- Garmin has finally revealed the "Cirqa", its first fitness tracker without a screen.
- The fitness tracker can be worn on the wrist or the bicep, and tracks health and performance metrics.
- The Cirqa is set to compete with devices like the Whoop band and the Fitbit Air.
- Unlike its competitors, the Cirqa does not require a monthly subscription to function.
- However, some features are locked behind a subscription to the Connect+ plan.
- Garmin stated that the Cirqa was designed to help users improve their health without demanding their full attention.
- The Cirqa can track daily health metrics such as steps, sleep, and calories burned.
- It requires a connected phone's GPS to track activities, which is a limitation of the device.
- The Cirqa will be available from 24 July and is priced at $199.99.
- The device boasts a claimed battery life of 10 days.
- It features a button for manually starting activities and other functions.
- The Cirqa includes automatic workout tracking and automatic sport detection for limited sports.
Garmin's Cirqa, launching on July 24 for $199.99, is a screenless fitness tracker that aims to help users focus on health without constant notifications. It tracks daily metrics like steps and sleep, and can be worn on the wrist or bicep.169
The device is designed to compete with the Whoop band and Fitbit Air, but unlike these competitors, it does not require a monthly subscription for basic functionality. However, some features are available only through Garmin's Connect+ plan, which has faced criticism since its launch.345
Garmin emphasizes that the Cirqa is meant for those who want to improve their health without being overwhelmed by technology. “We purposefully created Cirqa Smart Band for those who are passionate about staying healthy and active,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin's vice president of consumer sales and marketing.
The Cirqa includes features like automatic workout tracking and automatic sport detection, although it requires a connected phone for GPS tracking. The device boasts a battery life of 10 days and includes a button for manual activity tracking.111213
Despite its innovative approach, some users have expressed disappointment over the lack of a display for real-time heart rate monitoring, with one reviewer stating, “This is astonishingly disappointing.” The Cirqa is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based fitness trackers, with a single year of the cheapest Whoop device costing as much as a lifetime of Garmin Cirqa.
“The Cirqa is priced at $199.99 and will be available from July 24, offering a screenless design that tracks health metrics without a required subscription, setting it apart from rivals like Whoop and Fitbit Air. However, some advanced features require a paid Connect+ subscription, which Garmin launched last year to controversy.”
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