That means anyone with a pair of the original Smart Swim, Smart Swim 2 or Smart Swim 2 Pro goggles can now use the compass without needing a subscription. The update is effective immediately and doesn’t require a new app version or firmware update.

SwimStraight is designed for open-water swimmers who want to stay on course. It uses onboard sensors to calculate and display a live compass heading directly in the AR screen inside the goggles. Instead of having to lift your head and look for landmarks, the visual compass lets you swim straighter with fewer interruptions.

CEO Dan Eisenhardt explained the change was driven by consistent user feedback. According to him, making SwimStraight part of the free experience was both essential and overdue. That kind of language suggests this wasn’t just a business decision but a recognition that the feature had become too useful to stay behind a paywall.

A big software upgrade rolled out in November

SwimStraight going free isn’t the only update Form has made recently. In early November, the company pushed out a major firmware update focused on HeadCoach, its real-time digital coaching suite. The 2.0 version brings deeper insights and more targeted feedback, especially for swimmers training with specific goals.

HeadCoach originally launched with the second-generation goggles. It tracks key metrics like stroke rate, pace and heart rate while you swim, then provides post-session analysis in the Form app. With the 2.0 update, that feedback is no longer just about raw numbers. It now offers expert-style advice tailored to your objectives. Whether you’re trying to improve technique or build race performance, it highlights one area to work on based on your swim data.

What makes the update feel more integrated is how that advice carries into your next swim. The goggles display reminders during your session, giving real-time prompts tied to your individual focus area. It turns the goggles into a feedback loop, helping you correct issues while you’re still in the water, not just after the fact.

HeadCoach 2.0 is included in the Form Premium subscription. But SwimStraight no longer is. That upgrade is now a permanent part of the free feature set for all users, new or existing.

These specs remain the most comprehensive swim tracking goggles out there. Don’t forget to check out our full hands-on review.

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Nautic S blends smartwatch format with serious dive tools

The $499 Nautic S is the more wearable of the two, with a look and feel of a smartwatch. It runs on a bright AMOLED screen and is built to handle recreational and technical diving, while still being suitable for daily wear above water.

Despite its size, Suunto hasn’t cut corners. The Nautic S supports single and multi-gas dives, sidemount setups and wireless tank pressure monitoring. It even handles dual-transmitter configurations, making it viable for more complex dive profiles. Battery life is rated for up to 60 hours of dive time, which should be more than enough for a full week of diving without needing a charge.

Constructed and tested in Finland, the watch also includes a built-in GPS for surface navigation, offline maps, a digital compass and sunrise/sunset info. Weather and tide data are available on-wrist, making this a practical tool not just for diving but also for outdoor activities around the water. The included strap is elastic and designed to adapt to different dive suit setups, whether it’s a wetsuit or drysuit.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Dive logs sync automatically with the Suunto app, where users can review performance and environmental conditions, visualise routes and share their dives. The compact design and feature set suggest Suunto is targeting divers who want a hybrid device that covers both depth and day-to-day convenience.

Nautic targets technical divers with bungee-mount and flashlight

The $699 Nautic offers a different form factor, one that clearly leans toward more technical diving. Instead of a watch-style strap, it comes mounted on a bungee cord, allowing divers to wear it over thick suits or even mount it directly to other gear. Battery life is extended to 120 hours of dive time, offering double the runtime of the Nautic S.

Like the S model, it includes support for multi-gas, sidemount, and dual-transmitter tank tracking. The AMOLED display is matched with a built-in LED flashlight, which comes in handy for night diving or low-light environments like wrecks and caves. The same GPS, maps and environmental data features are carried over, so you’re not giving up surface features in exchange for extended dive performance.

Suunto highlights glove-friendly buttons and rugged construction for both devices. They’re made in Finland and designed to operate reliably in extreme conditions, including cold water and poor visibility. Syncing with the Suunto app is automatic and includes route visualisation, profile analysis and dive sharing.

The Nautic is built for those who don’t need a wearable above the surface. Instead, it leans into depth, durability and flexibility when it comes to mounting and runtime.

Two paths, same software foundation

The company is on a roll having released in the past few months a few great devices. I’ve recently posted my reviews of Vertical 2 and Race 2.

What’s most notable with this latest launch is how Suunto has taken the same dive software platform and split it into two very different hardware offerings. Nautic S will appeal to users who want a dive-ready smartwatch they can wear all day, while Nautic will attract divers looking for expedition-ready gear with maximum dive time and mounting flexibility.

Both units offer sidemount support, dual-transmitter wireless gas tracking, decompression dive handling and extensive surface navigation features. The decision comes down to how and where you dive, and how much you want from your device once you’re back on land.

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A familiar look with tougher hardware

At first glance, Smart Swim 2 PRO looks just like its predecessor. Same frame, same heads-up display inside the lens. But what has changed is the lens itself. Instead of polycarbonate, it now uses Gorilla Glass 3. That adds a few grams, which you probably won’t notice once you’re swimming, but it makes the whole package feel better suited to the outdoors.

Scratches are one of those things that creep up over time, especially if you’re not gentle with your gear. FORM says the new glass should hold up much better in open water. You also get proper sun protection here, with a lens stack that blocks 98% of UV rays.

The switch to glass does create a bit of a problem though. You can’t use a baked-on anti-fog coating, because it won’t stick. FORM’s solution is low-tech but sensible: a spray bottle filled with diluted baby shampoo. It’s reusable, refillable and comes with mixing instructions. Feels a bit DIY, but if it works, it works.

Still packed with smarts

This is still very much the Smart Swim 2 under the hood. There’s an augmented reality display tucked into one lens showing real-time stats while you swim. You get time, distance, pace, stroke rate and even head angle and roll, which are part of the system’s technique feedback.

Heart rate is tracked from the temple, so you don’t need a strap. And the goggles can tell when you’re swimming, resting or turning, updating the metrics accordingly.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

You can set up five different dashboards inside the goggles. Four are preconfigured, and the fifth is fully custom. You can cycle through them with a single button press, which is handy if you’re mixing interval work with drills in one session.

Pairing with a Garmin or Apple Watch gives you more precise GPS data in open water. That’s one area where goggles alone still fall short, so this feature bridges the gap nicely.

Premium features still sit behind a paywall

The goggles themselves offer quite a lot out of the box. But FORM continues to push its Premium subscription, which includes over 1,500 workouts and features like HeadCoach and SwimStraight. That last one acts like a digital compass, which can be genuinely helpful in open water where sighting can be tricky.

Premium costs $15 a month or $119 a year, with a one-month free trial included. Whether it’s worth paying for long term depends on how often you swim and how much you care about structured coaching. Personally, I think the goggles are very usable without the subscription, but Premium does make the whole system feel more polished.

A quick reminder of what I thought of the Smart Swim 2

As noted in my hands-on review, Form’s second-generation smart swim goggles offer a compelling blend of sleek design, enhanced comfort, and cutting-edge features. The built-in heart rate monitor is a standout addition, providing an accurate gauge of your exertion levels without the need for additional devices. The refined display and improved eye seals further elevate the swimming experience, making these goggles a joy to wear.

While the battery life has seen a slight dip compared to the first generation model, it’s a minor trade-off for the added functionality and convenience. The intuitive app, comprehensive data tracking, and personalized coaching features solidify the Form Swim Goggles 2 as the best smart goggles you can buy today.

Pricing and availability

The Smart Swim 2 PRO is now available for purchase. On the company’s website, it retails at $329 in the US, $449 in Canada, and €329 across Europe. This makes them $50 more expensive than the vanilla version. Global shipping starts in early August.

If you already own the Smart Swim 2 and swim mostly in pools, I don’t think you need to rush out and replace them. But if you train in open water or have scratched up your lenses from regular use, this new version might be the one to go for.

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The Quatix range is Garmin’s Fenix line in a sailor’s outfit. Each version builds on the core Fenix hardware and software, with boating-specific extras layered on top. Think autopilot control, Fusion-Link audio integration, and support for BlueChart marine maps. That hasn’t changed. The Quatix 8 is another variation on the same template, this time with the hardware upgrades from the Fenix 8 series baked in. Yes, you will even be getting the LED flashlight.

Familiar design, new internals

Granted, the images don’t show any radical design shift. It still looks like a Fenix with a splash of sea salt. Expect the same case shape and button layout, and a nautical blue accent or two to distinguish it visually. The Quatix 8 will come in multiple sizes – so far a 51mm and a 47mm variant have been confirmed.

Internally, we are getting the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, just like on the Tactix 8 and Fenix 8. Those watches also have onboard microphones and speakers for voice features and phone calls. And since the Quatix 7 already had some rudimentary dive features, and now we are getting the upgraded dive tracking tools from the Tactix 8.

Garmin rarely holds back features once they land on one flagship. It’s usually just a matter of time before the others catch up. That time appears to be now.

Pictured below is the Titanium Sapphire 51mm Quatix.

Retailers have been offering solid discounts on the Quatix 7. Now it is clear why.

If you’re strictly focused on training and outdoor features, the Fenix 8 is the one to go for. The Quatix 8 offers that sae experience with some extra tricks for life on the water. That combination will suit anyone who splits their time between the gym, the trail and the boat deck. You can check it out on Garmin’s website. The device starts at a hefty $1,199.99.

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The Aqua AI headphones are designed for anyone who’s serious about their training. While they’re targeted at swimmers and triathletes, they’ll work just as well for anyone into running, cycling, or swimming. Since they use bone conduction tech, the sound comes through vibrations on your skull, so your ears stay open to the sounds around you. That’s great for safety when you’re running or cycling outdoors, as you can still hear traffic or other potential hazards.

Swimmers will love this

What really sets these headphones apart is their focus on swimmers. The AI features can analyze your swim stroke, looking at things like your stroke posture, head pitch, breath frequency, and glide time. It’ll even send you suggestions for improving your form through the Suunto app. If you’re trying to get faster in the pool or fine-tune your technique, this could be a great addition to your gear.

One thing people are saying about the Aqua AI headphones is that the sound quality is surprisingly good, especially for a bone conduction model. At just 35 grams, they’re light and comfortable to wear, staying securely in place even during tough workouts. You’ve got 32 GB of onboard storage, which is enough to hold about 8,000 songs, so you don’t need your phone on you for music. And controlling your playlist is as easy as moving your head—no need to mess around with buttons.

Durability is key when it comes to any sport, especially swimming. The Aqua AI headphones come with an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning they can handle being submerged up to 5 meters for 2 hours. As for battery life, you get 10 hours of playtime on a full charge. And with the included charging pod, you can stretch that out to another 20 hours. In a rush? A quick 10-minute charge gives you 3 hours of playtime.

A strong contender

The Suunto Aqua AI headphones come in at $179 or £175, which puts them in the same price range as the Shokz OpenSwim Pro—one of their biggest competitors. With their mix of AI features, solid sound, and durability, they’re definitely a strong contender in the market. If you’re someone who swims or trains outdoors and wants a bit of tech to help you out, these headphones could be just what you’re looking for.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

It’ll be interesting to see how they stack up against the competition, but early reviews suggest Suunto has something worth considering. If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones that can handle your training and your tunes, the Aqua AI headphones could be a good option to try. Check them out on Suunto’s website.

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For those not in the know, the Garmin Dive app is designed specifically for logging and sharing dives, while Garmin Connect is a more general fitness app. Garmin Dive allows users to log dives manually or by pairing with a Descent dive computer. Users can also track gear used on dives, explore a database of dive sites, and share photos of dives on social media. Garmin Connect, on the other hand, is for a wider range of fitness activities and does not have the same depth of features specific to scuba activities.

Dive certifications at your fingertips

This latest software update introduces some useful functionality to the Dive app.

Previously, divers had to rely on physical cards or digital copies stored elsewhere to provide proof of their certification. Now, with the updated Garmin Dive app (version 2.17.1 or later), divers can conveniently store their certifications directly within the app, accessible under the “You” tab. This not only eliminates the need for physical documentation but also provides a centralised location for managing dive qualifications.

As can be seen from the screenshot below, the range of certifications that you can add is quite comprehensive.

Earn and showcase dive badges

In addition to certification storage, the updated Garmin Dive app allows divers to earn and display dive badges based on their diving activities and achievements. These badges serve as a fun and engaging way to track progress and showcase accomplishments within the diving community.

Now we know that not everyone is a fan of badges. But their inclusion in the Garmin Dive app adds a layer of gamification that may motivate some divers to explore new dive sites or strive for personal bests. Regardless, whether you’re a badge enthusiast or not, the core functionality of the app remains focused on practical dive planning and tracking.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

To take advantage of these new features, divers must own a Garmin Descent watch. Also they need to ensure they are using the latest versions of both the Garmin Dive and Garmin Connect apps.

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While launched back in 2019, the FORM Swim Goggles remain a leader in wearable swim tech. These innovative goggles boast waveguide optics and a suite of built-in sensors, providing real-time metrics, guided workouts, and unparalleled swim coaching directly in the swimmer’s field of vision.

In our hands-on review, we lauded the first-generation for its groundbreaking approach. The goggles seamlessly integrate a see-through display, offering real-time data without sacrificing visibility. They impressed us with their user-friendly design and precise stroke detection.

Review: Experience the future of swimming with Form Swim Goggles

Subsequent updates brought even more features. These included structured workouts, outdoor GPS metrics, and compatibility with Polar OH1 heart rate monitors—solidifying FORM’s position as an innovator in the smart swimming tech space.

But now it is time for generation two.

What’s new with the Smart Swim 2

The Smart Swim 2 goggles emerge not just as an update but as a reimagined version of their former selves. With an integrated heart rate monitor right at the temple, swimmers can now access real-time heart rate data without the hassle of additional devices. Which means you no longer need to connect to external heart rate devices.

Another update is something called SwimStraight. This is an integrated digital compass which guides swimmers in open water to maintain a straight course. It is something for triathletes and open water swimmers, ensuring a straighter, more efficient path through the water.

FORM also paid close attention to design and comfort in the Smart Swim 2, achieving a sleeker, more hydrodynamic shape with a 15% smaller tech pack. The fit has been enhanced with adjustable features to cater to a broader range of face shapes, ensuring that comfort doesn’t take a backseat to functionality.

FORM’s HeadCoach digital coaching system also received a boost. Powered by machine learning, HeadCoach analyzes your performance data and generates personalized workouts. Additionally, technique prompts now appear during workouts for real-time guidance.

Beyond the press release

FORM conducted studies validating the accuracy of their Smart Swim 2 goggles’ heart rate sensor against a gold-standard ECG chest strap and a popular wrist-based heart rate monitor. The goggles demonstrated remarkable accuracy (97%) compared to the chest strap, with only an average deviation of +/- 4bpm. In contrast, the wrist-based device in the same study showed a +/- 10bpm deviation. The goggles therefore outperformed the wrist-based monitor in accuracy. Which means swimmers can utilise the heads-up display to actively monitor and adjust their effort based on their heart rate during training.

Form Smart Swim 2: Price, availability

The FORM Smart Swim 2 goggles are available for purchase at £229.00 through formswim.com and select retailers. A two-month trial of FORM Premium is included, granting access to full workout libraries, training plans, HeadCoach, and the SwimStraight feature.

As the swimming world looks forward to an Olympic year, the Form Smart Swim goggle series continues to stand out from the pack. The specs promise to elevate further the training regimen of swimmers around the globe. Look out for our full hands-on review to land in the weeks ahead.

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Predecessor devices, the Descent Mk2, Mk2s and Mk2i were released back in 2020 and 2021. These models have earned a solid reputation for their dedicated diving functionalities and dependability. In 2022, Garmin also expanded its lineup with the G1 model, a more affordable diving watch that retains much of the Mk2 series’ technology.

Garmin Descent Mk3 range & additional variant of G1 Solar

The new MK3 range consists of the 43mm Descent Mk3, along with two Mk3i variants – a 43mm and a 51mm. All of these are some of the most advanced dive computer/smartwatches you will find out there.

AMOLED display & SubWave sonar

The main news is the arrival of touchscreen AMOLED technology. The 51mm Mk3i comes with a 1.4 inch diameter 454 x 454 pixel display. The 43mm variants have a 1.2 inch 390 x 390 pixel displays. It is worth mentioning, reactions on social media have been mixed. Some welcome the AMOLED technology, others prefer the old MIP display.

The other news about the Mk3i watches is that they feature SubWave sonar-based communication and diver monitoring. The feature is not available at the outset, but will arrive at a future date via a firmware update. It will allow divers to communicate with other divers via preset messages up to 30 meters away. It will also monitor tank pressures and depth for up to 8 divers within a range of 10 meters.

Beyond that, the new watches come with pretty much identical functionality. The only difference is that Mk3 does not have Air Integration, transmitters support and info on gas time remaining and gas consumption rate. And it does not have the, above mentioned, SubWave sonar feature.

As before you get to choose from multiple dive modes but water resistance has been boosted from 100 to 200 meters. There’s a Dive Readiness tool – which shows how lifestyle factors effect your readiness to hit the water. This looks very much like a revamped Training Readiness tool that can be found on other Garmin watches. Additional features include Diveview maps, Dive Log and much more.

Much more than a diving watch

But this is much more than simply a dive watch. You’ll get a lot of the data that is available on other Garmin high-end watches. Which means the device is as useful in the water as it is out of it.

Also, the satellite connectivity has been upgraded to multi-band GPS. You get more training, planning and analysis features than before. Plus some tactical features such as Stealth Mode, Night Vision Mode, Kill Switch and more.

The added functionality is not really surprising considering the hefty price tag. The Descent Mk3 starts at $1,199.99 on Garmin’s website. It is available in a stainless steel with a Gray Silicone Band. The Mk3i timepieces start at $200 more. The 43mm is available in a Bronze PVD Titanium with French Gray Silicone Band, while the $1,599.99 variant in 51mm case can be picked up in Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Silicone Band.

Eco friendly variant of G1 Solar

The other new watch that has been added to Garmin’s website is an Ocean Edition of the Descent G1 Solar.

Retailing for an unchanged $649.99, it comes with a Sapphire Crystal lens instead of Power Sapphire and is slightly lighter. The news here is that the watch’s housing, bezel and buttons are crafted from recycled ocean-bound plastics.

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The smart swim specs have been around for a number of years now. Check out our full hands-on review of the gadget.

The gizmo offers swimmers the kind of real-time data tracking previously only available to runners and cyclists. Typically retailing for $199 (check price on Amazon), the goggles feature a see-through augmented reality display that provides a plethora of real-time metrics, including the option for heart rate tracking via an external monitor. The companion app complements the hardware by presenting data in an easily digestible format, rich with metrics for detailed analysis. If you’re after a pair of smart specs for tracking swim sessions, you will not find a better product out there.

What is HeadCoach?

HeadCoach is a new feature designed to offer real-time visual coaching and in-app education to swimmers. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, HeadCoach aims to enhance your performance and speed in the water. It operates on two types of metrics: FORM Score and HeadCoach Skills.

FORM Score is a numerical representation of your overall swim efficiency, calculated based on your pace and stroke length. The score ranges on a scale from 0-100, with higher numbers indicating better skill. The average score falls somewhere between 40-50, in case you were wondering.

HeadCoach Skills is the other part of the system. It narrows in on five key areas: head roll, head pitch, set pacing, interval pacing, and breathing time-to-neutral. Each skill is rated from 0 to 100, providing a detailed analysis of where you need to improve and how you’re progressing.

In-pool experience

After your first swim, HeadCoach provides an in-app assessment rating your skills from 0 to 100. The app also contains an education section with videos and materials on improving specific skills. In the pool, you can activate HeadCoach skills mode to focus on something that you need to improve, receiving real-time visual coaching. Each skill area has a unique, gamified exercise designed to improve your performance.

So not only do you get an assesment of your skill. You are also coached on improving your performance in the water.

After your swim, you can access personalized analysis and educational content in the FORM App. The app provides a comprehensive post-swim analysis, even if you’re not a Premium Features subscriber. This includes a range of metrics, including distance, length count, split time, stroke rate, and more. This comprehensive view allows you to analyze your progress and set new goals effectively.

Premium features and pricing

HeadCoach addresses an important gap in the swimming world: the lack of real-time, personalized coaching. The feature takes Form Swim Goggles to the next level. It allows for focused skill development and provides metrics directly via the in-goggle display. The idea is to enable you to concentrate entirely on your technique, without external distractions.

HeadCoach is part of FORM’s Premium subscription. If you’re already a Premium subscriber or in your one-year free trial period, you’ll have immediate access to HeadCoach. For those who aren’t, a subscription to Premium is required at $15 USD per month. Each pair of FORM Smart Swim Goggles comes with a one-year free trial of Premium Features.

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TrainingPeaks is a popular training app used by over half a million athletes. They use it to program their training, purchase a plan from the marketplace, or work directly with a coach. The integration of FORM Swim Goggles with TrainingPeaks aims to address a common challenge faced by swimmers – following their workouts or plan exactly as their coach prescribed without having the instructions right in front of them.

Currently, all of this is in its beta testing phase, with FORM members providing feedback before the feature is launched to a wider audience. The company is yet to announce the actual public release date. But you can register to get on-board the Beta testing fun on this link.

The FORM Swim Goggles have been lauded for their innovative design and functionality. They provide real-time feedback on metrics such as split times, distance, stroke rate, and more, right in the swimmer’s line of sight. As per our hands-on review, these goggles look and feel like the traditional thing, but they offer so much more.

These are the smart swim goggles that have set the bar for all other competitors. They are also a pioneer in the industry.

How it works

Have you ever written out your coach’s workout on a piece of paper and put it in a ziploc bag on deck? Not a great way to go about things. Or tried to remember what your coach meant for you to do with a specific set halfway through the workout? These challenges are what the TrainingPeaks integration aims to address.

For those who have opted to Beta test, there are two ways swim workouts show up in TrainingPeaks. This includes the Structured Workout Builder and the Workout Written in the Description Field. In the first beta phase, workouts that use the structured swim workout builder in TrainingPeaks will be pulled in. If your workouts are contained only in the description box, this will be part of a subsequent release.

Once the workouts are pulled in, they are linked to the FORM app for review. You then have the option to make any modifications, such as adding a drill, switching up a stroke type, or throwing in some equipment. Alternatively, you can leave the workout as is, sync it to your goggles, and hop in the pool!

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The integration is also working on a way to read and interpret your text-based workouts into the FORM platform, translating your coach’s notes into structured swim sets in the app. With both methods, FORM goggles will guide you through your workout length-by-length, just as your coach wrote it. You’ll also get your real-time feedback with your desired swim metrics so you can put all your focus on executing your swim as prescribed.

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