Garmin: New cheaper running smartwatch launching soon globally 

The Garmin Forerunner 70 smartwatch has been revealed in markets worldwide. This new wearable, designed for runners, has arrived alongside the Forerunner 170 and is the cheaper of the two models.

Garmin’s Forerunner 70 smartwatch has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, supporting touch inputs, and has five buttons around the screen. Running features include GPS distance tracking, workout time and pace measurements, and wrist-based running dynamics like cadence, stride length and ground contact time. You can also keep track of health metrics like heart rate and HRV. Users are offered a Daily Suggested Workout, and they can get tailored advice for an upcoming event or goal with a Garmin Coach Adaptive Training Plan. 

The Forerunner 70 smartwatch supports more than 80 workout types, and there is also a course planner and a race predictor. Other popular features include Morning Report, Evening Report and Body Battery Energy Monitoring. Plus, you can get smart notifications from a connected phone, share your location with LiveTrack, and Android users can get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps. This cheaper smartwatch lacks a couple of more advanced features compared to the Forerunner 170. For example, it does not offer Garmin Pay contactless payments, and music cannot be stored locally. It is also worth noting that it has an estimated battery life of 13 days with typical use, or 16 hours in all-systems GNSS mode.

On May 15th, customers in countries like the US, the UK and the Netherlands will be able to order the Garmin Forerunner 70 smartwatch for $249.99/£219.99/€249.99. It is expected to be available at the company's official online store, as well as at the brand’s Amazon storefront. The Forerunner 70 is offered in six coloways: Black, Whitestone, Citron, Cool Lavender, Soft Pink and Tidal Blue.