Garmin Announces Free Update to Display Live Heart Rate on Cirqa Band Following Heavy Criticism
Garmin swiftly mitigates backlash after Cirqa Band users complained about the real-time heart rate viewing feature being locked behind a $6.99 per month subscription, preparing a free update to roll out in the coming days.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Garmin has launched the Cirqa, a $199.99 screenless smart band, highlighting its subscription-free selling point.
- Users encountered issues where the real-time heart rate monitoring feature during workouts was restricted to Garmin Connect+.
- A Garmin representative confirmed plans to release a mobile app update making it free for all users within the next few days.
- Other advanced features such as Garmin Coach and nutrition tracking will still require a subscription as before.
Garmin recently launched the Cirqa, its first screenless smart band priced at $199.99, positioning it in the market as a zero-monthly-fee competitor to Whoop. However, the promise of a subscription-free experience quickly hit a snag following its release this week, as users began voicing concerns that certain basic workout features were limited exclusively to Garmin Connect+ subscribers, particularly the live heart rate display during exercise.
Real-world testing revealed that users wishing to check their current heart rate during a workout needed to subscribe to Garmin Connect+ for $6.99 per month. Without paying, users could only view the average heart rate after completing their workout, making real-time monitoring during exercise impossible.
This incident serves as a significant case study in the wearable fitness tech industry, where manufacturers frequently attempt to generate recurring revenue through subscriptions. However, tying a fundamental feature like workout heart rate monitoring to a paid add-on instantly triggers consumer dissatisfaction, especially since competing devices like the Polar Loop or Amazfit Helio Strap offer this feature for free out of the box.
Fortunately, Garmin responded swiftly to the criticism, with a company representative clarifying in an interview that the firm is rolling out a live heart rate display system for activities via a new Garmin Connect Mobile update. This subscription-free feature will be available to Cirqa Smart Band customers in the next few days.
"We'll be rolling out live heart rate during activities in the next Garmin Connect Mobile build. This subscription-free feature will be available in the next few days to Cirqa Smart Band customers."
Garmin Representative
Although the heart rate issue was quickly resolved, several advanced features still require a Garmin Connect subscription, such as Garmin Coach for personalized training plans, nutrition tracking, meditation, and breathwork. Additionally, when asked about future directions regarding its zero-fee commitment, Garmin stated that features currently offered for free will never be moved behind a paywall. Any future paid packages will strictly introduce brand-new supplementary features.
Source: Lifehacker
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