Garmin and gadgets for geeks

In 2013 the world leader in leisure GPS has designed the Quatix®, a GPS watch waterproof allowing boaters to display on their wrist all data of their navigation devices, Garmin of course, equipped with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth owner hot-spot. This nice thing, provided with a 3-axis compass, a barometer and an altimeter, was particularly innovative. I do not know if it is all the rage among users of the brand devices, but the fact is that the concept was precursor - it was a time before the arrival of the Apple Watch - and that walk on his wrist in all location of the boat data from the instruments, with a neat graphic display and vibration alerts, can be reassuring. And more, the Quatix® gives the time !

Always stronger, Garmin is back in the range of connected objects by announcing the display Nautix™ In-view Display, comes featured a pair of glasses to display data on the edge of the glass. Not yet augmented reality, but we are getting closer.

Not so innovative that Google Glass, whose future seems uncertain, but perfectly suited to sailing, The Nautix™ Can fit over most sunglasses,  Left or right side. However, the display will certainly be unusable with corrective bezels for focus reasons. A device therefore only suitable for the "visually impaired". IPx7 waterproof, with an autonomy of 8 hours steps, The display resolution is 428 x 240 pixels and it only weighs 30 Grams..

The Nautix™ adisplays the speed, heading, the depth and water temperature, wind direction and engine speed, Streaming from a Garmin device compatible. It is equipped with a light sensor and an accelerometer, and its touch screen, suitable for gloves and wet ambiance, allows you to swipe through different screens.

A way to have a view of the horizon while keeping an eye on the boat's essential data. For 400$ Announced (without the glasses), gadget or really useful ? It is impossible to form an opinion without having tested. But we will have to wait until April at the earliest to hope to get our hands on this product. The wait may be unbearable.

———