Garmin Ltd. and GoPro: Enhancing the Connect IQ Store with New Watchfaces and Apps
Garmin Ltd. has long been a prominent player in the world of GPS technology and wearable devices, but its third-party app store, Connect IQ, has not always enjoyed the same level of acclaim. Historically, the Connect IQ store has lagged behind competitors like Apple and Samsung in terms of both quantity and quality of available apps. However, recent updates signal a significant shift in Garmin’s strategy to enhance its app ecosystem. As of today, Garmin users can now make purchases in the Connect IQ store using Garmin Pay, a move that promises to streamline the user experience and attract more developers to the platform. This update also brings new watchfaces and a highly anticipated GoPro app, marking a substantial improvement in the store’s offerings.
Previously, downloading apps from the Connect IQ store was a cumbersome process, with no straightforward method for purchasing non-free apps. The introduction of Garmin Pay as a payment option addresses this issue head-on, making it easier for users to acquire premium content. While the number of apps in Connect IQ remains relatively low compared to other app stores, today’s announcement introduces some high-profile names to the mix. Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars-themed watchfaces are now available, alongside offerings from Porsche and golf brand Taylormade. Additionally, space-themed watchfaces have been added, providing users with a diverse array of customization options for their smartwatches.
One of the most exciting additions to the Connect IQ store is the new GoPro camera control app. This app allows Garmin users to control their GoPro cameras directly from their watches, offering commands such as start/stop recording and changing camera modes. Users can also save presets and connect multiple GoPro cameras to the app, although only one can be controlled at a time. The app is available for a one-time fee of $5.99 USD, and while some may balk at the price, the functionality it offers is likely to be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers who rely on both Garmin and GoPro devices.
The integration of premium watchfaces and apps into the Connect IQ store is a strategic move by Garmin to compete with the advanced fitness tracking features offered by Apple and Samsung. By providing users with more options for personalizing their devices, Garmin aims to enhance the overall user experience and encourage greater engagement with its ecosystem. Notably, the Connect IQ store now features watchfaces and apps from well-known brands, including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Porsche, and Taylormade. These offerings are available for select Garmin smartwatches and are priced starting at $4.99, a price point that may be considered steep by some users, especially when compared to the wider variety of free watchfaces available on competing platforms.
Despite these advancements, Garmin’s app store still faces challenges in terms of attracting developers and expanding its catalog. Unlike Google, Samsung, and Apple, which offer extensive libraries of apps and watchfaces, Garmin’s Connect IQ store remains relatively small. However, the addition of big-name brands and the ability to make purchases using Garmin Pay are steps in the right direction. Garmin’s Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, Dan Bartel, has expressed excitement about the potential for the Connect IQ marketplace to grow and evolve, rewarding developers while giving customers more options for their connected devices.
The Connect IQ store also includes practical options beyond watchfaces, such as the ability to control a GoPro camera from a Garmin watch. This functionality is particularly appealing to users who engage in outdoor activities and need a hands-free way to manage their cameras. The official GoPro camera control app has been praised for its stability and implementation, although there are concerns about the possibility of Garmin charging for features that should be free in the future. Nonetheless, the app’s current capabilities, including mode control, recording, highlight marking, and preset changes, make it a valuable addition to the Connect IQ store.
Garmin’s efforts to enhance the Connect IQ store extend beyond just adding new apps and watchfaces. The company has also made improvements to the overall user experience, making it easier for customers to discover and download content. The Connect IQ SDK (Software Development Kit) allows developers to create solutions and applications for millions of Garmin customers worldwide, and the ability to monetize these creations through the Connect IQ platform provides an incentive for more developers to participate. Garmin’s media team is available to provide additional information for those interested in learning about monetizing their apps, and the company regularly updates its LinkedIn page with news and updates related to the Connect IQ store.
In addition to the new watchfaces and the GoPro app, Garmin has recently added YouTube Music to the Connect IQ store, allowing users to play music directly from their watches. This addition further enhances the multimedia capabilities of Garmin devices, making them more versatile and appealing to a broader audience. The ability to access popular music streaming services directly from a smartwatch is a feature that has become increasingly important to consumers, and Garmin’s inclusion of YouTube Music is a welcome development.
While Garmin’s Connect IQ store still has room for growth, the recent updates represent a significant step forward. The addition of premium watchfaces and apps from well-known brands, the integration of Garmin Pay for purchases, and the inclusion of practical tools like the GoPro camera control app all contribute to a more robust and user-friendly app ecosystem. As Garmin continues to refine and expand the Connect IQ store, it is likely to attract more developers and offer an even wider range of content for its users.
Looking ahead, Garmin’s focus on enhancing the Connect IQ store is likely to play a crucial role in its ongoing competition with other smartwatch makers. By offering unique and high-quality content, Garmin can differentiate itself from competitors and provide a compelling reason for consumers to choose its devices. The company’s commitment to improving the user experience and providing valuable tools for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike will be key to its success in the wearable technology market.
In conclusion, Garmin Ltd.’s recent updates to the Connect IQ store mark a significant improvement in the company’s app ecosystem. The introduction of Garmin Pay for purchases, the addition of premium watchfaces and apps from well-known brands, and the inclusion of practical tools like the GoPro camera control app all contribute to a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience. While there is still room for growth, these updates represent a positive step forward for Garmin and its users. As the company continues to enhance the Connect IQ store, it is likely to attract more developers and offer an even wider range of content, further solidifying its position in the competitive wearable technology market.