Garmin Connect gets additional functions for a fee

Garmin has announced a subscription for its fitness platform Garmin Connect. Garmin Connect+ will cost 9 euros per month and provide additional functions in the smartphone app, according to the company, which was founded in Switzerland.

In principle, Garmin Connect will remain free of charge and users will still be able to use all the features offered to date. However, Garmin is integrating some new features into the Connect+ subscription that were not previously available. For example, the company is touting "Active Intelligence" as a major innovation, an AI function that will provide personalized insights and suggestions throughout the day based on health and activity data. User data should remain secure, Garmin emphasizes, without going into further details.

Another new feature of Garmin Connect+ is a performance dashboard where users can view and edit graphs to get a more accurate impression of their training progress. With a smartphone and smartwatch, it should also be possible to view heart rate and speed data in real time thanks to extended live tracking.

Live tracking and gamification

The app can also be automated so that it sends a text message to friends or family when activities are started. Such social features are designed to motivate people to do more sport. Garmin supports this in Connect+ with some gamification gimmicks such as challenges that can be used to unlock badges.

Garmin Connect+ can be subscribed to on a monthly basis for 9 euros. The company also offers an annual subscription for 90 euros at –, a saving of 16 percent compared to monthly payments over a year. The Garmin Connect app can be downloaded for iOS and Android devices. The subscription can be booked immediately via the apps. In addition to Garmin, competitors such as Apple and Huawei also offer additional features for their fitness trackers for a fee.

(dahe)