Garmin has officially released its new Index sleep monitor, which retails for $169.99 and is set to ship in five to eight weeks. The device is an armband designed to be worn while sleeping, measuring heart rate and other metrics without a screen. The Index is made of lightweight, breathable fabric and features an optical heart rate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, accelerometers, and skin temperature measurement capabilities.
Key Features of the Index:
- Optical heart rate sensor with the latest Elevate version
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor
- Accelerometers for motion detection
- Skin temperature measurement
- Seven-night battery life with SpO2 sensor on
The Index provides sleep-related data such as sleep length, stages, and score, resting heart rate, respiration rate, body battery level, ovulation estimates, cycle tracking, and breathing variations throughout the night. The information is synced to the Garmin Connect app on your phone and compatible Garmin watches. The device also features a smart wake alarm function.
Comparison to Whoop:
While the Index offers sleep monitoring capabilities similar to Whoop, it lacks the ability to track heart rate during workouts. Priced at $169.99, the Index does not provide additional metrics beyond what Garmin watches already offer, making it primarily a sleep monitoring accessory.
Cost Considerations:
Although the Index is a one-time purchase without subscription fees, users may need to pair it with a Garmin watch for comprehensive fitness tracking. Some users have suggested the possibility of retrofitting the Index into a smaller band for all-day wear, but the battery life for continuous use remains unknown.
Garmin may consider releasing a sport band for the Index to enhance workout tracking capabilities. Currently, workout data on the phone requires a Connect+ subscription, which adds to the overall cost of using the device.
Source: Lifehacker
