The Connect IQ Platform is Now Open to Developers

Garmin recently announced that their Connect IQ platform is now open to third-party developers who want to create apps for Garmin products.

In their press release they state,

As a pioneer in the wearable tech space, Garmin has created purpose-driven hardware for an active lifestyle since 2001. With Connect IQ, developers can now take advantage of the features that have made Garmin products an integral part of an active lifestyle:

• GPS Technology: Trusted GPS technology is the foundation of Garmin devices.
• Battery Life: Garmin devices are designed for optimal battery life, so they’re still running when others aren’t.
• Connectivity: Garmin devices are vastly extendable through BLE and ANT+.
• Autonomy: Garmin devices are fully functional on their own expanding their utility and use cases.
• Durability: Garmin products are built to last, and can endure the demanding conditions that an active lifestyle may bring.

It will be interesting to see how developers use Connect IQ. People that use Garmin products are generally more interested in function over design (that’s not to say design isn’t important) so developers will have to come up with interesting and unique apps and widgets for Garmin fitness trackers and watches.

Keep an eye out in early 2015 for Garmin devices running Connect IQ.