Garmin Introduces Connect+ Subscription – the5krunner’s Take
Garmin has launched Garmin Connect+, a paid subscription service for its fitness ecosystem. Garmin Connect+ costs $6.99 per month or $69 per year in the US, with a 30-day free trial available.
Garmin’s introduction of Connect+, a new subscription service, has ignited a firestorm of debate within the fitness community. The move, which places new premium features behind a paywall, has been met with skepticism and concern. While Garmin maintains that existing free features will remain accessible, the introduction of Connect+ raises questions about the company’s long-term strategy. The $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annual fee unlocks features like Garmin Active Intelligence, Live Activity View, Customizable Performance Dashboards, and enhanced Training Guidance. However, the initial reception has been far from enthusiastic.
Source Garmin.com
Many, including prominent voices like @the5krunner, argue that this is a misstep, predicting a gradual shift towards more features being locked behind subscriptions. The initial rollout of AI Insights has been criticized for its basic and seemingly irrelevant information, failing to live up to the “intelligence” moniker. Live Activity, while a welcome addition for some, is limited by its reliance on a Garmin watch, excluding those who primarily use their phones. Similarly, the Live Track Enhancements, Training Guidance, and Performance Dashboard have been deemed underwhelming, with many arguing that these features either should be free or are easily replicated by readily available online resources. The creation of premium badges and challenges has also drawn ire, with concerns that it creates an unfair advantage for paying users and potentially excludes minorities from community-driven events.
The value proposition of Connect+ is further questioned by the perceived lack of innovation in the current features. The Performance Dashboard is described as basic, failing to provide the in-depth analysis expected from a “performance” tool. The AI implementation is considered far behind competitors like Whoop, which already offers conversational AI and more sophisticated insights. Overall, the subscription is seen as overpriced and lacking in genuine value.
Despite the initial backlash, there are predictions that Garmin will expand and improve Connect+ over time. It’s anticipated that Active Intelligence will evolve into a conversational AI, offering personalized insights and advice. Coaching Guidance is expected to broaden its scope to include multisport training and more tailored recommendations. Garmin is also predicted to introduce more exclusive badges and challenges for subscribers, potentially leveraging new connectivity technologies like 5G and satellite for Live Track Enhancements. The Performance Dashboard is expected to transform into a comprehensive analytics platform, and the Live Activity feature may evolve into a Fitness+/Peloton-like service, possibly through strategic acquisitions. Ultimately, Connect+ is seen as a clear signal that Garmin is moving towards a subscription-based model, with a focus on building in-house features rather than relying on third-party integrations. While the initial reception has been negative, the future of Garmin Connect+ remains uncertain, with the potential for significant improvements and expansions.