 fitness tracker, but its latest version of the Vivoactive 3 Music is the company's first device with LTE connectivity. It also comes with a few new safety features.

But unlike the Apple Watch Series 4 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch, those who want to take advantage of LTE will have to go through Verizon's network. Let's take a closer look.

LTE Connectivity Through Verizon

To use the LTE functionality on the new Garmin Vivoactive 3 (Verizon), you don't have to be an existing Verizon customer, but you will have to sign up for a data plan. Part of the purchase process requires specifying whether you're already on Verizon or a different carrier. Depending on which you choose, you'll be provided with different monthly data plans.

CES 2019 Bug Art But here's where it gets a little tricky. Those with Verizon will be able to receive text messages from their primary phone number to the smartwatch. But those on a different carrier will be assigned a new phone number to which notifications will be sent. That phone number is free, but you'll have to pay for the data plan. Those with an existing Verizon account have the choice to add an additional phone number.

It's clear that those with a Verizon number will have the easiest time navigating between text messages on their phones. Having a second phone number means your smartphone won't sync the history of interactions, so you'll have to refer to your smartwatch instead.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

The Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon) is a little more compatible with iOS than Wear OS smartwatches. Rather than only being able to view notifications, you can also interact with them too. If you're using your primary phone number on an iPhone, you'll still be able to answer text messages using the watch—by either typing your own message or choosing from a premade response. You'll also be able to answer text messages as well.

But there's one caveat—you'll have to turn off iMessage in order to receive notifications on your smartphone to your watch. So if you're okay with using SMS for majority of your time with the Vivoactive 3 Music, the experience should be a breeze. Otherwise, you're better off switching to Android or opting for a secondary phone number.

Those with a Verizon phone number can also choose the carrier's Message+ app as the primary messaging app on their iPhone. That way, you'll still have read receipts and the ability to sync all your text messages between your smartphone and watch.

Regardless, it's clear that unless you're OK with having two phone numbers, then the connectivity aspect of the device will be far more enjoyable to use for those who already have their primary phone number set up with Verizon. That said, whether you have an Android or iOS phone, you won't need LTE to receive smart notificationsany alerts you receive on your smartphone from social media, emails, or other apps will be sent to the watch via Bluetooth.

Design, Specs, Battery Life

For the most part, the connected version of the Vivoactive 3 Music is identical to the previous version in both design and display. The only difference is the new one has red accents sprinkled throughout—sort of as an homage to Verizon's signature red logo. You'll notice it along the top and bottom of the watch and on the crown.

It only comes in one color variant—a slate polymer case with a black silicone watch band. In person, the all-black is extremely sleek looking and will allow you to pair it with both gym clothes or even business casual. But the 20mm watch bands are also interchangeable, so you can swap them out to mix and match with your attire. As with other versions, it's extremely lightweight. When I tried it on, it felt like I wasn't wearing anything on my wrist at all, which will be enjoyable for workouts.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

The Verizon-connected addition is also the same as the original Vivoactive 3 Music in terms of specs; there's built-in GPS and Garmin's Elevate heart-rate monitor. As for the processor, the Verizon-connected Garmin is powered by an ALT1210 chipset from Altair Semiconductor.

There's also storage for up to 500 songs. With LTE connectivity, you'll have the ability to download songs and playlists straight from your wrist from Deezer. For those who don't use Deezer, Garmin says a Spotify app will be coming to the smartwatch soon.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

Due to its LTE connectivity, battery life on the Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon) is five days as opposed to seven days on the version without LTE. It'll also last you up to four hours when using the network, connected to GPS, playing Music, and using the LiveTrack feature (which I'll get to later). That's only an hour less than what you'd get on the regular version of the smartwatch but of course, all of these estimates are depending on the usage of the devices.

Speaking of usage, there's also no difference in activity tracking. You'll still have access to all the same fitness features and functionality as you would on the original Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music.

Safety Features

The Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon) packs a ton of safety features that you won't find on previous versions. For starters, there's an assistance feature that allows you to notify an emergency contact whenever needed. By holding the side button on the smartwatch for five seconds, you'll notify pre-loaded emergency contacts via email and text message.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

The email will indicate whether you've been involved in an accident or need help. From there, recipients of the email can see your static location, coordinates, and will have access to Live Track link (also on the original Vivoactive 3) in order to track you in real time. There's a new incident-detection feature as well, which can detect if you've been impacted while running, biking, cycling, or walking. It will also automatically notify emergency contacts and allow them to track your location.

If you no longer need help or trigger it by accident, you can also send an "I'm okay" notification to confirm it was a false alarm.

If you have your phone on you during an accident, it will use Bluetooth to reach out to Garmin's servers, which will create the SMS and email alert. But if you don't have your smartphone on you, it will use LTE to send out the alerts.

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music (Verizon LTE)

Even if you haven't been involved in an accident, you can still take advantage of the LiveTrack feature by allowing friends or family to follow your activity in real time. This could especially be useful during those late-night runs around the neighborhood, adding an extra layer of protection.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing information on the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music has yet to be announced, but considering it's almost identical to the previous version, it's most likely around the same $300 price point. Of course, with LTE connectivity, you'll also have to take into account the additional cost of a Verizon data plan. You can't pre-order the product just yet either, but can sign up to receive email alerts on when it will be available.

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About Brenda Stolyar

Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Brenda Stolyar is a member of PCMag's consumer electronics team, covering smart home and wearable technology. She previously covered apps, phones, and wearables at Digital Trends. She owes her interest in technology to her grandpa, who gifted her a Dell computer when she was in second grade. While she loves all things tech, Brenda also has a passion for film and music...as well as an obsession with celebrity gossip. When she’s not reviewing and writing about the latest gadgets, you can find her binge-watching reality TV on Bravo with her pet Chihuahua, Phoebe, by her side.

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