Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Update Suggestion (More of a "Put It Back" Suggestion)

PJB+
over 5 years ago

I hope someone from Garmin sees this and considers the following suggestion. (I could not figure out how to send them an idea)

Please Put Back into Garmin Connect Mobile Android (and iOS) the ability to connect the tracker to the phone via bluetooth without the phone being on WiFi or Data.

Garmin Connect Mobile will not even open without the phone being connected to WiFi or Data. 

I used to pair the tracker and phone while on an activity. I'd upload the information later, when I was near WiFi.

Why Did The Feature Matter To Me?

I did this so I could see the progress of my activity on the phone in Garmin Connect Mobile. I was also able to control the phone's music from the tracker.

Obviously outdoor activities can not happen if one does not have a data plan. (WiFI coverage comes & goes as one runs, walks or rides along.)

Garmin Support confirmed that one must now be on WiFi or Data to even open the Garmin Express Mobile app.

Unfortunately, I chose this tracker over a competitor's unit for the sole purpose of watching my activity's progress on the phone while not on line.

For those of you with Data plans, I wonder how fast the data allotment will be consumed? I also wonder what happens if your cell coverage drops out. Do you lose the activity?

I also hope, if they decide to re-implement the ability to use bluetooth alone that they send e-mal messages to registered owners. I sure won't know since I took Connect Mobile off the phone.

Paul

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago

    I don't think anyone from Garmin reads it. Better to send it on their Ideas page: www.garmin.com/.../

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Thanks for your idea and the helpful link, R. Peter. I'll write to them today. Whether it does any good or not, we can only hope.

    Enjoy Today!

    Paul

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Not sure how you are using your phone as a second screen for progress diring activities but I can still use the app without data or WiFi and connect via Bluetooth while offline as well.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to DrRustyBin

    Thanks for taking time to reply DrRustyBin.

    I think I did not explain well about using the phone for a screen during an activity.

    WiFi = Off  Data = No Data Plan

    I'll use Cycling for an example: When I am going to cycle, I would open Garmin Connect Mobile and pair the phone & tracker via bluetooth. Then, while riding I could look at the phone's screen instead of the tracker to see the activity data (speed, cadence, heart rate & stuff like that.)

    About the music: After pairing the phone & tracker with bluetooth, I could use the tracker to control the music on the phone. 

    After the ride, i could turn on WiFi and sync the tracker to Garmin Connect on line. Or, I could plug the tracker in to the computer and sync, using Garmin Express. That still works.

    If the phone was connected to WiFi, Garmin Express Mobile works fine.

    Part Two

    One day recently the software for Garmin Connect updated. After the update, I could no longer open Garmin Connect Mobile without a WiFi or Data connection. The app simply would not finish opening. I wrote Garmin and they wrote back saying one must be connected to WiFi or Data to use the app. (Remember that I used to be able to use the app with the tracker offline.)

    Part Three

    Today I opened Garmin Express Mobile while connected to WiF for an in-the-house activity. 

    An update came to the Garmin Connect app.  

    After the update, I can now go back to viewing the activity while the phone is not on WiFi or Data.

    I'm happy it is back.

    Thanks Again R Peter & DrRusty Bin for taking time to reply with information. I appreciate it!

    Enjoy This Day,

    Paul