Garmin will soon introduce the Vivoactive 3 – leaked
images show the third major edition of the all-round sporty smartwatch. It’s
the first of the series to feature a round screen, similar to the Fenix
watches, though the bezel has a clean look rather than a rugged one.
This is a follow-up to the Vivoactive HR and while
it’s not in the name, an optical heart rate sensor will be on board. The watch
will be waterproof as well, though likely not with a 100m rating like the
Fenixes.
Note that this isn’t an Android Wear watch, instead
it runs on a custom platform. Still, it will have some advanced features like
checking and replying to notifications from your phone. The software reportedly
borrows heavily from the Fenix.
On the fitness tracking side, there will be a step
and stair counter as well as an interval training tracker. There should be an
altimeter on board to improve the accuracy of the stairs climbed counter.
There's no info on price or launch date yet (the Vivoactive HR launched at US$ 250).