As some of you have already noticed, we've released Connect IQ 1.1.0 today! There's a lot of new and exciting that I want to discuss, and clearly the best way to discuss it was in the form of a Buzzfeed-style list-icle.
1. Apps and Widgets
A 920 beta and Fenix 3 release with much improved support for apps and widgets. Your apps should have full access to the Connect IQ APIs like Ant, ActivityRecording, Communication, Attention, Communications, and Position. Apps show up in their app launcher, and widgets appear in the widget loop. You can install and manage them from Garmin Connect Mobile and Garmin Express.
2. Connectivity
Connect IQ 1.1.0 includes the SDK's for allowing a watch app to communicate with a partner phone app for iOS and Android. It also supports the Communications.makeJsonRequest API. We have not included makeImageRequest yet, as we're still working on having makeImageRequest communicate at a reasonable speed. These APIs open up the potential for connected widgets and apps. Look at the weather and comm samples for a simple example of how to use these APIs.
One thing to keep in mind - the BLE connection between the watch and the phone transmits at less than a kilobyte a second; it's not so much a "pipe" as it is a "straw". For best performance, it's best if you communicate just essential information between the two devices.
3. App Store
I love the content that has been uploaded to the app store so far. It's been great to see the watch faces and data fields that have been uploaded. We've uploaded some new apps and widgets for you to try to the app store. Some improvement are coming to the App Store soon. We're making it easier to find new content, and for the content to come to the front faster.
4. Devices
The Fenix 3 and the VivoActive will be hitting shelves any moment now, and they will support Connect IQ out of the box. The 920 beta is now available at buy.garmin.com and will allow you to write all four app types now.
Also, lots of fixes. Compiler fixes, VM fixes, Plug in fixes...
This release is the work of the Connect IQ team, the device teams, the Connect Mobile and Express teams, and the App Store team. We have been watching the forums, and we have been collecting your feedback and tried to address as many issues as we could. We also want you to continue to share your issues with us; your feedback is important! We're committed to making Connect IQ the best wearable SDK out there.
Have a good weekend, and happy developing.
-Alpha Monkey
