In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Garmin users can now access a free WhatsApp app and Pokémon Sleep integration through the Connect IQ store on select watches.
- The WhatsApp app enables message viewing, keyboard responses, quick replies, and call management directly from the wrist, significantly enhancing communication capabilities.
- Pokémon Sleep integration includes themed watch faces that reflect Body Battery levels and activate night mode before bedtime, helping Garmin compete with leading smartwatches.
In the space of a single week, Garmin users have been treated to two massive free updates courtesy of WhatsApp and Pokémon Sleep support.
WhatsApp on your wrist
For a handful of Garmin watches, there’s now an official app for WhatsApp available that can be downloaded via the Connect IQ store. Similar to how the app functions on Wear OS and watchOS, you can view your messages without having to reach for your phone, and you can even respond via an onscreen keyboard.
If you don’t have the dexterity to tap the smaller keys onscreen, then the app offers up a list of quick replies that you can send in a pinch. You can also answer or decline any incoming calls via your watch.
Pocket(watch) monsters
On the Pokémon Sleep side of things, a collaboration between the two brands means that sleep tracking data collected by your compatible Garmin watch can now be picked up by the Pokémon Sleep app.
Credit: Garmin
In return, two free Pokémon Sleep-themed watch faces are now available in the Connect IQ store.
One watch face entitled ‘Pokémon Sleep: Snorlax & Friends’ lets you glance at the iconic sleepy Pokémon when you raise your wrist, alongside several fan favourites including Charmander, Bulbasaur, Pikachu and Squirtle.
The other watch face goes by the name ‘Pokémon Sleep: I Choose You’ and lets you feel more like a Pokémon Trainer as you can pick from one of 48 Pokémon to feature on the screen.
These watch faces aren’t just for show, as the mood of the Pokémon will change depending on the level of your Body Battery, giving you an idea as to how much energy you have left in the tank. The night mode for these watch faces will also kick in an hour and a half before your scheduled bedtime, giving you a nod to start winding things down.
A growing ecosystem
Although WhatsApp and the Pokémon Sleep collaboration aren’t available for all Garmin watches, it’s still a big deal given that they’re available at no extra cost to the user.
Of the pair, it’s WhatsApp that’s the biggest boon for the growing Garmin ecosystem, which still lags behind the app libraries you’ll find on the best smartwatches, but this helps to close the gap.
If you’re tempted to pick up a Garmin wearable for yourself, you can check out our reviews for the ever-so slim Garmin Venu X1 and the more stylish Garmin Venu 4 timepiece.
Author: Thomas Deehan, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Tom began covering tech all the way back in 2018, initially writing about tech deals for Trusted Reviews before working his way up to being the site's Deputy Editor. Now operating as a freelance writer, you can find Tom testing the latest smartphones, wearables, earbuds and more. In his spare time, you'll either find him trying to get through a backlog of books, games and TV shows, or trying to write his very own novel (if he's feeling productive).