Military-Inspired Smartphone or Tactical Tool?

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A new smartwatch model showcases features that would be useful for soldiers at the battlefield, serving as a tactical tool for military, as well as civilian consumers. 

The MARQ Commander watch demonstrates several unique features, including:

• Lightweight titanium body that eliminates reflections and allows moving undetected in the shadows.
• Durable sapphire crystal lens. 
• GPS location tracking – the dual-format GPS coordinates support display of military grid reference system, degrees/minutes/seconds, etc.
• Topographical maps allow to create and follow courses as well as mark locations, according to the company website.
• Smartphone connectivity including notifications
• Optical heart rate sensor. 

New features on the Commander include a special screen mode that can be read while wearing night vision goggles without experiencing bright flares or a blooming effect when the backlight is activated, and an easy access “kill switch” that puts the smartwatch into a stealth mode that disables wireless connectivity, stops GPS position sharing, and clears recent tracking data. 

The MARQ Commander offered by Garmin allows for about 12 days of continuous use between charges. 

Garmin did not specify whether the new smartwatch was specifically designed for military use and applications. It did point out that the stealth mode would help the timepiece conform to specific military regulations regarding wireless communications which can reveal potentially sensitive info like the location of missions and maneuvers, according to gizmodo.com.