Garmin Owners Now Have To Pay To Unlock Features Thanks To Connect+

Forbes - Mar 27th, 2025

Garmin has launched a new subscription service called Garmin Connect+, introducing advanced features such as AI-powered 'Active Intelligence' insights for $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually. The subscription offers enhanced functionalities like live tracking updates, exclusive challenges, and personalized coaching videos. Garmin assures users that existing free features will remain unchanged, but this move signifies a strategic shift towards monetizing more personalized and enriched user experiences. Key figures like Susan Lyman, Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, highlight the service's potential to enhance user engagement and connectivity.

The introduction of Garmin Connect+ reflects a broader industry trend of integrating AI to provide customized user experiences, akin to Apple's Fitness+. While the service promises added value, concerns linger about the future availability of free features and potential shifts in Garmin’s watch platform offerings. As Garmin develops Connect+, the balance between free and paid content could significantly impact user satisfaction and loyalty. The decision of whether Connect+ justifies its cost remains uncertain, making it a development to watch closely as Garmin navigates this new venture.

Garmin Subscription Services Garmin Connect+ Ai Insights Susan Lyman Smartwatch Features

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Garmin's new service, Garmin Connect+, offering detailed information about its features and pricing. It accurately reports on the key aspects of the service, maintaining a balanced perspective by acknowledging both the benefits and potential concerns for users. The lack of explicit source attribution and transparency about the basis of claims slightly undermines its credibility, though the information aligns with known facts about Garmin's offerings. The article is timely and relevant, addressing current trends in technology and wearable devices. While it engages a niche audience, its impact on broader public opinion is limited. Overall, the article is well-structured and clear, making it accessible to readers interested in the latest developments in wearable technology.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on Garmin's introduction of a paid tier, Garmin Connect+, with specific pricing details ($6.99 per month or $69.99 per year) and a 30-day free trial. These details align with verified sources, ensuring factual accuracy. The description of features such as Enhanced Livetrack, exclusive badges, and AI-generated insights are consistent with Garmin's announcements. However, the article speculates on future limitations of free features, which requires further verification. The story's main claims are well-supported by available information, but some future projections about Garmin's strategy might lack concrete evidence.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of Garmin's new service by outlining both the benefits and potential concerns. It highlights the new features and potential value of Garmin Connect+ while acknowledging user concerns about the future of free features. The article could improve by including perspectives from current Garmin users or industry experts to provide a broader view of the potential impact on consumers. Overall, it maintains a neutral tone, avoiding overt favoritism towards Garmin.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to explain the features and implications of Garmin Connect+. It logically presents the information, making it easy for readers to understand the significance of the new service. The article maintains a neutral tone, contributing to its clarity and readability. However, some technical terms related to the features could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with Garmin's ecosystem.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources or reference specific statements from Garmin's official announcements or external experts. While it appears to be based on accurate information, the lack of direct attribution to credible sources limits the assessment of its reliability. Incorporating statements from Garmin representatives or industry analysts could enhance the credibility of the reporting.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and the methodology behind its claims. It does not clarify how the information was obtained or whether there are any potential conflicts of interest. Providing more context about the basis of the claims and disclosing any affiliations could improve transparency and help readers assess the impartiality of the reporting.