Tag: Garmin Connect

  • Garmin Health Connect Integration Coming for Smartwatch Users

    Garmin Health Connect Integration Coming for Smartwatch Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin Connect will integrate with Android’s Health Connect in June 2025, allowing data synchronization across devices.
    2. At Google I/O 2025, Garmin reported a 50% increase in active users and announced collaborations with multiple fitness apps.
    3. New features for Health Connect include Medical Records APIs and two new data types: Background Reads and History Reads.
    4. Users will have control over data sharing through a smartphone dashboard, enabling them to manage what data is shared and delete it if needed.
    5. The exact launch date for the Garmin and Health Connect integration has not yet been specified.

    Garmin Connect is set to soon join forces with Android’s Health Connect. This Google service lets users easily share their health information across different apps and devices, which can give you a wider perspective on your health and may help you identify larger trends.

    Announcement at Google I/O

    During the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, it was announced that Garmin would become part of the Health Connect network in June 2025. This development will enable users of Garmin smartwatches to synchronize their workout and health data with other products within the Android ecosystem. Some apps that are already connected to Health Connect include AllTrails, Dexcom G7, Peloton, Oura, and Withings; you can find the complete list on the Google Play Store.

    User Growth and New Features

    The company highlighted that it has experienced a 50% increase in active users over the past six months and pointed out recent collaborations with Flo, Runna, and Mi Fitness. It also shared information about new features for Health Connect, such as Medical Records APIs that work with the new Fitbit Medical record navigator. Additionally, there are two new data types being introduced: Background Reads, which help developers deliver timely insights to users, and History Reads, which highlight long-term trends in health data.

    User Control Over Data Sharing

    Android users will have the ability to control what data is shared between apps through a dashboard on their smartphones. From this dashboard, they can also delete data or decide to prioritize specific data sources over others. However, Garmin and Google have not yet provided a specific date for when the integration will officially launch.

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    Garmin Health Connect Integration Coming for Smartwatch Users

     

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  • Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Connect+ subscription service at $6.99/month or $69.99/year, while maintaining free access to current features in Garmin Connect.
    2. Connect+ offers tailored insights powered by AI, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.
    3. The service is seen as a key part of Garmin’s long-term fitness strategy, according to CEO Cliff Pemble.
    4. Future features may be exclusive to Connect+ subscribers, with positive feedback from early users noted.
    5. Upcoming updates are expected with the launch of the Forerunner 970, which will replace the Forerunner 965.

    Garmin introduced its Connect+ subscription service at the end of March, sparking some debate among users. The service is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Garmin has tried to calm concerns by stating that all current features and data within Garmin Connect will still be accessible for free.

    Connect+ Developments

    Recently, Garmin has provided more information about the future of Connect+ and how it plans to enhance the service. During the Q1 2025 earnings call, Garmin’s President and CEO, Cliff Pemble, shared some insights. He mentioned that Garmin Connect+ is a premium plan that offers tailored insights using artificial intelligence, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.

    Enhanced Health and Fitness Insights

    Connect+ aims to boost users’ understanding of their health and fitness through personalized Active Intelligence insights powered by AI. As noted by the5krunner and other observers, Pemble went into more detail, though these specific remarks are not included in Garmin’s earnings call PDF. Instead, they can be found in the linked video starting from 11:23.

    According to Pemble, Connect+ is a “long-term thing for us [Garmin]” and a “very important part” of their fitness strategy moving forward. He also suggested that upcoming features may be restricted to Connect+ subscribers, mentioning positive feedback from early users. While he did not specify what these paywalled features would be, he indicated they would relate to the company’s premium offerings. The first signs of these updates are likely to come with the launch of the Forerunner 970, expected to replace the Forerunner 965 later this season, which is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon.

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Paywall Sparks Huge Backlash from Users

    Garmin Smartwatch Paywall Sparks Huge Backlash from Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin Connect is the main platform for data from Garmin wearables and smartwatches.
    2. Garmin has launched Garmin Connect+, a premium subscription service costing about $7 a month or $70 annually for extra features.
    3. Many Garmin smartwatch owners are dissatisfied and feel misled about the new subscription model.
    4. Users argue they have already paid for software support through the high cost of Garmin devices, some exceeding $1,000.
    5. Garmin previously stated they would not charge users for their data, and free features will remain free.

    Garmin Connect is the platform where data from the brand’s wearables and smartwatches come together. The company has introduced Garmin Connect+, a premium subscription service that allows users to unlock extra features for about $7 a month or $70 annually. They are also promoting AI tools that promise to offer users more in-depth insights.

    User Reactions

    Despite this new offering, many Garmin smartwatch owners have expressed their dissatisfaction. On Reddit, there are several discussions where users share their frustrations after spending their hard-earned cash on Garmin devices. Some users have pointed out an implied agreement that Garmin has not made clear.

    Pricing and Value Concerns

    These consumers argue that they have already covered the costs of software support when they purchased one of Garmin’s rather pricey smartwatches. For instance, certain models of the Fenix 8 are priced over $1,000, making them some of the priciest options available, rivaling traditional luxury watches.

    Previous Commitments

    Additionally, some users recall earlier comments from Garmin’s representatives. In 2022, Phil McClendon, who has since left the company, mentioned that Garmin would not charge users for their data in the future. This statement still holds, as Garmin has clarified in a recent video that features previously offered for free will continue to be free.

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  • Garmin Connect+: Exclusive Features for Smartwatch Subscribers

    Garmin Connect+: Exclusive Features for Smartwatch Subscribers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched Connect+, a new subscription service for smartwatches that offers enhanced features and insights through the Garmin Connect app.
    2. Key features include Active Intelligence (AI-powered health insights), customizable performance dashboards, and real-time workout metrics for indoor training.
    3. Subscribers can access expert training guidance from Garmin Run Coach and Garmin Cycling Coach, and create personalized LiveTrack pages for sharing their workouts.
    4. Exclusive Badge challenges are available only for Connect+ subscribers, adding a fun element to fitness tracking.
    5. The subscription costs $6.99/£6.99/€8.99 monthly or $69.99/£69.99/€89.99 annually, while existing features in Garmin Connect remain free for all users.

    Garmin has introduced Connect+, a new high-end subscription service for its smartwatches. This plan will give users access to various new features and tailored insights through the Garmin Connect app, which can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.

    Exciting New Features

    Among the new offerings in Garmin Connect+ is Active Intelligence, an AI-powered tool that provides insights related to your health and activities, along with helpful suggestions. It’s important to note that this feature is still in its beta phase. Subscribers will also benefit from a performance dashboard that allows for customizable graphs displaying recent workout data. If you prefer indoor workouts, you can connect your smartwatch to a compatible smartphone to see real-time metrics such as heart rate, pace, and repetitions. Additionally, you can view workout videos on a larger screen for an enhanced experience.

    Training Support and Social Sharing

    Users who take advantage of Garmin Run Coach or Garmin Cycling Coach will receive “expert training guidance,” with content crafted to help enhance their performance. Furthermore, subscribers can create a personalized LiveTrack page to share with friends and family, and they can send text notifications when starting a workout. There will also be exclusive Badge challenges available only for subscribers, adding more fun to your fitness journey.

    Pricing Details

    Garmin emphasizes that the Connect+ subscription is solely for the new features; all current data and features within Garmin Connect will remain free. The subscription is priced at $6.99/£6.99/€8.99 per month or $69.99/£69.99/€89.99 annually. This plan is accessible to all smartwatch users, including those with the latest Tactix 8 model (currently priced at $1,399.99 on Amazon).

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  • Therabody Launches Smart Recovery Plans with Garmin Integration

    Therabody Launches Smart Recovery Plans with Garmin Integration

    Therabody has partnered with Garmin to offer users a more personalized recovery experience. The wellness brand aims to provide a variety of smart recovery tools, while also gaining insights into how recovery affects athletic performance.

    New Recovery Tool Unveiled

    In their announcement, Therabody introduced the new Coach by Therabody feature, which is now in beta testing. Integrated within the Therabody app, this AI-powered coach can send reminders and create tailored recovery plans. Users can select from various goals like becoming more active, enhancing performance, or alleviating muscle soreness. Additionally, users can link to platforms such as Garmin Connect, Apple Health, Google Health, and Strava, which supply the necessary data to personalize recommendations for recovery video guides.

    Research Using Garmin Data

    Moreover, Therabody intends to analyze data from Garmin smartwatch users to explore the connection between recovery and athletic performance. The company highlights that it will examine metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, activity levels, stress, body battery, and cardiovascular health. However, it is not clear how users can choose to participate or withdraw from this study. Furthermore, the findings from this research seem to be for Therabody’s scientists only; there are no insights provided in the app for regular users at this time.

    Latest App Update

    The Coach by Therabody feature was introduced in the recent app update, version 12.0.0. It’s important to mention that the CoachBeta is exclusively available for owners of the Theragun Pro Plus and Theragun Prime Plus (currently priced at $399 on Amazon). It is still uncertain when this feature will be accessible to a broader audience.

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