Bushnell just unveiled the Wingman HD, a $199 Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a digital golf caddy with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen. The device uses GPS to identify courses and display real-time yardages, hazards, and hole layouts - turning your typical round into a data-driven game. It's hitting shelves mid-October, targeting the growing intersection of sports and smart tech.
Bushnell is betting that golfers want their music and course data served up in one package. The company's new Wingman HD Bluetooth speaker launches mid-October with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen that transforms it from simple audio device into a digital caddy. At $199, it matches the pricing of its predecessor, the monochromatic Wingman View from early 2023, but adds a full-color display that could change how recreational golfers approach the game. The device automatically detects which course you're playing using built-in GPS, then displays real-time yardages to pins, hazards, and green layouts right on the screen. No more squinting at distant markers or guessing distances - the Wingman HD announces everything audibly while showing detailed visuals on its touchscreen. Connect it to Bushnell's mobile app and you get flyover views of each hole plus digital scorekeeping. The audio specs tell a story about outdoor performance. Dual 15-watt drivers work alongside passive radiators to push sound across the course, while the semi-cylindrical design accommodates the screen without compromising acoustics. A magnetic mount lets you stick it to golf carts, and the new "Dynamic Audio Adjustment" feature automatically cranks up volume when your cart is moving to compensate for engine noise. Indoor and outdoor EQ modes adapt the sound profile based on environment, whether you're practicing at the range or out on the links. But Bushnell didn't stop at practical features. The Wingman HD lets you trigger custom sound effects - imagine polite crowd applause after sinking a long putt, or recording personalized messages like "great shot!" for your playing partners. For tournament play or large groups, up to 100 speakers can sync together, creating what Bushnell calls "genuine Caddy Shack vibes." The timing feels right for golf tech convergence. The sport saw massive growth during the pandemic, with younger players embracing technology that older generations might have resisted. GPS watches and rangefinders are now standard equipment, and smartphone apps track everything from swing speed to putting accuracy. Bushnell, known primarily for rangefinders and GPS devices, is positioning the Wingman HD as the central hub for on-course entertainment and data. The $199 price point puts it squarely in premium Bluetooth speaker territory, competing with devices from Sony, JBL, and Bose that lack golf-specific features. But those speakers can't tell you that the pin is 147 yards away or that there's a water hazard 20 yards short of the green. The weatherproof design handles rain and dust, though Bushnell wisely notes you should keep it away from actual water hazards. The real test will be whether Bushnell can convince golfers they need another gadget in their bag, especially when smartphones already provide GPS data and Bluetooth connectivity to existing speakers. The Wingman HD's appeal lies in consolidation - one device that handles music, course data, and social features without juggling multiple apps or devices during play.
