Garmin Connect+: New subscriber-only features arrive for smartwatch users

Garmin has announced the launch of Connect+, a new premium subscription for its smartwatches. The plan will provide users with access to a range of new features and personalized insights in the Garmin Connect smartphone app, available for iOS and Android.

The new Garmin Connect+ features include Active Intelligence, which provides AI-generated insights linked to your health and activity, with accompanying suggestions. The company notes that this tool is currently in beta. Subscribers will gain access to a performance dashboard with customizable graphs showing recent workout statistics. For those who work out indoors, you will be able to link your smartwatch to a compatible smartphone, so you can view metrics like heart rate, pace and reps in real-time. You will also be able to watch workout videos on the larger screen.

Subscribers who use Garmin Run Coach or Garmin Cycling Coach will benefit from “expert training guidance”, content designed to help improve your performance. Users will also be able to share a personalized LiveTrack page with friends and family and trigger text notifications when they start an activity. Plus, there will be a range of exclusive Badge challenges for subscribers.

Garmin makes it clear that the Connect+ plan is only for these new features; all existing data and features in Garmin Connect are still free to use. The new Garmin Connect+ subscription is priced at $6.99/£6.99/€8.99 monthly or $69.99/£69.99/€89.99 annually. It is available for users of all smartwatch models, including the recently released Tactix 8 (curr. $1,399.99 at Amazon).