Key Takeaways
1. Garmin smartwatches, like the Fenix 8, require a Garmin Connect+ subscription for full feature access, costing $6.99 monthly or $69 annually.
2. Users need an additional Garmin Outdoor Maps+ subscription for premium maps, priced at $4.99 per month or $49 per year.
3. A new subscription service called “Get Fully Connected” is in development, offering satellite connectivity features such as messaging and emergency calls.
4. Features from the new subscription will work without a smartphone, using the smartwatch’s LTE modem and satellite connectivity.
5. Garmin is creating a communication hub within its app to manage these services and provide information on satellite and LTE usage.
In order to fully utilize all the features of a modern Garmin smartwatch such as the Fenix 8 (starting at $799 on Amazon), users must currently have a Garmin Connect+ subscription. This subscription is priced at $6.99 monthly or $69 annually in the United States. Additionally, to access premium maps with Garmin Outdoor Maps+, users need to pay another $4.99 per month or $49 per year.
New Subscription on the Horizon
A recent report from Garmin Rumors indicates that the popular smartwatch manufacturer is working on a new subscription service named “Get Fully Connected.” This subscription will be necessary for users to access the satellite connectivity that has been speculated about for the last few weeks. Subscribing will allow users to send and receive text messages through satellite, place emergency calls, make phone calls using 4G LTE, share their real-time location, and even transmit photos and voice messages via the cellular network.
Features without a Smartphone
All of these features are expected to function without the need for a smartphone nearby, as long as the Garmin smartwatch is equipped with both an LTE modem and satellite connectivity. Users can enjoy a free 30-day trial of this subscription, however, the pricing details post-trial remain undisclosed. Yet, the Garmin inReach subscription might hint at what the costs could be. For instance, the inReach Consumer Essential plan is available for $14.99 per month and includes unlimited emergency calls and check-in messages, along with 50 text messages and 10 photo or audio messages each month.
Communication Hub Transformation
To consolidate these features into a single application, Garmin is reportedly upgrading its messaging service into a comprehensive communication hub. The subscription will likely be manageable directly within this app, which will also offer additional details on satellite and LTE usage.
Garmin Rumors’
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