Forerunner 945 LTE released

Exactly. They don’t even specify which physical network are using in their product, yet they announce emergency messaging everywhere, which is especially false in a country like USA where a LOT of areas do not have GSM coverage, let alone LTE.

I think most sensible people will realise that it will only work where there is cellphone/LTE coverage.

discover.garmin.com/.../

Labronico said:

They don’t even specify which physical network are using in their product

They're not using "a network". They're using coverage from all the major carriers; AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.  DCRainmaker has a good review that explains it in more detail. 

While I like how Garmin approaches the LTE side of the watch and I think it has a great potential, this release also crushes my dreams in regards to Fenix 7 a bit: it does make me feel like the 7 or 6 plus will be the same thing with just a new v4.0 sensor and a couple tweaks, but I was and still am expecting a lot of new stuff like dual gps, bigger and better screen among a few things. I, honestly, rather Garmin take more time with Fenix 7 and release a true newly updated watch than do a plus version like the 945 LTE. 

Pointless if you ask me, only serious athletes will want these LTE features but most of us want an updated 945. Personally I want a 745 with Maps or a 945 with a screen that fits the whole of the watch (Fenix 6 is too heavy) and if that comes with the latest OHR (v4) then bonus.... I know, they could call it a 955!! Looks like a few more months to wait now - at least!!

Duggs said:

Pointless if you ask me, only serious athletes will want these LTE features but most of us want an updated 945.

Never quite sure I understand comments like these that purport to understand the market. Fortunately Garmin know what people want and provide products to meet their needs.

Just noticed something else. The Connect IQ API level is 3.2.0, not 4.0.0. I would think that was a factor in calling it a 945 not a 955. 

8 months since they announced 4.0 and there is only the Venu 2 out there supporting it. Watch releases have to be behind schedule.

I think I suggested it was my opinion and I have seen a number of threads where people dont like the size of the watchface compared to size of watch and that the 945 is now dated etc... I know they have upgraded the internals but as a UK resident why would I want to pay more money for a LTE watch that has no cover my country?? Why release another version of a watch that is already 2+ years old when they could have released a new model with an LTE option for those that want/need it?

Iridium is a true wilderness/middle-of-the-ocean service. It's definitely something unique/specialized. IMO, $12/mo is a steal for those who actually need it.

The 945 LTE strategy is both more limited, and way more broad. Yes, it doesn't help folks looking to IM/SMS from their phone or who are out in the wilderness orienteering/backpacking outside of cellular range. But for the "average long distance runner," I think it's more useful than you suggest. Someone urban/suburban running 5-10 miles from home probably doesn't want to be weighed down by carrying their phone, and if you run early in the morning/late evening, or just on light trails/access roads, you can't always rely on someone else being around with a phone to borrow. If you're on a country road and some jerks in a pickup truck start following and catcalling you (apparently a very real thing that happens to a number of female runners), being able to trigger emergency assistance or send a "come get me" message to your closest contact would be really welcome.

For me, that's all I really need. Leave my phone at home, have peace of mind for the 1-5% of times I may run into some issues, including emergency help. I'll pay $6 a month for that. Maybe I'm the only one, but we'll see.