Garmin Connect IQ Developers Summit
Today Garmin welcomed developers from around the world as they congregate at the Garmin headquarters for the first annual Connect IQ Developer Summit. Over the course of the next two days, developers will be briefed on the exciting new features being rolled out in Connect IQ 2.3 and they’ll participate in hands-on workshops and breakout sessions with Garmin product managers and engineers. In conjunction with the Developer Summit, Garmin is also excited to announce an integration with the SmartThings home automation app – a free download from the Connect IQ store that allows users to control things in their home – lights, TVs, etc. – through their Garmin Connect IQ compatible device.
Connect IQ, an open developer platform for third-parties to create experiences for compatible Garmin wearables, bike computers and outdoor handhelds, lets users customize their Garmin device to reflect their unique personalities and needs. Since the inception of the Connect IQ platform just over two years ago, there have already been more than 29 million Connect IQ app downloads to the nearly 5 million compatible devices that have shipped around the world.
“We are incredibly honored to have so many talented developers committed to helping us realize the Connect IQ vision,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. “Our products are already an essential part of our customers’ lives, and as evidenced by the increasing number of app downloads, the ability to customize devices with Connect IQ apps is resonating. We’re excited to work with strong brands to launch relevant apps like the SmartThings Home Automation app that address customer needs in new and creative ways.”
The Connect IQ Summit enables developers and companies to network with industry leaders and learn about the latest Garmin technology and app solutions in the active lifestyle arena. Among attendees are current Connect IQ app developers including Strava, Uber, Accuweather, SmartThings, Trek and Training Peaks. Garmin is proud to have Nordic Semiconductor, the wireless provider of choice for Connect IQ, as the main event sponsor.
One of the newest apps launching on the Connect IQ platform is the SmartThings app which allows users to control their home through their Garmin Connect IQ compatible wearable device. Customers can dim the lights, turn up the thermostat or lock the front door right from their wrist using their Connect IQ- enabled Garmin device.
Being introduced in Connect IQ 2.3 are a suite of new features that will enable a new generation of innovative apps. While other smart watches turn off their screens to save power, Connect IQ’s Always Active Watch Faces allow Connect IQ custom watch faces to continuously update every second while maintaining industry leading battery life. Action Intelligence provides new levels of access to the onboard sensors and allows developers to create metrics for everything from measuring boxing power, tennis racquet swings, rep counting and more. When combined with Connect IQ’s access to the Garmin
Connect platform, developers will be able to take the best platform for the active lifestyle even further. Background Services opens the ability for Connect IQ apps to periodically operate while the device is idle. These services can communicate with web, check on sensors, communicate with ANT, and even notify the user of an event. Watch faces can now also take advantage of background services, allowing new levels of rich content to live on the user’s watch face. In addition, there are several new tools in the Connect IQ SDK to make app development easier than ever.
Connect IQ is available on a wide range of Garmin products across all the markets the company serves, and Connect IQ content can be downloaded at no charge to the user. The Connect IQ Store can be found at apps.garmin.com or in the device tab of Garmin Connect. It can also be found in the device page of Garmin Express, or the More section of Garmin Connect Mobile. To learn more about developing a Connect IQ app, visit developer.garmin.com.
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