Garmin Connect got two major updates this week, the first of which allows you to set a primary device as your overall activity monitor then feed activity from other Garmin devices to that screen. For example, say you head out for a ride using an Edge 1000 then switch to the Vivosmart HR for the rest of the day. Garmin Connect will capture the ride data and then add that activity to the cumulative total shown on the Vivosmart HR, putting your ride and steps all in one convenient place. That saves you from having to check the app to see if you’re hitting your goals. And if you’re switching to a Garmin device from some other brand activity tracker, it’ll now help import that data to your Connect history. Get the full list of compatible devices here.
To track your whereabouts, they’ve partnered with Strava to let that brand’s Beacon system run through Garmin Connect. You’ll still need a Strava Premium account to make it work, but now you won’t have to run Strava and your Garmin device simultaneously just to take advantage of both features. Just set up up to three contacts in your Connect profile and hit share and they’ll receive a text message that lets them see where you are on a map in real time. The feature works on Garmin Edge 520 / 820 / 1000, Edge Explore 820, Forerunner 230 / 235 / 630 / 735XT, and Fenix while running Garmin’s automatic LiveTrack sessions on Garmin Connect Mobile.
Now, if only it could track those macros…