So far, nothing is being paywalled, but it feels like the end of an era.
(The hardware has impressively long lifespans, too.)
I signed up for Connect+ to see whats inside, so lets take a look.
Subscription details
The newConnect+ subscriptioncosts $6.99/month or $69.99/year.
Connect+ is not Garmins first subscription offering, by the way.
To test this out, I did a few quick workouts on myGarmin Forerunner 265S.
I started the workout on my watch.
I tapped it, and there was the same workout I was doing on the watch.
There you’re free to see an exercise video (or a rest timer, if appropriate).
Swipe again, and youll see your heart rate zone.
Whats in the Performance Dashboard
One of Garmins better-kept secrets is its web dashboard.
You canlog in hereand view all your activities and dataessentially a web view of everything thats in the app.
The Performance Dashboard is a new item in the sidebar of the web dashboard.
To set it up:
Mouse over the black sidebar at the left side of the screen.
SelectPerformance Dashboard, which I see as the last blue item, just under Reports.
ClickAdd dashboard, and choose whether you want a running, cycling, multisport, or custom dashboard.
(you’re able to have more than one.)
The Performance Dashboard is definitely a better tool if youre looking to really nerd out about your data.
It gives me a bar chart with one bar per month.
There are also more options for types of data you’re able to view.
Do you know how your watch will ask you at the end of each run how hard it felt?
you might now see that on a graph called perceived effort over time.
But I did it, dear readers.
Unfortunately, theres not much to say at the moment.
My recent runs dont have any AI commentary attached.
As I was finishing up this article, I noticed that I now have a home screen insight.
It tells me that I achieved 255 intensity minutes this week, exceeding my goal of 150.
(I guess I set a goal for that at some point?
(you might also give a custom response.)
Ill keep an eye on these notes and report back as the AI gets to know me better.
This also allows your data to be used as training data for the AI.
I asked Garmin if this means that the AI isonlytrained on people who opt-in.
A spokesperson confirmed: We only train with data from users who have consented.
Garmin has a briefAI transparency policyhere.
