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

Credit: Garmin TL;DR

• Garmin has released the new Connect IQ 9.3 update.
• This update allows third-party apps to finally use the microphone and speaker on supported smartwatches.
• This access could allow third-party apps to add new recording and audio features.

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.