Garmin third-party smartwatch apps are about to get more useful

Garmin can be a little precious with its smartwatch technology when third-party app developers want access to the hardware. Developers have recently called out the company for matters such as not previously giving third-party apps access to the Forerunner 170’s gyroscope. This reluctance to provide support can prevent developers from adding features users would otherwise find useful. However, Garmin appears to be feeling a little more generous lately, as a new update will finally allow third-party apps to tap into two more features.

Garmin has released Connect IQ 9.3, and a highlight of the update allows third-party apps to access the microphone and speaker on supported smartwatches. The supported watches include the Fenix 8 and 9 series, the Forerunner 570 and 970, the Venu 4 and X1, Approach S72, and a few others. Previously, access to these features was primarily given to Garmin’s own software. We’ve seen the company recently embrace this technology a little more with the introduction of “OK Garmin” voice features.

With this access, it opens the door for new possibilities for third-party apps. Developers could use it to add features like recording notes, custom audio alerts, or spoken workout coaching. There could be even more possibilities when online services are involved, like capturing a conversation and sending the recording to a service for transcription.

There are a few limits to be aware of, such as no recording when a third-party app is running in the background. So these apps will only be able to record while they are active. Another is that the app will need permission to access the microphone or speaker. Both logical decisions, as you don’t want an app recording when you’re unaware.