Garmin is reportedly preparing to enhance the positional tracking capabilities of its smartwatches by increasing the frequency at which Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data is recorded, according to a leak cited by technology site the5krunner.
The upgrade would allow select Garmin devices to determine location at 5Hz—five times per second—compared to the standard 1Hz frequency used in most current models. The change could improve accuracy for athletes in activities with frequent changes in speed or direction, such as downhill mountain biking.
“Garmin might soon offer a new way to record GNSS locations at a significantly higher frequency,” the5krunner said in its report, citing information shared by @JohnW on social media.
The feature is expected to debut with activities that demand high precision, such as downhill cycling, where fast movement and sharp turns can challenge existing tracking systems. While the report did not specify which Garmin models would receive the upgrade, speculation points to smartwatches equipped with Synaptics GNSS modules, possibly including future iterations of the Garmin Fenix series.
The benefit of the higher-frequency tracking will likely depend on the user’s activity. For instance, runners on flat, straight paths may notice minimal difference, while those navigating winding or complex terrain could experience more accurate real-time speed and acceleration data.
However, performance gains may be limited by environmental factors such as signal obstructions. “There’s one general limitation, as the GNSS module has to be able to accurately record the current position, which can be an issue in heavily wooded areas,” the report noted.
Garmin has not confirmed plans to release the 5Hz GNSS update or commented on which models may support it.