Forerunner® 970

While numerous running and fitness watches exist, advanced features are often limited to top-tier models like the Phoenix, and everyday-friendly features are lacking. Furthermore, the demand for continuous health management, encompassing rest and sleep as well as exercise, has increased. However, existing devices are either exercise-focused or lifestyle-focused, resulting in inadequate integrated well-being management.

The Forerunner 970 incorporates Garmin's professional running features such as running-specific GPS, VO2max, and training load analysis, while also integrating daily health management functions like 24-hour heart rate, stress, and sleep tracking[28].

Compared to its predecessor, the Forerunner 970 enhances convenience as a smartwatch with improved display size and clarity, and a refined UI. Battery performance is also improved, making it easy to wear at all times in daily life. In addition, general smartwatch functions such as payment, music playback, and notification integration are enhanced, enabling comprehensive well-being management with a single device, not only during exercise but also in everyday life.

In short, the balance between sports expertise and lifestyle convenience is the differentiating point.

The primary target is individual runners and fitness enthusiasts (B2C). The main customer base consists of 20-40 year olds in the mid-to-high price range who are highly interested in both exercise and health.

Garmin has a loyal customer base in the global wearable market, so this product is also expected to be released worldwide. Furthermore, there is potential for ecosystem expansion through digital health platform integration (e.g., Apple Health, Google Fit, etc.).

If Garmin strengthens its healthcare data services, there is room for expansion into the B2B2C area, such as health management programs linked to insurance companies.

The Forerunner series has a stable fan base, so there are moderately realistic expectations for this 970 model. The CES Innovation Award mainly recognizes improvements in user experience, and market experts consider it a highly polished upgrade rather than an innovation.

There are few factors for overestimation, and many believe that it is a smooth product that will lead to actual sales upon release.