Update firmware for Zwift Cog compatibility

I’m a bit confused why Garmin has to do anything at all. Isn’t virtual gearing just Zwift sending different resistance levels to the trainer? I don’t think the control interface is that sophisticated. 

Maybe some firmware updates to smooth out the suffen changes you’d see from shifting, but seems extra to me. 

Is it possible that Zwift has just partnered with Wahoo to make this feature exclusive to their products (perhaps as part of them dropping the lawsuit). I feel like Zwift is the one that has to enable it.

Something to consider. 

There is a thread on the Zwift side as well: 
https://forums.zwift.com/t/virtual-shifting-for-taxc-neo-2t/632252

What I understand:
It seems that Zwift has implemented the virtual shifting on a special protocol that should be implemented in the turbo trainer firmware. They will certainly have implemented a new protocol because the existing protocols aren't responsive enough. 

Let's wait for Garmin and Zwift to resolve this problem. We can only affirm our interest in a fast solution :-)

The Zwift Virtual Shifting via the Cog is not exclusive to the Wahoo product line of Smart Trainers, there is a list on the Zwift web site of the Smart Trainer companies whose products are Virtual Shifting compatible. 

Over the last few months, I reached out to Garmin via many media and no answer giving. I was told the usual "submit an idea". I did that.
When I then watched the EuroBike review of the "entry level" JetBlack Victory, my decision was then made.

As Garmin have shown no indication of releasing firmware, I made the decision to sell my Neo 2T with motion plates and I have since sold it.

I went ahead and bought the JetBlack Victory, before GP Lama released his production review.

The brand seems great and their previous trainers seem to be durable and reliable.

I am willing to take a €450 "risk" on this brand/product.

I hope for those that stayed with their Neo's, Garmin do release an update to enable some of the latest features other trainers now provide. 

I plan on purchasing a Tacx Neo 3M, and have been patiently waiting for Garmin to release an announcement stating their intentions with regard to Zwift Virtual Shifting compatibility. 

What does this news mean?

zwiftinsider.com/.../

Zwift version 1.76 begins its phased rollout today.

(This release may seem a bit light – just a route badge and some bug fixes – but it’s worth mentioning that there are additional in-game changes and important updates from trainer companies rolling out in the near term (some this week!) that we can’t discuss yet since they are under embargo. Watch this space for news as it comes available…)

Hello all, and thanks for your participation on this topic. For questions about Zwift's physical "Cog" compatibility or other Zwift hardware offerings, I'd encourage you to contact Zwift for details.

As for virtual shifting, I cannot guarantee future updates or functionality, but we are exploring the opportunity to bring added value to our customers. 

I'm using a neo 2 se and I am too concerned about virtual shifting.

I don't need the cog as I can just get a straight chainline with the cassette and would enjoy virtual shifting.

More and more brands are releasing compatible firmwares.

Elite with the justo and rather old direto xr

Wahoo with kickr, core etc

Now Decathlon which is pretty entry level and has relased compatibility with virtual shifting.

Jetblack victory which is having great reviews especially at its price point.

So Garmin can you just release a firmware to neo users, so we can have the same features most other brands are providing nowadays.

I have zero confidence they will add it to the 2T. They might add it to the 3m line but Garmin has shown very little support for older products across other lines. They just announced new features for the 1050 computer that could easily be on the 1040 but they’ve chosen not to, despite saying they would.

They do seem to have infinite resources when it comes to redesigning the UI of their products. 

I bought a Victory in the second presale round last week.

Well I'll be patient and will wait a bit more to see if garmin/tacx update the firmwares to bring virtual shifting.

If not...I'll sell the tacx and will get a jetblack victory.

And I may use that opportunity to leave the garmin bandwagon.

And may turn to coros for watch since they provide a super long support/add features.

Time will tell what I'll do accordingly to garmin decision.