Garmin's Paid Service Enhancement Packages Introduce AI Technology, Proving Practical Utility
Garmin Introduces Garmin Connect+: A Comprehensive Fitness and Training Platform
Garmin has recently unveiled Garmin Connect+, a premium plan aimed at expanding its platform and competing with other fitness and training apps. This new offering includes a range of personalized features and advanced analytics, making it an attractive option for users seeking a comprehensive all-in-one training and health platform.
One of the standout features of Garmin Connect+ is the inclusion of "Active Intelligence insights," which are AI-based features that provide suggestions based on a user's health and activity data history. These insights can help users optimize their training and make informed decisions about their fitness journey.
The premium plan also offers advanced training analytics, such as VO2 max, endurance score, training status, hill score, body battery, and stress and sleep insights. Users can also benefit from personalized training plans for running, cycling, and swimming.
For those who prioritize safety, Garmin Connect+ includes emergency assistance features with direct watch calls and the Garmin Response team (Assistance Plus) for LTE-capable devices. This feature provides professional emergency response coordination, offering peace of mind during outdoor activities.
In comparison, Strava, a popular fitness app known for its social features, offers AI summaries as part of its subscription. However, some users may find the cost of Strava's premium plan, at $12 per month, to be expensive for their usage.
Garmin Connect+, on the other hand, costs $7 per month or $70 per year, making it a more affordable option. The subscription also includes bonus LiveTrack notifications, which allow trusted family and friends to be notified when the user starts a run.
For users already within the Garmin ecosystem, the premium plan offers additional benefits, such as special badges for completing activity challenges, a performance dashboard for comparing progress, and buildable courses for rides and runs.
Garmin is currently offering a 30-day trial for Garmin Connect+, giving users the opportunity to test out the features and decide if it's the right fit for their fitness needs. The author, who is considering switching from Strava to Garmin Connect+, finds the AI summaries in Strava informative and encouraging but finds the cost prohibitive for their usage. They also find the features in Garmin Connect+ to not seem gimmicky in the fitness world.
In summary, Garmin Connect Premium offers a comprehensive training and health platform with advanced analytics, personalized training plans, and safety features, making it ideal for users of Garmin devices seeking comprehensive training support and safety. Strava, on the other hand, focuses more on social fitness, competition, and route discovery, appealing to those motivated by community engagement and race-style segment competition. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize hardware-specific insights and safety or social and competitive features.
