Garmin has been a longstanding preference for fitness lovers due to its dependable and durable smartwatches, noted for using Up/Down buttons rather than the more common rotating crowns. This choice in design has been a source of pride for numerous Garmin supporters, who value the reliability and ease of use of buttons over the possible complications of crowns. Nonetheless, recent indications imply that Garmin might be working on a rotating crown featuring a magnetic sensor, akin to those found in rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.
The possible transition to a crown design could represent a major shift for Garmin, reminiscent of its earlier switch to AMOLED displays. While a segment of Garmin users might resist this change in favor of the classic button arrangement, the introduction of a crown could attract a wider demographic, particularly those familiar with the styles of other well-liked smartwatches.
The speculated design would include two buttons on the left side and a lone crown on the right, mirroring the configuration of watches such as the Pixel Watch 4. This modification could initially be seen in Garmin’s mainstream offerings, like the Venu or Vivoactive series, rather than in its more specialized options like the Fenix or Forerunner.
The inclusion of a crown could bring certain benefits, especially in terms of navigation, where zooming in and out on maps might feel more natural. However, it could also necessitate Garmin enhancing the functionality of its watches to guarantee seamless operation, particularly if the crown is utilized for scrolling through maps or other features.
In the end, Garmin’s choice to incorporate a crown design may stem from the desire to draw in new clientele and compete with other smartwatch manufacturers. Although the classic button design has worked well for Garmin, adopting a crown could assist the company in broadening its market presence and appealing to users who favor a more traditional smartwatch aesthetic. As is the case with any transformation, the success of this potential change will hinge on how effectively Garmin can balance progress with the preferences and requirements of its devoted customer base.
