F7 Series - lack of Feature Update compared to FR x55/x65

2260507 said:

I understand some features are kept for the latest gen, but some things that are missing is just ridiculous.

What's the most idiotic thing? Apart from any functions strictly in the watch UI, Garmin doesn't have to change ANYTHING in the watch software to enable Strength Workouts in the Fenix ​​7. It's strictly a server-side function.

If they know that it's not worth it for them to transfer the UI functions from the "new" system to the Fenix ​​7, then why don't they want to enable at least that?

2529455 said:

The Fenix 7 on the other hand is no longer actively being sold

Not true. As socorsu pointed out in another thread, Garmin still sells its Pro, Tactix and MARQ models on their website:

• F7X Pro --> 900€ (https://www.garmin.com/fr-FR/p/866230/pn/010-02778-11)
• Epix Pro --> 1150€ (https://www.garmin.com/fr-FR/p/884088/pn/010-02804-30)
• Tactix 7 --> 1300€ (https://www.garmin.com/fr-FR/p/1297277/pn/010-02931-01)
• Marq Commander --> 3250€ (https://www.garmin.com/fr-FR/p/1765781/pn/010-03393-31)

Your entire premise falls apart when this is taken into account. 

2529455 said:

My own take is that my watch still has all of its features that it had at launch.

Not true. Few features were removed by later software updates, there were threads about it on this forum in which users complained and asked Garmin about it, never received reply. 

Also, you conveniently skip over the fact that Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro stopped receiving meaningful feature updates only 18 months after release. 

gaterobs said:

What's the most idiotic thing? Apart from any functions strictly in the watch UI, Garmin doesn't have to change ANYTHING in the watch software to enable Strength Workouts in the Fenix ​​7. It's strictly a server-side function.

If they know that it's not worth it for them to transfer the UI functions from the "new" system to the Fenix ​​7, then why don't they want to enable at least that?

Of course it's not a technical limitation. They could port everything bar the diving/voice features from the Fenix 8 and put it onto the Forerunner 165 if they wanted to. It's running the very same SoC with the same on die RAM. It's pure a business limitation.

They won't bring the feature into the Fenix 7 because they need to give you an incentive to upgrade to the Fenix 8. The fact that we're here wishing that the Fenix 7 had automated strength workouts demonstrates that the strategy is working, unless enough of us give up and opt to buy Apple Watches instead, but the sales figures aren't bearing that out, so Garmin pushes on.

Vizi said:

As socorsu pointed out in another thread, Garmin still sells its Pro, Tactix and MARQ models on their website

Sorry, which of those is the Fenix 7? I'm only seeing 7 Pros in your list. My claim was the 7 isn't being sold.

Vizi said:

Also, you conveniently skip over the fact that Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro stopped receiving meaningful feature updates only 18 months after release.

Ok man, youre kinda being annoying at this point because you're straight up intentionally refusing to read what I'm posting and you're just looking for a fight.

So, here we go again... one more time...

Garmin seem to randomly add features when they're looking for market realignment on a given device that they're STILL SELLING (ie when they want to match new features on a Coros or Apple Watch).

Garmin also cut appear to cut off new features when they want to promote an upgrade to a new model. This is particularly apparent in the Fenix line where we see a rapid iteration of new models and thus a rapid grandfathering of older models which might only be 12-18 months old.

They likely don't want to be explicit about how long they're going to provide new features on a device because they want to retain the freedom to re-align and grandfather stock at will. It gives them the ultimate flexibility to dictate when the revenue tap is turned on.

They want you to lust for and upgrade to that that new model when it launches. This internal tension that you're feeling.. the whole topic of this thread.. is a demonstration that the tactic is working. You want those features and I'm sure many of you really want to upgrade and are upset that you weren't granted at least a couple more years of having "the current thing".

It only stops working when enough people get annoyed that they either check out of the upgrade cycle completely (ie my situation) or they switch brands.

And with that I'm done. I can't explain what I think is going on in any clearer way. I don't want to fight, only share my thoughts, so I'm out. Yes it's sh*t what's going on, but it seems to be working for Garmin given the sales figures.

My advice is this: You have an excellent device in the Fenix 7 or 7 Pro. It'll take you on some sensational adventures and support you in whatever fitness goals you might have. Lodge your discontent with Garmin support about their rapid grandfathering but then focus on using what you currently have to its fullest capabilities. It's far more capable than what most of us actually need anyway. Life's too short to be perpetually angst filled about the small stuff.

All the best and adios.

Vizi said:

Not true. Few features were removed by later software updates, there were threads about it on this forum in which users complained and asked Garmin about it, never received reply. 

They aren't removed, they are broken beyond repair, to the point they were simply turned off /erased from the newer code/. There are tons of complaints regarding non-working properly features causing either incomplete or incorrect data or crashing the watch rendering to corrupt data/training status. 

I cannot understand why its so hard for these people to fix these things once and for all. Every firmware introduces new problems while fixing the existing ones. This is not disappointing, this is complete lack of responsibility towards the customers.

I am well aware of Garmin's business model, which is why I said in one of my previous posts: "The company has prioritized short-term profit over user satisfaction." Which you disagreed with. 

You cherry pick and try to explain why it is normal that Garmin does this to Fenix 7, but when confronted with the fact that they do the same for Fenix 7 Pro only 18 months after release, you react as if that is not relevant because you did not mention it. I know you did not, which is why I sad that you conveniently skip talking about Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro.

I have no expectations from Garmin, since they employ this business model. However, I consider transparency about this kind of practice important and relevant for existing and future users. Profit excuses for this behavior and such short feature-updates for premium watches do not justify this practice. Many users were led to believe by community and reviewers that Garmin sets the standard in long-term support, yet this trend directly contradicts that reputation.