Garmin Archives

AppWizard

October 5, 2026

Smartwatches are struggling to connect with Strava

Strava users are experiencing a syncing issue with their smartwatches, affecting the transfer of workout data to the Strava app. Many users receive error messages when trying to connect their devices, with the problem reported across various brands, including Garmin, Samsung, and Apple. Garmin users are particularly vocal about the issue, but complaints also come from Galaxy and Apple device owners. The cause of the syncing glitch is currently unknown.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

I was wrong about Pokémon Sleep, and the Fitbit Air is the perfect companion

Pokémon Sleep has been integrated with the Fitbit Air, a lightweight and elegantly designed device that tracks sleep. The Fitbit Air weighs 12 grams and features a special edition strap with a deep blue color and a sleeping Pikachu design. It provides accurate metrics on sleep duration and cycles and has a battery life of about a week. Setting up the Fitbit Air for Pokémon Sleep involves designating Google Health as the sleep source. The device is available on the Google Store for .

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Ultrahuman’s new ‘Emerald’ update is a massive overhaul of how the app works

Ultrahuman has released the "Emerald" update for its companion app, featuring a new design and enhanced user experience for Ultrahuman Ring PRO and other devices. The update introduces the "UltraSphere," a decision-making engine that provides personalized "Next Best Actions" based on factors like location, weather, and circadian rhythms. It utilizes health metrics such as heart rate variability, skin temperature, and movement patterns, and can incorporate blood glucose levels for users with Ultrahuman M1 or M2 Live devices. The update also includes new tabs for health insights, such as the "Sleep Screener," which consolidates sleep data, and the "Longevity Tab," which aggregates health markers related to lifespan. The "Windows" feature offers insights into time-sensitive data. Workout tracking has been improved with better automatic detection and heart rate algorithms, increasing VO2 Max accuracy by 21%. Users can connect third-party devices for seamless workout tracking. All health data processing now occurs on-device, allowing access to insights without network connectivity. The Emerald update is being rolled out globally and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Garmin inReach Messenger – Garmin bets on compact satellite texting for US backcountry travelers

A series of unexpected fluctuations in market trends are prompting businesses to reassess their strategies. Shifts in consumer preferences driven by technological advancements and changing societal norms are reshaping the marketplace. Key factors influencing consumer behavior include the rise of digital platforms, increasing sustainability concerns, and the demand for personalized products and services. The economic landscape is unpredictable due to external factors like geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Companies are adopting strategies such as diversification, collaboration, and investment in technology to enhance resilience and adapt to these changes.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

I actually don’t hate the new Google Health app, but it could still use some work. Here are my highlights after testing the revamped Fitbit app, and how I think Google can improve

The Google Health app has been redesigned from its previous identity as Fitbit and launched alongside the Fitbit Air. It features daily run recommendations enhanced by AI, but lacks the ability to send non-running workouts to the Pixel Watch. The workout interface is user-friendly, but the Pixel Watch cannot automatically count reps or sets. The categorization of workouts as "suggestions" in the Fitness tab is less definitive than before, though Google plans to reintroduce structured schedules later this year. The app provides motivational messages based on user activity and sleep metrics, allowing for flexible goal adjustments. The food logging feature allows users to log meals through descriptions or photos, but nutritional accuracy is inconsistent. The app syncs with MyFitnessPal for better meal logging. Additionally, users can link medical records to access health information in one place, although the presentation of historical data can be overwhelming. Google Health is actively working on updates based on user feedback, though some features, like sleep profiles, are not currently available.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Survey reveals 50% of users don’t like the new Google Health app

Over a week after the Fitbit app transitioned to the Google Health app, users have expressed mixed feelings about the changes. While 51% of users in a poll acknowledged that the app looks better, they found it worse to use. Only 5% enjoyed the functionality while disliking the design, and just 23% felt the app was both visually appealing and user-friendly. Users reported difficulties in accessing basic metrics, with complaints about the app's new layout complicating navigation. Many expressed frustration over the AI coach's intrusive nature and the lack of essential statistics on a single screen. Additional complaints included issues with workout data integration, the removal of hourly move reminders, and food logging challenges. Users are considering switching to alternative platforms, with Garmin being a popular choice.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a dedicated handheld GPS device that uses the Iridium satellite network and Garmin Messenger interface for reliable messaging. It is designed for outdoor navigation and operates without the need for a smartphone, providing critical redundancy and reliability. The device weighs approximately 8.1 ounces (230g), which is significantly heavier than the 3.5-ounce inReach Mini 2. While the GPSMAP 67i is suitable for users who prefer button-operated navigation, it may be considered bulky for average users. Alternative options, like the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus, offer additional features such as sending pictures and audio memos while being lighter and less bulky. T-Satellite from T-Mobile is noted as a reliable smartphone-integrated option for wilderness navigation.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Review

The third generation of the inReach Mini, known as the inReach Mini 3 Plus, features significant enhancements including a larger color touchscreen, audio capabilities, and photo messaging. The touchscreen allows for better message composition and viewing, and it operates on the reliable Iridium network. However, the device is larger and slightly heavier than its predecessor, and users have reported the touchscreen as somewhat unresponsive. Battery life has not improved significantly, and the antenna is smaller compared to other compact models. Alternatives such as the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus offer a more compact design and better battery life. T-Mobile's T-Satellite service is also mentioned as a viable option for users seeking superior coverage and smartphone integration.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

I Ran 80 Miles on the Path of the Gods to Test the Garmin InReach Mini 3 Plus

The inReach Mini 3 Plus offers satellite messaging capabilities but has limited mapping features compared to the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 970. It provides alerts only if users veer 50 meters off course, unlike the Fenix, which offers upcoming turn notifications. Its notable features include live tracking, SOS emergency capabilities, and voice messaging, allowing users to send 30-second voice notes or longer messages via the Garmin Messenger app. Voice messages are transcribed for recipients, and replies are received on the device. Photos can be sent through Messenger, but satellite transmission can take up to 10 minutes. The battery life claims 55 hours with performance messaging and two-minute location updates, extending to 350 hours in low-power mode. During a test, the device used 68% of its battery over 21.5 hours of continuous tracking and navigation. Charging takes just over an hour. The inReach Mini 3 Plus is durable, user-friendly, and compact, making it suitable for extended adventures, though potential buyers should consider the purchase price, activation fee, and monthly subscription. It is particularly beneficial for those frequently outside cellular coverage.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus Satellite Messenger Review (Tested)

In 2018, during a thru-hike of the Continental Divide, the accidental activation of the SOS feature on an outdated Delorme GPS led to an extensive search and rescue operation in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. This incident sparked an interest in satellite communication and GPS devices. The author has since tested and reviewed various devices, ranging from personal locator beacons to advanced handheld units like the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus. Dean Krakel is a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist with over four decades of experience, known for his work in numerous prestigious publications. He has authored three books and transitioned from the Denver Post in 2015 to undertake a 500-mile journey along the Colorado Trail, inspiring the award-winning film The Long Haul. His fine art prints are collected and exhibited in galleries, with permanent displays in the Denver Justice Center. Dean currently resides in Crested Butte, Colorado.