Using bluetooth feautures requires uploading data

(Skip this if you're fine with uploading your data to Connect)

A warning for those who consider ordering a new Fenix 5(X) and expect to be able to use any of the Bluetooth-related functionality (notifications, weather, ephemeris data updates, IQ appstore access, firmware updates) without uploading their data to Connect: it is now official, it is not possible anymore.

Garmin have changed the privacy agreement such that it now explicitly states this clearly: "If your Garmin device has Bluetooth capability and you connect it to the Garmin Connect Mobile app, then the activity data on your Garmin device will automatically be uploaded to your Garmin Connect account." See: new privacy agreement

For the Epix and Fenix 3 there are (partial) workarounds, but as there is no way to know in advance if those will work for the 5(X).

NB the forced uploading is not only a problem for those who don't want data in Connect, it is also bothersome for people who don't have good data connectivity (bad cellular coverage leads to the phone transmitting on full power at every sync, draining the phone's battery quickly).

0 tickerguy over 8 years ago

It has been basically impossible to avoid for quite some time; this appears to be a clarification of what was already going on, not an actual change.

0 Bit over 8 years ago

True, the change was done in April 2016. The old privacy statement was quite ambiguous though, leaving room for hopes that the change would be reverted.

0 JonathonBellman over 8 years ago

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the issue with this?

0 Bit over 8 years ago

There are technical (see example above, phone battery usage in some circumstances), practical and other issues. But it is not about these issues themselves. If you don't have problems with syncing that's perfectly fine and I hope you will enjoy the Fenix 5(X) a lot!

It's just that some people were very disappointed with their Fenix 3 because of the limited use they get out of their device when they don't want to upload. Before April 2016 there was a choice to upload or not.

And while a Fenix 3 is still usable without Bluetooth (just no connected features), a Fenix 5 may or may not be used in the same way, only time will tell. All I'm saying is: if you have an issue with the inevitable syncing, wait before you order.

BTW I am a happy user of a Fenix 3 without using Connect Mobile, I process all data myself, and I hope very much to be able to use the 5X in the same way.