Garmin announces three sporty smartwatches at CES 2015

Everyone said 2014 was the “year of the wearables,” but it seems like we’re seeing way more this year than ever before. One company who is basically only showing wearables off this year at CES is Garmin, the navigation company. Garmin is working hard to extend their already extensive line of wearables, as the company has just announced three new smartwatches. The Fenix 3, Epix and vivoactive are all aimed at sports-minded users, and are designed to bridge the gap between smartwatches and fitness trackers. Let’s take a closer look at these three new devices.

Garmin Epix

Garmin’s first new wearable is the most industrial-looking out of the three. The Epix has a 1.4-inch color touchscreen, an altimeter, digital compass, barometer, water resistance up to 50 meters as well as 8GB of internal storage. This device doesn’t have a built-in GPS, though it does come with a slew of preloaded maps that you can use for navigation. This device is also Connect IQ-compatible, meaning you can load additional apps directly onto the device.

This is the watch to get if you’re into more rugged sports like hiking or rock climbing. The Epix will be available Q1 2015 starting at $549.99. If you’re looking to get the model with preloaded topographic maps installed, that will run you $50 more.

Garmin vivoactive

The most affordable watch Garmin has announced today is the vivoactive. While still for the sports-minded out there, this watch is arguably less durable, while offering a look that closely resembles the LG G Watch. It still has a colorful touchscreen display, but should likely be used as an actual watch rather than a fitness tracker. If you’d like to use it as a sports band, though, Garmin has made it easy. This one also comes with support for the Connect IQ app store, where you can find a variety of fitness tracking apps and 3rd party enhancements.

The vivoactive will also be available in Q1 2015, and will come in black or white starting at $249.99. If you’d like the model with a heart rate monitor, that will cost a $50 premium.

Garmin Fenix 3

Garmin’s Fenix 3 is the company’s “smart multi-sport GPS watch”. This watch is arguably the most stylish out of the bunch, and is meant for many different sporting activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing or trail running. The Fenix 3 also comes with a color touchscreen display, as well as a built-in GPS and access to the Connect IQ app store. It comes in Silver and Gray variants, as well as a Sapphire option with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens. If you’re having trouble choosing between form and functionality out of these three options, we’d recommend going with this one.

The Fenix 3 will launch this quarter for $499.99 or $549.99 with a wireless heart rate strap included. If you’d like to get your hands on the Sapphire model, that will cost you $599.99.

Stay tuned to Android Authority for the best coverage of CES 2015! Are any of you interested in Garmin’s new smartwatch/fitness trackers?