Google is gearing up to unveil Wear OS 6, promising a more fluid operating system and improved battery life for Wear OS smartwatches. While these upgrades are exciting, many users, myself included, are more interested in hearing about new features that will set Google’s smartwatch platform apart from the competition. As we anticipate the release of the Pixel Watch 4 later this year, it’s worth looking at how other companies, like Garmin, have been innovating in the smartwatch space.
Garmin, known for its sports watches, has been focusing on enhancing the smartwatch capabilities of its devices. One standout feature is the jet lag advisor, initially introduced on the luxury Marq smartwatch and now available on a range of Garmin watches, including the Forerunner 570. This feature is designed to help travelers adjust to different time zones by providing personalized tips and notifications on how to ease jet lag. I recently put this feature to the test during a trip to the USA.
Setting up the jet lag advisor is a breeze, requiring users to input their flight details into the Garmin Connect app. The advisor then creates a plan that syncs to the watch and begins providing guidance a few days before the trip and continues after arrival. The widget on the watch displays a traffic light system to indicate the severity of jet lag and offers a timeline for activities like light exposure, sleep, and exercise to combat jet lag.
During my trip back to the UK, the jet lag advisor provided timely recommendations on sleep, light exposure, exercise, and meal times to help me adjust to the new time zone. The secondary timeline screen reminded me of the best practices to reduce jet lag, gradually aligning with the local time as days passed. Following the suggestions and notifications, I noticed a significant improvement in my adjustment to the new time zone.
The jet lag advisor feature exemplifies how Garmin has taken a common scenario faced by travelers and created a simple yet effective solution using available data and tracking capabilities. As Google prepares to launch the Pixel Watch 4, it should take inspiration from features like the jet lag advisor and focus on delivering practical and effortless features that add value to the user experience.
While Garmin may not offer the same level of smartwatch experience as Google, Samsung, or Apple, its innovation and willingness to try new things should be commended. As Google works on improving its smartwatch platform, incorporating features that address real-world scenarios could be the key to setting its smartwatches apart from the competition. By embracing new ideas and features, Google can ensure that its smartwatches remain relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving wearable tech market.
