Garmin was one of the few platforms that did NOT require a subscription, so it became an attractive option. Their "free" Connect features were often justified by the higher price of their hardware, so paying a premium for hardware and a premium for basic features seems like enshittification.
this post was submitted on 27 Mar 2025
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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 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.
Oh fuck off with all this AI bullshit.
I guess this is the first step to them enshittifying their eco system and slowly pushing towards making everyone pay a subscription like Strava did.
I guess after over 15 years I'll be moving away from Garmin for my next watch, there is a dire need for a good FOSS activity tracker in the space.
I was moving away from my Garmin watch for a variety of reasons, but this might be the nail in the coffin if they introduce or restrict their free offering.
Gadgetbridge might work but I don't know if it will sync with bike computers as well...
I guess after over 15 years I’ll be moving away from Garmin for my next watch, there is a dire need for a good FOSS activity tracker in the space.
There's a foss app that can interface with some smartwatches, and going with a FOSS activity tracker is pretty easy as it stands (including with sensor support).
If you have a garmin bike computer, you could just run it "offline" and transfer the recorded activities to the FOSS software of your choice.
But I would love to see more open source, self-hosted, foss options for fitness trackers, bike computers, and smartwatches.
Any names for these so I can look into them? Cheers!
Hardware wise I'm not going to be replacing this garmin watch until it is run into the ground though as that would just be wasteful and it works just fine :D
I've used GadgetBridge in the past.
As for training apps, fitotrack or opentracks are fairly popular, but there are others depending on what activities you do.
Interestingly enough, Osmand added sensor support, so it could be used as a bike computer since it also logs rides.
Thank you! Time for some research I think!
This is my last Garmin device and I will never buy a new one unless Garmin remove the subscription plans.
My phone with organic maps is all I need.