The article does say that everything that is currently free will remain as such and you are only paying for the “new AI” bullshit.
The issue I have is that it’s too easy to put basic features behind a paywall now.
For example:
“If you start an indoor workout on a smartwatch, you can use the live activity tracker on a compatible smartphone to see real-time heart rate and pace data, workout videos, reps and more in the Connect app.”
I’m already able to see my real-time heart rate, steps, etc. in the Connect app if I do this. Adding a slightly different UI and charging for it seems sleazy.
The AI bullshit is also suspect. The Garmin Cycling Coach already adapts your training based on performance metrics, missed scheduled days, other activities, etc. Are they going to depreciate those features and make them all paid under the “AI” flag? I hope not.
The ONLY thing that justifies subscription is data storage, not stuff that would usually be part of a platform’s offerings as a normal, basic feature.
Even GOPRO is horrifically bad with subscription enshittification. You spent $600 on our camera? Guess what, you’ll need to PAY to have the included app do basic edits! If Garmin decides that only people who do a few activities a week are eligible for a “free tier” and everyone else should pay because they are too active, the entire platform will suck ass like Fitbit.
Yeah - if you have built a payment system and a subscription service, there will be a guy in a suit with a spreadsheet who has calculated that he can earn more money by moving features behind a paywall.
The article does say that everything that is currently free will remain as such and you are only paying for the “new AI” bullshit.
Whilst this may be true initially I dont believe for a minute they won’t slowly start eroding those “free features” going forward.
I like their hardware and the software is alright but I won’t pay a subscription for anything like this.
The issue I have is that it’s too easy to put basic features behind a paywall now.
For example:
“If you start an indoor workout on a smartwatch, you can use the live activity tracker on a compatible smartphone to see real-time heart rate and pace data, workout videos, reps and more in the Connect app.”
I’m already able to see my real-time heart rate, steps, etc. in the Connect app if I do this. Adding a slightly different UI and charging for it seems sleazy.
The AI bullshit is also suspect. The Garmin Cycling Coach already adapts your training based on performance metrics, missed scheduled days, other activities, etc. Are they going to depreciate those features and make them all paid under the “AI” flag? I hope not.
The ONLY thing that justifies subscription is data storage, not stuff that would usually be part of a platform’s offerings as a normal, basic feature.
Even GOPRO is horrifically bad with subscription enshittification. You spent $600 on our camera? Guess what, you’ll need to PAY to have the included app do basic edits! If Garmin decides that only people who do a few activities a week are eligible for a “free tier” and everyone else should pay because they are too active, the entire platform will suck ass like Fitbit.
Yeah - if you have built a payment system and a subscription service, there will be a guy in a suit with a spreadsheet who has calculated that he can earn more money by moving features behind a paywall.