Garmin users are voicing fresh frustrations, this time aimed at the company’s advertising push for its new Connect+ subscription service within the Garmin Connect app. This follows the initial wave of criticism Garmin faced after announcing the optional paid tier, which offers enhanced features for a monthly fee.
While the subscription itself was controversial, many users now report seeing persistent and intrusive ads promoting Connect+ throughout the free version of the Connect app. These aren’t just static banners. Users describe pop-ups appearing on the home screen, within specific activity details, and on the challenges tab, sometimes reappearing even after being dismissed.
The constant promotion has sparked annoyance among a vocal segment of the user base, who feel the ads detract from the experience of using an app linked to premium hardware. On forums like Reddit, users shared screenshots and complaints about the frequency and placement of these ads. User Fluffranka commented, “I’ve dismissed it 4 or 5 times at this point. Having it on the homepage is one thing… having it intrusively pop up when I’m looking at my run? That’s another…” Another user, leflic, simply stated, “Every time I open the app it’s there”.
Some users noted they hadn’t seen the ads or found them easy to dismiss, suggesting the experience might vary. From what I can tell based on the discussions, it seems the banners and alerts for Connect+ might not even be all that excessive, however, to users, it seems like Garmin’s just rubbing salt on their wounds. Concerns were also raised about whether Garmin properly declared the app as having in-app purchases on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store following the Connect+ launch.
This new layer of user dissatisfaction highlights the challenge Garmin faces in monetizing its popular platform without alienating its dedicated community, many of whom purchased expensive devices partly for the robust, previously ad-free app experience.
What’s your experience with the app right now? Do you think the prompts to get Connect+ are excessive or not? Let me know in the comments below.
Dwayne Cubbins
807 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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