Get ready for a game-changer in the world of rugged watches! Garmin, a leading name in outdoor tech, is hinting at a revolutionary design feature that could transform the way we interact with our adventure watches. A magnetic rotating crown, fully waterproof and functional, is on the horizon!
But here’s where it gets controversial… Garmin’s patent reveals a clever solution to a common problem. Traditional crowns, while offering precise control, often compromise the water resistance of outdoor watches. Garmin’s proposed design keeps the crown assembly outside the watch case, with a magnet embedded, while a Hall effect sensor inside detects its rotation through the solid sidewall. This means no more sacrificing durability or waterproofing for control!
The patent also suggests the crown could act as a button, providing tactile feedback for scrolling and selecting. It’s a win-win situation for users who want the best of both worlds.
This development is significant for Garmin’s user interface, especially considering its rivals like Coros and outdoor-ready smartwatches from Apple and Samsung have already embraced digital crowns. Garmin, however, has stuck to its five-button layout on rugged watches. A sealed crown could be the perfect compromise.
And this is the part most people miss… Patents don’t always guarantee a final product, but the level of detail in this one suggests Garmin is seriously considering this input method. With the brand already introducing a sensor guard in a similar spot on the Fenix 8, it’s not a stretch to imagine an evolved version, potentially this crown, on a future high-end device like the Fenix 9.
So, will we see this magnetic rotating crown on Garmin’s roadmap? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Garmin is thinking outside the box to enhance the user experience without compromising on the ruggedness and durability its users expect.
What do you think? Is this a step in the right direction for Garmin’s adventure watches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!