D2 Echo Release Date?

No leaks as to specs or cost?

The aviation watch is always based on existing device platforms so the specs will match up to the base device. If my prediction is correct then the "specs" will match the Venu device. Based on the fact that the D2D is $200 USD more than the F5+, I predict a Venu-based D2 product will be priced at $549 USD. I think this will make the product more accessible to the general aviation community and likely result in a bigger uptake in the number of units sold.

Venu based versus  Fenix based solely on price?  or another reason?

I presume your information is based on some facts/knowledge, but to be honest the Venu is not what I would base an aviation watch on... limited battery life, visibility lacking in sunlight, plasticky/sporty rather than rugged looks and feel, I don’t think the Venu has much to offer to aviators at all that wouldn’t be covered much better by an apple watch (cheaper too).

The aviator watches always played to the romanticising of aviation (playing on the ruggedness and adventure of early aviation), and the Venu line offers nothing of the sort

I actually thought the MARQ is the future of the aviator line, with it’s styling and marketing materials (and a price tag to match everything else in aviation where a simple instrument runs in the thousands)

To add on that, personnally I would wish for either a hybrid (analog) MARQ or a beefed up Vivomove Luxe type of watch as the next Aviator... I think that’d sell quite well (I’d buy one before even seing it, I think the hybrid concept is really that great)

Garmin needs to be careful how it develops this aviation line. Does it want a "show pony" or "workhorse".

I think the current lineup is ideal. MARQ for high end and Fenix-based for cost effectiveness. The only thing that I would be cautious about is the MARQ being supported by mainstream rather than aviation support. I am sure this is not detrimental to the unit, however does this mean Garmin aligns the MARQ as general consumer whereas the D2 line is proper aviation.... Mind you, I bought the D2 Delta over the Fenix 5 plus at the time because I wanted something different. I couldn't fly a plane even if it was made of paper!!!!

As for a Venu based unit, I can't see what Garmin is doing here. Why develop a unit that really is a "lite" version. Would a serious pilot purchase this? Is this an attempt to lure Apple Watch users to the Garmin family (that won't work anyway)?

I think Garmin should concentrate on their aviation support with current units (actually support in general). I read somewhere that there is practically one developer in the aviation team (surely not!). Why not invest on some more developers and get some real firmware innovation happening rather than ongoing porting (well, eventually anyway) of Fenix firmware.

Is the goal high quality Aviation watches or ever increasing revenue?

here is another source (the 5k runner) indicating an August release:

https://the5krunner.com/2020/07/31/august-2020-sports-watch-update-all-new-current-bike-run-tri-fitness-models-with-gps-rumors-replacement-dates-for-garmin-apple-polar-suunto-wahoo-samsung-fitbit/

I don't think the 5K Runner has any inside info. It isn't going to be called the D2 Echo and it's not going to be based on the Fenix 6; they have simply gone on Garmin's past schedule and naming convention.

As for the change from the Fenix device, I'm rethinking my previous judgement. The Fenix line is the flagship product but in talking to the various pilots I know with Garmin devices, most do not have the D2 line or even the Fenix. Granted this is a small sample but most have the Forerunner (runners/marathoners) or the Vivoactive lines, which I think is based more on lifestyle and price rather than functionality. That the GPS reception on the D2 Charlie/Delta does not work in airliner flight decks doesn't help. And for the general aviation community, I think people have trouble spending $1000+ on new avionics, let alone a watch. Yet, then we see non-pilots posting about how they are thinking about buying the D2 series because of it's "look".

I think a platform switch will bring about a change for the good. And I suspect that the MARQ Aviator will be the new pilot flagship watch.