Technology: Garmin D2 Bravo Titanium
A watch for gadget freaks
In the world of wearable technology, the D2 Bravo Titanium stands alone as an aviation-optimized device, so there’s little to compare it to. That said, the “watch” astounds in its ability to jam an incredible amount of functionality into something carried on the wrist.
The philosophy is simple. Take what’s best about mass-market consumer wearable devices, such as heart-rate monitors, workout tracking, and device integration, and stuff in even more aviation-specific functionality. The D2 Bravo Titanium eliminates the need to choose from among a watch, a Fitbit, and a pedometer—it’s all in there, and more.
When AOPA Pilot tests products, we come at it from a user’s perspective—that means not reading the manual (not included in the box anyway), not looking up anything prior to using it, and trying our hardest to simply rip open the box and start playing. There you will discover any wearable’s first problem—it must be charged. To most people, the idea of charging a watch is completely foreign. That’s what batteries are for! And there’s no doubt this watch does take some changes in habit. But Garmin has done a nice job with battery life. Use the watch and its features heavily and it will get you through a day. Use it only as a watch and you’ll get at least a week. It also rewards those who don’t plan ahead by charging quickly.
First-time setup is virtually nil, so feel free to hop in the airplane and start playing. You’ll be amazed. It’s easy to find the altitude alert function (a buzz on the wrist tells you when you’ve reached a pre-selected altitude), nearest airport, airport information, and flight data page with time and distance. There’s even a map! Almost all of this is enabled automatically.
We dove into the manual to learn what else the device does, and realized we’d only made it to page two.And if that’s all the device did, we’d be impressed. We dove into the manual to learn what else the device does, and realized we’d only made it to page two. Pair it to a phone, your Garmin Pilot iPad application, a Garmin account online, or the Garmin Virb and you exponentially expand the device’s capabilities. It can alert you to calls, messages, weather, and your calendar. The device can start and stop recordings or take photos on the Garmin Virb, or trade flight plans with Garmin Pilot. Or view historical flight data online and share it with friends, or debrief ground tracks. Given the tight integration with other Garmin devices, you will be able to simplify your app library and have a more streamlined user interface.
Then there are the dozens of fitness functions. The new edition includes a heart-rate monitor, which the original D2 Bravo did not. There are specialized functions for skiing, hiking, biking, running, golf, swimming, and other water sports.
Despite the clever menu system, ease of use, and incredible range of functions, there are two big drawbacks. The first is size. The D2 Bravo Titanium will announce your pilot credentials to everyone in the room. The face is two inches wide, and the case is 0.6 inches deep. That said, it is light; only 5.4 ounces with the titanium band and 3 ounces with the rubber band.
The other drawback is habit. Are you ready to charge your watch almost every night? If so, the D2 Bravo Titanium is a clever device that could justify the price tag.
Price: $899
Contact: www.garmin.com
Email [email protected]
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