As more people embrace the analog lifestyle, preferring offline experiences that take them away from their devices, it seems technology is following suit.
On March 31, Google revealed that it will release ia new wearable screen reminding fitness trackers like Wow 5.0known for its recovery details, and Luna Bandusing your voice to track your health. By giving up screens, you can only view your data in compatible wearable apps, which can be a game changer for those four health concerns anyone who is tired of looking at screens.
Now, it looks like Garmin is joining the screenless team.
On Thursday, news and updates site Gadgets and Wearables reported that Garmin filed a trademark for a device called Cirqa with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 25.
The trademark filing describes Cirqa as non-medical, non-pharmaceutical wearable devices and devices that use electronic sensors and monitors to measure and analyze body signals and behavior. Specifically, Cirqa will collect data on recovery from physical and emotional stress, a person’s level of consciousness and performance.
With a focus on fitness and performance, Cirqa feels a lot like a Whoop health tracker.
In its filing, Garmin also describes Cirqa as a tool for storing and sending data, which means it doesn’t display that data itself and instead relies on an app, like other wearables without a screen.
A representative for Garmin declined to comment, saying it is against company policy to comment on any rumored or unannounced products.
Whoop 5.0 wrist-based health tracker
Whoops: Accidental leak
It’s not the first time a Cirqa device has made news. In January, Garmin accidentally launched a product page for the Cirqa smart band and related pages, which have since been taken down. However, the screenshots are still available on Reddit.
The leaked product has been spotted on Garmin’s online stores in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Chile. The band was shown in two colors, black and French gray, and two sizes, small-medium and large-extra large. One of the aforementioned Reddit screenshots shows the latter as wrist-sized.
The page included an “add to cart” option with a warning that shipping would begin in four to five months, meaning it would launch in May or June.
A look at Garmin’s Cirqa case
While there haven’t been any leaks showing what Cirqa will look like, based on the current lawsuits, it’s unlikely that it will resemble the Whoop band.
On Oct. 14, Whoop filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Polar Electro Oy, the manufacturer of the screenless Polar Loop, a health and fitness tracking band. Polar told MobiHealthNews that it denies the claim that its Loop is copying the look of the Whoop band. On Friday, Polar filed an official response to Whoop’s complaint.
But that wasn’t the last time Whoop went after alleged copycats. On Jan. 22, Whoop filed another trademark infringement lawsuit against Nexxbase Technologies, the maker of the Luna Band. Nexxbase Technologies has until May 19 to respond to the complaint.
To date, Garmin has its own Index Sleep Monitor, a smart wristband worn on the upper arm that tracks breathing, recovery, women’s health and other body metrics while you sleep. So maybe Cirqa will just take that technology down the arm with 24/7 health information.
Garmin’s Index Sleep Monitor armband
Based on the shipping date listed on Garmin’s leaked product page, we may have answers to all of our questions in a month or two.
