Garmin has signed a contract with Vuzix to develop a new display system for its smartwatches. The contract involves Vuzix delivering waveguide-based optical systems with custom projection engines to Garmin. This partnership has fueled speculation that Garmin may use advanced MicroLED displays in its upcoming Fenix 8 smartwatches.
The Fenix 8 and Fenix 8E are rumored to be the first in the series to feature this high-end display technology. Evidence has also surfaced that Garmin plans to expand the Fenix 8 series with more options. The Garmin Connect app has revealed variants such as the Fenix 8 Pro in 47 mm and 51 mm sizes, as well as a new model called the ‘Fenix 8 MicroLED’.
Releasing ‘Pro’ models fits with Garmin’s recent strategy, as seen in the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar series.
Garmin’s future display advancements
While Garmin has typically used Memory in Pixel (MiP) displays, it has been moving towards vibrant AMOLED panels in its latest products.
The collaboration with Vuzix began earlier this year to develop a ‘next generation nano-imprinted waveguide-based display system’ in multiple phases. This suggests Garmin is investing in MicroLED displays, but it’s unclear if these will be used in the Fenix 8 series. Under the contract, Vuzix will provide Garmin with waveguide-based optical systems and custom projection engines, eventually supplying production units.
This technology offers big benefits in cost, form factor, and space savings compared to current technologies. The Garmin and Vuzix partnership could mean a major technological leap for future Garmin products, especially in terms of smartwatch displays. However, we will have to wait for official announcements to confirm if MicroLED displays will indeed be featured in the highly anticipated Fenix 8 series.
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