Garmin's Approach X40 fitness tracker is made for golfers
The wearable hits stores later this year for $250.
Over the past few years, Garmin has focused on two different sets of wearables: activity trackers and watches for people who play golf on a regular basis. Now, with the Approach X40, the company is bringing the best of both worlds into one product. The new device features 1-inch touchscreen (similar to Garmin's Vivosmart band), a heart rate monitor and tracking for calories burned, distance and steps. It's also water-resistant and can handle a slew of smartphone notifications, such as incoming calls, emails, texts and calendar reminders.
For golfers, the Approach X40 comes pre-loaded with data from over 40,000 courses worldwide. That means you'll have plenty of useful game information right on your wrist, including an automatic measurement of shot distances and a detailed view of the green for each hole you play. What's more, Garmin made it compatible with its TruSwing club sensor, giving you access to various swing metrics via the Connect app, which is available for iOS and Android.
What I like most about the X40 is how slim and lightweight it is, especially compared to other Approach models. I'm not a golfer by any means, but I imagine those who are will appreciate a wearable that's not obtrusive. The other interesting part about it is that you don't have to play golf to use it, and that's where Garmin sees an opportunity to succeed -- basically, you could consider those sport tidbits a bonus on a normal activity tracker.
Unfortunately, Garmin isn't selling the Approach X40 until later this year (Q2), when it will hit stores for $250.
