Garmin Introduces Connect+ Subscription – Chase the Summit’s Take
Garmin has launched Garmin Connect+, a paid subscription service for its fitness ecosystem. According to Dave from Chase the Summit, the move was expected given the broader industry trend towards subscription models. Garmin Connect+ costs $6.99 per month or $69 per year in the US, with a 30-day free trial available.
Chase the Summit highlights that the subscription is optional and does not affect the core Garmin Connect features that users currently rely on. However, there are concerns about the long-term implications. He speculates that while the current premium features may not be essential for most users, future developments could shift more functionality behind a paywall. Features like Training Readiness, which Garmin added for free in the past, could have been monetised had Connect+ existed earlier.
Among the new features, Active Intelligence is the most interesting to him. This AI-powered tool aims to provide personalised training and wellness insights based on existing Garmin data. He believes this could be useful, particularly for users unfamiliar with metrics like heart rate variability (HRV). However, he notes that similar AI-driven features from other platforms, such as Strava’s Athlete Intelligence, have not always provided meaningful insights. He also suggests that integrating Active Intelligence into the Morning Report on Garmin devices would enhance its usability.
source @ChaseTheSummit, image links to source
The Performance Dashboard is another addition, allowing users to create custom charts and graphs for better data analysis. While Chase the Summit appreciates its introduction, he expresses disappointment that it is only available on the web portal and not the mobile app. He also believes this feature should have been included in the standard Garmin Connect service rather than locked behind a paywall.
Live Activity is a feature designed for indoor workouts, mirroring real-time metrics from the watch to a phone screen. He sees this as useful for activities like treadmill running or indoor cycling, as it provides easier visibility of key data. However, he questions why it is limited to indoor activities and not extended to outdoor cycling, where it could function as an alternative to a dedicated bike computer.
Enhanced Garmin Coach introduces additional training content and educational videos, but its details remain vague. Chase the Summit is uncertain whether this will offer significant value beyond existing free training plans. Enhanced LiveTrack, another feature within Connect+, allows users to set up automatic notifications for friends and family and provides a personalised URL for tracking activities. While he acknowledges these additions, he raises concerns about privacy settings and whether existing users would find them necessary.
Garmin Connect+ also brings new social features, including profile picture frames and exclusive challenges. However, Chase the Summit personally finds these unimportant and questions their overall appeal.
In conclusion, he sees Garmin Connect+ as an unsurprising move given the industry shift towards subscriptions. While it remains optional, he is concerned about the long-term direction of Garmin’s platform and whether future innovations will remain free. He encourages users to take advantage of the free trial before deciding if the service is worth the cost.