[Feature Request] WiFi API

Are there any plans for controlling WiFi (for supported devices) from Connect IQ app?
Add the same ability to request json from internet resource, but without required connection to Connect IQ mobile and bluetooth.
Advantages: more quick load of app info, saving phone battery, comfort with sync data (when phone isn't connected to internet).

Brandon.ConnectIQ over 9 years ago

An on-watch setting to connect to WiFi without using Garmin Connect Mobile or Express is a firmware-related thing, and outside of what Connect IQ can address. Some devices, like the fenix 3, do have this capability.

Former Member over 7 years ago

No updates on this for a long time. But as a new and almost happy forerunner 935 owner I would also really like to be able to use WIFI for http request. I understand the concern about battery life but why can't WIFI be the (optional) fallback if no internet connection via BLE is available?
Actually battery life and WIFI where some of the major reasons for buying that particular watch. So now I had to learn that I still need to carry my phone around to be able to control may smart things thats sad ... especially because the BLE connection is not as stable as I would like it to be.

mbell-SVK over 7 years ago

+1 for WiFi API (because it would be great to have chance to get rid of mobile phone
when within a range of wireless network and get e.g. weather updates)

a1234.garmin over 7 years ago

I'd suggest to answer with the power consumption graphs. Wi-Fi is a hundred times energy greedy technology. I vote for -1 for this feature, until you invent battery with x3 capacity with the same size.

Former Member over 6 years ago

+1 for Wi-Fi API

I do not understand why power consumption is an issue. In my use case I do want to open my door using WiFi after finishing a run. The activity gets uploaded by WiFi immediately (so much for precious battery power) but I have to wait outside until the forerunner will (or will not) find the phone behind the door... this makes me sad 3-4 times a week.

Why can't you just make it very clear to the user that in case he turns on WiFi for connect IQ apps this will have an impact on his battery life.

TheGeekRider over 6 years ago in reply to Brandon.ConnectIQ

I get your point but on the other hand... there is absolutely zero added value for using a smartwatch if you are dependant on a phone being connected unless you want to use a sensor on the watch apart from the HR sensor because that can be easily replaced by a HR chest strap, which I guess most people use anyway since they are way more accurate.

So the reasoning makes senses from a marketing standpoint but there is an alternative as well.
Add a developer option that unlocks the wifi as well and have it state in no uncertain terms that this is at your own risk.

At least that would allow developers to use the feature while still protecting the people that have no clue how their devices work.
But I am old enough to realize that companies rather limit knowledgeable people to prevent other people to blame their own ignorance on the company/brand :D

jim_m_58 over 6 years ago in reply to TheGeekRider

If there is a wifi connection, things like makeWebRequest will use that today. Same with LTE. OAuth needs the phone though, as you need that to interact.

Coleman.Apps over 6 years ago

Hey Folks,

It's been a long time in the works, but we've finally opened this up a bit. With the announcement of the 3.1.0 Beta SDK we have finally brought WiFi syncing to Connect IQ. Here is the SDK announcement: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/developer/connect-iq-3-1-beta-now-available/