Garmin Instinct 2, enhanced solar power generation, Suica, and other major evolutions "Kill Switch"-Impress Watch

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Instinct 2 / 2S series (part)

Garmin will release the outdoor GPS watch "Instinct 2" series on February 11th. In this article, we will introduce photos of the actual machine, evolution points from the previous model "Instinct", and the highlights of the product.

The Instinct series is one of Garmin's GPS watches that has all the features for the outdoors. It covers full-scale outdoor sports including casual outdoor activities and mountain climbing. It is characterized by its ruggedness compliant with MIL specifications, and it is a series that realizes a long battery with a lineup of solar power generation compatible versions. For military and surfing, we also have a lineup of models equipped with dedicated functions.

Instinct 2 Dual Power Tactical Edition Coyote Tan

In the Instinct 2 generation, a new "Instinct 2S" series with a smaller case diameter will be added. Both series have a lineup of basic models that do not support solar power generation and "Dual Power" models that support solar power generation.

Instinct 2S Instinct 2S Poppy with a case diameter of 40 mm

Solar power generation strengthened

The biggest evolution point of Instinct 2 is that the performance of "Dual Power" corresponding to solar power generation has been enhanced. Charging efficiency is improved by improving the efficiency of the newly developed solar power generation panel and IC, and in smart watch mode, power consumption can be supplemented by solar power generation, and the battery life is unlimited.

However, there are also conditions for solar power generation. It is "wearing all day, 3 hours under the condition of 50,000 lux outdoors". The brightness of 50,000 lux is equivalent to a sunny day in winter and a cloudy sky in summer. This is true if you spend a lot of time outdoors, such as camping.

However, as a long-life battery, the smartwatch mode can operate for up to 28 days without solar power generation, ensuring sufficient operating time as a smartwatch / GPS watch. Even in GPS + optical heart rate mode, which consumes a lot of battery power, it can be extended by 18 hours by solar power generation, and can operate for up to 48 hours (2 days) in total.

Also, even if the battery runs out and the power is turned off, if you leave it in a bright place, it will be charged by solar power generation, and you will be able to turn on the power without the need for USB. Depending on the brightness conditions, it seems that it will be possible to turn on the power after a few hours of charging.

The solar panel is the black part around the display. Used as a set with Corning's Gorilla Glass DX.

Dual Power compatible model (right) is written as "DUAL POWER" on the dial

Display, Suica, VO2 Max

The display resolution has been improved to 176 x 176 dots compared to Instinct's 128 x 128 dots. Although the characters are few, they are displayed neatly. The small Instinct 2S has 156 x 156 dots.

Comparison with the previous model "Instinct" (right).Improved display resolution

All 15 models of Instinct 2 / 2S are newly compatible with Suica, and contactless payment can be used. To use it, you need to set it in cooperation with your smartphone. For Dual Power compatible models, it also supports payment methods (credit cards) other than Suica, which is supported as Garmin Pay.

In addition, it is newly equipped with a calculation function for VO2 Max (maximum oxygen uptake). This corresponds to the fact that runners who are interested in the Instinct series are focusing on the VO2 Max function.

Equipped with an optical heart rate sensor on the back cover

Surf Edition, windsurfing compatible

As a new feature of Surf Edition, windsurfing has been added to the activity. The height of the jump can also be recorded, and the distance traveled and speed can be recorded.

By linking with the smartphone app, you can also use "Surfline Sessions", a service that allows you to shoot the waves you ride with yourself with a fixed-point camera at a surfing spot.

The feature of Surf Edition is the ability to record the number and speed of surfing waves, distance traveled, etc. It also supports the display of the tide table at the current location and any point.

Surf Edition

Tactical Edition, kill switch if you become a prisoner

The Tactical Edition has a new "Kill Switch" that erases all the data in the clock and resets it all, which is used when captured by enemy forces. It can be activated by pressing "CTRL + SET" (upper left and lower right buttons) at the same time, and the 10-second countdown starts, and can be canceled by pressing any of the buttons during the countdown.

The feature of Tactical Edition is that it is equipped with a full-scale military function, stealth mode that can turn off GPS, night vision mode that makes the backlight low brightness so that it is easy to see when using night vision goggles, to the destination when skydiving It is equipped with a jump master function that navigates the descending route of.

In addition, it is equipped with an alarm clock function that allows you to set only the vibration without making noise. The location information can be displayed not only in latitude and longitude, but also in the grid code "MGRS" used by the US military and NATO. The MGRS display is compatible with all Instinct series models.

The Tactical Edition is also sold by the Ground Self-Defense Force's PX, and is said to be popular with the SDF personnel wearing it.