{
  "id": 5748751,
  "title": "'I got this one wrong': As a running watch expert, I thought Garmin's LED flashlight was just a gimmick — but 4 years on, it's proven to be a top-tier smartwatch feature",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/i-got-this-one-wrong-as-a-running-watch-expert-i-thought-garmins-led",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-05T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/i-got-this-one-wrong-as-a-running-watch-expert-i-thought-garmins-led-flashlight-was-just-a-gimmick-but-4-years-on-its-proven-to-be-a-top-tier-smartwatch-feature"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "I acknowledge my previous skepticism about Garmin's LED flashlight on the Garmin Fenix 7X smartwatch. Initially, I considered it a gimmick, but after living with the watch for a month, my perspective shifted. The flashlight became an invaluable tool for various daily tasks, ranging from finding charging cables at night to providing light during nighttime runs and enhancing visibility while DIYing. Garmin's flashlight feature proved to be more than just a novelty; it demonstrated how useful a wrist-based light source could be. As Garmin incorporated the flashlight into other watch models, it continued to evolve its capabilities. The watch now prompts users to switch to strobe mode during nighttime runs, and distress mode can display emergency contact information with an SOS light pattern. While the inclusion of a flashlight on a smartwatch might reduce available space and increase battery drain when used with other onboard sensors, it is unlikely to cause significant battery life concerns. Garmin's flashlight feature showcases the potential for smartwatches to be more ingrained with users' environments and safety needs. Future developments could include UV mode or even a flashlight capable of starting a fire for added outdoor appeal. As smartwatch manufacturers prioritize brighter displays, it is worth considering integrating more advanced flashlight functionalities. Despite being overshadowed by health tracking features, the LED flashlight remains a practical and useful gadget for any new smartwatch.",
  "summary": "Almost all smartwatches could use an LED light, in my opinion.",
  "key_points": [
    "Garmin's LED flashlight initially considered a gimmick",
    "Became invaluable for daily tasks like finding cables and enhancing visibility",
    "Prompts strobe mode for nighttime runs and distress mode for emergency SOS"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}