I’m writing to suggest a change to the Connect IQ Store that would benefit both users and developers: Stop hiding incompatible apps and start letting us vote for them.
Currently, if a watch face or widget isn’t compatible with our specific device, it simply doesn’t exist in our search results. While this prevents accidental downloads, it creates a "data blind spot" for developers and a frustrating experience for users who see great apps on social media but can't find them in the store.
The Proposal
1. Toggle for Incompatible Content: Add a filter in the Connect IQ Store to "Show all apps" (clearly grayed out or marked as "Not Compatible").
2. The "Vote for My Device" Button: On the page of an incompatible app, replace the "Download" button with a "Notify me if supported" or "Vote for my [Device Name]" button.
3. Developer Analytics: Provide developers with a dashboard showing which devices have the most "votes."
Why this helps everyone:
• For Developers: It takes the guesswork out of prioritization. If a dev sees 500 people with a Fenix 7 Pro want their watch face, they’ll know it’s worth the effort to port it.
• For Users: It gives us a voice. Instead of feeling "left behind" when a new device launches, we can collectively show there is still a market for older or different hardware.
• For Garmin: It increases engagement within the Connect IQ ecosystem and provides better market research on which devices are most active in the third-party app space.
Let’s turn "Not Compatible" into a roadmap for growth rather than a dead end.