Garmin Boosts Smartwatch Precision with New 5Hz GNSS Data for Enhanced Athlete Tracking

June 14, 2025
Garmin Boosts Smartwatch Precision with New 5Hz GNSS Data for Enhanced Athlete Tracking
  • This upgrade is particularly beneficial for athletes involved in variable speed activities or those navigating winding paths, as they could gain substantial advantages from the increased recording frequency.

  • Garmin is set to enhance its smartwatch capabilities by introducing a new 5Hz GNSS data recording frequency, which will significantly improve data accuracy.

  • Downhill mountain bikers, who require precise tracking due to their high-speed movements, are expected to benefit the most from this enhancement.

  • The new recording frequency may also provide more accurate real-time data, such as current speed and initial acceleration during activities like sprints or interval runs.

  • However, for endurance athletes running at a constant speed on straight paths, the advantages of this upgrade might be minimal.

  • It's important to note that despite these improvements, the effectiveness of the GNSS module can still be compromised in areas with dense tree coverage, which may affect location accuracy.

  • While the specific Garmin models that will support this feature have yet to be confirmed, speculation suggests it may be available on the Fenix 8 and other models utilizing a Synaptics GNSS module.

  • Currently, Garmin smartwatches record GNSS locations once per second, making this upgrade a significant leap in tracking capabilities.

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