Garmin Cirqa: screenless fitness tracker without a subscription

Garmin has launched its first screenless fitness tracker, the Cirqa, marking a new direction in wearable technology. The device is available without a subscription fee, though users must pay 200 euros upfront. Designed for individuals who wish to monitor their health and fitness without constantly looking at a display, the band offers continuous tracking of health and fitness data throughout the day. It features up to ten days of battery life, making it suitable for extended wear. The Cirqa is positioned as a compact and discreet accessory, intended to be worn comfortably during daily activities. According to Garmin, it helps users better understand their habits and stay focused on personal goals. The device captures typical Garmin metrics such as Body Battery, stress levels, steps taken, and provides insights into women’s health. It includes sleep analysis with a Sleep Score, heart rate variability (HFV) status, and personalized sleep coaching based on individual sleep quality and biological rhythms. Additionally, the Cirqua tracks VO2max and training condition to offer detailed insights into performance capability, training progress, and the effectiveness of workouts. Users can automatically detect various activities, and more than 80 different types of exercises can be manually started. A dedicated button on the side allows for easy initiation of a preferred activity. Through the Garmin Connect app, users can provide feedback or make adjustments to enhance the accuracy of activity recognition. The device connects via Bluetooth and ANT+, supporting both Android and iOS operating systems. However, it does not include built-in GPS functionality. Instead, it syncs with smartphones to track location data. The Cirqua is available in four colors, Black, French Gray, Malve, and Captain Blue, with additional wristbands in Zitronengrau, Dark Olive, and French Blue, and an arm strap in Black. Each option comes in two sizes: S, M (120 to 200 millimeters) and L, XL (145 to 240 millimeters). Priced at 199.99 euros, the Cirqua is available starting July 24th through the Garmin website. This launch follows Garmin's tradition of introducing innovative fitness devices, aligning with competitors such as Whoop, Amazfit, Polar, and Google Fitbit. The Cirqua represents a shift towards minimalist design and user-centric health monitoring, emphasizing ease of use and continuous data collection without the need for constant interaction with a screen.