Garmin Frees Cirqa Live Heart Rate on $200 Band After Reviewer Feedback
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 23
Garmin Frees Cirqa Live Heart Rate on $200 Band After Reviewer Feedback
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jul 23
Summary
Garmin will unlock live heart-rate viewing for Cirqa users in Garmin Connect Mobile in the coming days, dropping a feature that had required the $7-a-month Garmin Connect+ plan.
Reviewer pushback prompted the change, according to sports-tech blogger Ray Maker, after early testers flagged that Cirqa showed only average workout heart rate without a subscription.
The reversal removes an unusual paywall: Garmin already offers live heart-rate data free on its other watches and fitness trackers, even as Cirqa still keeps some extras behind Connect+.
Cirqa launched at $200 against screenless rivals including Whoop and Fitbit Air, and the free live-HR change strengthens Garmin's pitch that buyers can get more core features without an ongoing fee.