Two Garmin smartwatches, a triathlon tracker, a horse monitor and a diver’s buoy have just picked up CES 2026 Innovation Awards. The annual showcase doesn’t begin until January, but this early recognition puts a spotlight on Garmin’s most unusual ideas across wearables, animals and outdoor tech.
Garmin picks up five CES 2026 Innovation Awards
The CES Innovation Awards are handed out each year by the Consumer Technology Association. They highlight standout products ahead of the massive CES trade show in Las Vegas. Categories cover everything from digital health to sports, mobility and fashion tech. One product from each category is selected for “Best of Innovation,” and last year, Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus took that title.
This year, the company has picked up five different CES 2026 Innovation Awards. That’s a notable spread, especially since they span wearables, outdoor sports, and even equine tech. The winners include the Fenix 8 Pro with MicroLED display, the Venu 4, Forerunner 970, Descent S1 Diver Communication Buoy and a horse-specific device called the Blaze Equine Wellness System.
Garmin plans to showcase the full line-up in January. You will be able to find them at booth #3453 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
A MicroLED smartwatch leads the pack
The Fenix 8 Pro with MicroLED display is getting attention for more than just brightness. It also includes satellite and LTE connectivity thanks to built-in inReach. That’s a pretty heavy-duty feature set for a rugged multisport watch, especially when combined with battery life that can stretch across days. Unfortunately, the price-tag is also heavy-duty.
Garmin listed the Fenix 8 Pro – MicroLED under “Fashion Tech,” which is a curious fit for a line better known for endurance races and trail navigation. But this shows how far the category has stretched. Brightness, visibility and design are now front-line features.
Venu 4 and Forerunner 970 bring health and sport features
The Venu 4 picked up its award in the “Digital Health” category. Garmin has pushed this model with a clearer wellness focus. Health status scores, lifestyle logging, and other onboard features aim to help users connect day-to-day habits with longer-term health trends.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
On the performance side, the Forerunner 970 earned its award in “Sports and Fitness.” It adds features like a built-in flashlight, AMOLED display, updated recovery tools and enhanced mapping. It’s positioned as a high-end device for serious runners and triathletes. This is the first time a Forerunner has featured in the CES Awards, which suggests Garmin is broadening how it markets the range.
A horse tail wrap and diver’s buoy round things out
The other two awards are more niche but show where Garmin’s sensor tech is headed. The Blaze Equine Wellness System is designed specifically for horses. It wraps around the tail and measures heart rate and other data. The idea is to give riders and trainers better real-time insight into how the animal is coping with activity or stress.
The Descent S1 Diver Communication Buoy, meanwhile, targets a different kind of user altogether. It helps divers track, monitor and communicate with surface teams while underwater. This isn’t the first time Garmin has won awards for its diving gear, but this model pushes communication further and hints at deeper integration between wearables and safety equipment.
Garmin’s presence at CES has usually leaned more towards product demos than flashy launches. But this year’s batch of awards suggests the company is being recognised for widening its reach. Smartwatches remain at the centre of the portfolio, but Garmin is clearly experimenting across sports, health and animal tracking.
Source: Garmin
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