It’s great to acknowledge that Garmin does offer a watch comparison function, a feature that’s incredibly helpful for users navigating their extensive product range. However, while the comparison tool is a step in the right direction, there’s significant room for improvement, particularly in feature filtering capabilities. Currently, the filtering system falls short when trying to narrow down options based on specific features that are actually displayed during watch comparison.
One key area where this limitation becomes apparent is with features like VO2 max for cycling. While users might expect to filter Garmin watches based on VO2 max support, especially for cycling activities, the current filtering options don’t seem to accommodate this. For instance, when comparing models like the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 965, and Fenix 7, the comparison tool highlights VO2 max for running and trail running, but notably omits VO2 max for cycling. This raises questions about whether Garmin is phasing out or simply obscuring the availability of VO2 max measurement for cycling activities in their newer devices. Historically, Garmin devices have supported this metric, as evidenced by user screenshots showcasing VO2 max data for cycling within Garmin Connect.
This leads to a broader point about artificial feature limitations within Garmin’s product line. It’s common practice in the software industry to gate certain functionalities, often offering users the option to unlock premium features through in-app purchases or upgrades. The ability to connect a Garmin watch to a cycling power meter via a downloadable Garmin IQ app suggests that the hardware may indeed be capable of supporting VO2 max measurement for cycling, even on models where it’s not explicitly advertised. It prompts the thought that Garmin could potentially offer such features as add-ons, enhancing the versatility of their devices. While hardware limitations might exist for certain models like the Forerunner 245, clearer communication about these constraints at the point of purchase would significantly improve user satisfaction.
To address these issues and enhance the user experience, Garmin should prioritize improvements to the filtering system within their webshop. The filtering options should comprehensively reflect all the features presented in the watch comparison tool. Crucially, adding VO2 max for cycling as a filterable feature would greatly benefit cyclists and triathletes seeking this specific metric. Alternatively, providing a public API would empower developers to create custom watch selection tools. Analyzing the network inspector in the web browser reveals the existence of a Garmin API, as illustrated by the solar charging filter example: https://www.garmin.com/c/api/getProducts?FILTER_FEATURE_SOLAR_CHARGING=true&categoryKey=10002&locale=en-US&storeCode=US&appName=www-category-pages. Expanding this API to include filters for features like VO2 max would open up possibilities for more refined watch selection processes.
Another aspect to consider is the limitation on sport selections based on watch model. For example, the Forerunner 245 restricts users from selecting sports like cross-country skiing or pickleball. Ideally, the webshop filtering should also allow users to filter watches based on supported sports. A user-centric approach would be to enable all Garmin watches to support all sports available on platforms like Strava, where many users upload their training data. This would streamline the user experience and eliminate artificial limitations based on device tier.
In conclusion, while Garmin’s watch comparison tool is a valuable asset, focusing on enhancing feature filtering, improving transparency regarding feature limitations, and potentially expanding API access would significantly elevate the user experience. Addressing these points would make the process of choosing the perfect Garmin watch more intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring customers can confidently select a device that truly meets their needs.
