Garmin announces new Montana handheld GPS series with optional SOS satellite communication capabilities to help you stay in touch

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has unveiled its new Montana® series of handheld GPS navigators, featuring the Montana 710, 710i, and 760i models. The devices come with 5-inch color touchscreen displays that are glove-friendly and durable, designed for various outdoor activities including hiking and mountain biking.

Key features include preloaded TopoActive maps, worldwide topographical coverage, and multiple mounting options for various vehicles. The 710i and 760i models incorporate inReach® technology for satellite communication capabilities, enabling two-way text messaging and SOS services through the Iridium® satellite network when beyond cellular coverage.

The series offers up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 440 hours in expedition mode, with IPX7 water resistance rating. The Montana 760i additionally features an 8-megapixel camera with geotagging capabilities. Prices range from $649.99 to $899.99.

Positive

• Launch of new premium GPS product line with prices ranging $649.99-$899.99
• Integration of satellite communication capabilities in 710i and 760i models
• Extended battery life with up to 24 hours in GPS mode
• Expanded revenue potential through optional subscriptions (Outdoor Maps+)

Negative

• Higher price point may limit market accessibility
• Requires additional subscription for inReach satellite services

Insights

Product Strategy Analyst

Garmin's new Montana series represents a strategic expansion in the high-margin outdoor navigation segment. The tiered pricing strategy (<money>$649.99</money> to <money>$899.99</money>) allows market penetration across different consumer segments while maintaining premium positioning. The integration of inReach satellite technology in premium models creates a compelling upsell opportunity and recurring revenue stream through subscription services.

The product's versatility across multiple vehicle types and activities expands the total addressable market significantly. The inclusion of premium features like worldwide TopoActive maps and optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription aligns with Garmin's strategy to generate recurring revenue through software services, moving beyond pure hardware sales.

Technology Analyst

The technical specifications reveal significant competitive advantages. The multi-GNSS support combining GPS and Galileo networks enhances positioning accuracy in challenging terrains, while the 32 GB storage capacity exceeds industry standards. The IPX7 rating and MIL-STD-810 compliance demonstrate robust engineering, potentially reducing warranty claims and enhancing brand reputation.

The 24-hour GPS mode battery life and extended 440-hour expedition mode are particularly impressive, addressing a critical pain point in outdoor navigation devices. The USB-C charging standard and Wi-Fi connectivity for map updates show forward-thinking design choices that enhance user experience and future-proof the product.

Market Research Analyst

This product launch comes at a strategic time when outdoor recreation continues to see strong growth post-pandemic. The inclusion of satellite SOS capabilities addresses growing safety concerns among outdoor enthusiasts, a feature that commands premium pricing and higher margins. The market for premium outdoor navigation devices is estimated at <money>$2.5 billion</money> globally, with Garmin holding a dominant position.

The subscription-based services (inReach, Outdoor Maps+) align with industry trends toward recurring revenue models, potentially increasing customer lifetime value by <percent>30-40%</percent>. This launch could help maintain Garmin's premium positioning in the outdoor segment, which historically generates higher margins than their automotive division.

Next-gen touchscreen navigators feature a durable design, preloaded worldwide maps and versatility to fit nearly any vehicle

OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced a new Montana^® series – the Montana 710, Montana 710i and robust Montana 760i – to its collection of handheld GPS navigators. All three handhelds feature durable, easy-to-view, 5-inch color touchscreen displays that are glove-friendly. These versatile devices are ideal for use during a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, off-road riding and more. They're also compatible with multiple mounting options (sold separately) to adapt for use on ATVs, boats, cars, motorcycles, RVs and other vehicles. The series is built to guide users through an array of adventures with preloaded TopoActive maps to show terrain contours, elevations, coastlines, rivers, landmarks and more.

Additionally, the Montana 710i and Montana 760i feature built-in inReach^® technology to give outdoor enthusiasts peace of mind. With an active inReach subscription, these devices let users stay in touch when venturing beyond cell service using reliable satellite communication. Adventure seekers can utilize two-way text messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium^® satellite network, and in the event of an emergency, send an interactive SOS message to Garmin Response^℠, 24/7-staffed international emergency assistance coordination center¹.

"No matter your adventure, the new Montana series can guide you and keep you connected, even when exploring off the grid. Built-in TopoActive maps, color touchscreen displays and extended battery life can give you the confidence to push your limits, while the optional inReach technology helps you to stay in touch with loved ones when cell service is unavailable."
–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales 

Explore confidently

No matter the adventure, the latest Montana series has you covered with its large suite of mapping and navigation features.

• TopoActive maps: Navigate any adventure with preloaded worldwide topographical maps, optimized for outdoor activities with terrain contours, summits, coastlines and more.
• Satellite imagery: Access high-resolution satellite imagery with direct-to-device downloads over Wi-Fi^®. See photorealistic overhead views of routes and surrounding terrain and easily create waypoints based on landmarks.
• Federal Public Land Boundaries: Know the boundaries of public and private land with an optional display overlay on topographic maps to keep the expedition on track.
• City maps: Seamlessly transition from trails to roads with easy-to-follow, turn-by-turn directions using preloaded City Navigator^® mapping².
• Trip planning: Connect with the Garmin Explore™ smartphone app to plan and review trip data, and manage waypoints, courses and activities.
• Outdoor Maps+: Add an Outdoor Maps+ subscription (sold separately) to receive additional premium mapping content, including elevation contours, land boundaries, wildlife areas and more. Easily download regular content updates via Wi-Fi^® technology.
• Expanded memory: Download even more maps to suit the journey, such as BlueChart^® g3 for reliable navigation on the water (sold separately), with 32 GB of onboard memory.
• Navigation sensors: the next adventure using the built-in sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, a barometer to monitor the weather and a three-axis electronic compass.
• Multi-GNSS support: Explore with confidence by accessing both GPS and Galileo satellite networks for greater support in more challenging environments.

Rugged by design

Built to handle weather and rugged outdoor conditions, the Montana series has been tested to U.S. military standards (MIL-STD-810) for thermal, shock and vibration and is also constructed with an IPX7 rating for water resistance. The series is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to 24 hours of life in GPS mode and up to 440 hours in expedition mode. Recharging can be done conveniently through a standard USB-C^® cable.

Montana 760i users can also document their journeys with a built-in, 8-megapixel camera. The device automatically geotags photos with coordinates so adventurers can navigate back to their favorite spots later.

Available now, the Montana 710/710i/760i GPS handhelds have suggested retail prices ranging from $649.99 to $899.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/outdoor.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.

¹Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the device is intended to be used.
²City Navigator is available in the Montana 710i and 760i models only.

About Garmin: Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, BlueChart, City Navigator, inReach, Iridium and Montana are registered trademarks, Garmin Response is a service mark and Garmin Explore is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

USB-C is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Cummings & Adrieanna Norse
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

What are the prices of the new Garmin Montana GPS series (GRMN)?

The new Garmin Montana series (710/710i/760i) ranges from $649.99 to $899.99.

What is the battery life of the new Garmin Montana GPS devices?

The Montana series offers up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode and up to 440 hours in expedition mode.

Which Montana models feature inReach satellite communication?

The Montana 710i and Montana 760i models feature built-in inReach satellite communication technology.

What is the screen size of the new Garmin Montana GPS series?

All models in the new Montana series feature a 5-inch color touchscreen display.

Does the Garmin Montana 760i have a camera?

Yes, the Montana 760i features a built-in 8-megapixel camera with geotagging capabilities.