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Garmin Vivosmart 5 : Adds Safety Tracking Features

ByOlsen Ia

Garmin has just released the Vivosmart 5, which is their latest fitness tracker. This model includes some new safety features that were previously only found on higher-level smart watches. These features could be very useful in the current climate, as people are looking for ways to stay healthy and safe. The 2 Safety features added to the Vivosmart 5 is

  • Live Tracking
  • Incident Detection

Vivosmart 5 does not have the full suite of safety feature like Garmin’s Fenix series or the Epix series. The 2 missing premium safety features is the group live track or live event sharing. For what it is , it’s not too bad for a low cost fitness tracker. Lets take look closely on what’s on offer

Safety Features have Been Introduced to Garmin Watch’s Since 2018

The safety feature is not a new feature, and it’s been on Select Garmin watch’s since 2018. It’s a feature that has evolved over the years. The feature slightly gets better when a new watch is introduced. But it is a first for the Vivosmart series.

The Vivosmart 5 will be the first fitness tracker in the series to have safety features. It’s a nice feature to add in my opinion. As the Health and Fitness community changes, so did Garmin to release a product that will help them achieve their goals.

What is Live Tracking

The first new safety feature is called Live Track. This allows you to share your location with others in real-time, so they can see where you are and how you’re doing. This could be useful if you’re going for a run or hike in an unfamiliar area, or if you just want your friends and family to know where you are. Live Track also includes an emergency alert feature, which can send a message to your contacts if you need help.

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How Do You Set Up Live Tracking

To set up Live track you have to use the Garmin connect app. You must have this app to use the new safety features on the Vivosmart five. In the app, you can create a “Live Track session” and invite your contacts. Once they’ve accepted your invitation, they’ll be able to see your location in real-time. You can also set up an emergency alert, which will send a message to your contacts.

How Do You Start a Live Session

A Live Track session can be started either manually or if compatible via Auto Start. Auto Start can be toggled from the Supported Devices screen of Live Track. If this setting is not present then your device is not compatible with Auto Start.

If you are using a compatible device, the Auto Start setting must be turned on for Live Track to begin automatically. To start a manual session:

  • Open Garmin App
  • Tap Live Track > New Session.
  • Enter a name and description for your session, then tap Next.
  • Select who you want to invite, then tap Next.
  • Tap Start.

If you are using a compatible device and have Auto Start turned on, Live Track will begin automatically when the conditions are met. The device must be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth and have location services enabled to start a session automatically. When these conditions are met, the Live Track icon will appear on your device.

To start the session, press and hold the Live Track icon. A message will appear asking if you want to start a new session. Press Start to begin your session or Cancel to exit without starting a session.

There is a Downside to Live Tracking That You Need to Know.

The Live track feature is a handy feature to have, but there is something you need to know if you are looking to buy a Vivosmart 5. Garmin has made it clear that the safety feature in the Vivosmart 5 should not be relied upon for emergency assistance.

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When I read this disclaimer, and started my research. I begin to understand why. First off the Vivosmart 5 has not got a GPS sensor built in the Tracker. You must pair your phone to the watch so it can connect to the GPS satellites, and then take the phone with you. Secondly there maybe a delay to find your location if you require emergency assistance.

Depending on where you are, not to mention what GPS satellites are available to you, you could be in some strife for a while. The key is what GPS satellite network is available to you, and how many.

The other thing I want to point out, is that the Vivosmart five is a fitness tracker. It’s not designed as an outdoor watch like the Fenix series or the Forerunner series. The Vivosmart five will do most of what those watches do, but it’s not designed for that. It’s important to remember that when you are looking at the safety features of this watch.

What is Incident detection

Incident detection is a feature of the Vivosmart five that will send an alert to your contacts if you have an accident. The watch uses sensors to detect if you’ve had a fall, and then sends an alert to your emergency contacts.

This is a great feature to have, but as I mentioned before, there is a delay in getting your location. If you are in a remote area, it could be some time before help arrives.

I think the Vivosmart five is a great fitness tracker, and the addition of safety features is a bonus. However, I would not rely on this watch for emergency assistance. And it shouldn’t as Garmin made it very clear that it should not be relied upon for emergency assistance.

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Incident Detection is only available for select Work Out Activities

Incident Detection is only available when you are participating in the following activities: running, walking, outdoor biking

If you are doing any other type of activity and have an accident, your contacts will not be notified.

This is something you need to be aware of if you are considering buying the Vivosmart 5.

How Does the Vivosmart 5 Detect a Incident

It all starts with the built-in accelerometer. The watch is constantly monitoring your activity and looking for any sudden changes in movement. If the watch detects a fall, it will first ask if you are okay. If you don’t respond within 60 seconds, an alert will be sent to your emergency contacts.

Final Conclusion

The Vivosmart five is a great fitness tracker, and the addition of safety features is a bonus. However, I would not rely on this watch for emergency assistance. And it shouldn’t as Garmin made it very clear that it should not be relied upon for emergency assistance.

If you are looking for a fitness tracker with some safety features, the Vivosmart five is a great option. What you have to remember is that Safety features are no guarantee. All the smart watch brands stress this religiously. So please buy accordingly and never rely on a smart watch for emergency assistance.

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.