After a very long process, Garmin’s ECG feature is now available in the EU and Australia, along with previously available countries, including the US and a slate of countries in Asia. At least for the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Venu 3, however notably, not for the Epix Pro and the Fenix 7 Pro, which share the same sensor and already have US ECG capability.
Nonetheless, for EU and Australian people, you can now activate the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Venu 3 immediately, using the Garmin Connect app. See the last section in this post on how to get started, and things to know.
Making Sense Of It All:
Now, as background, all Garmin ELEVATE V5 watches are capable of ECG from a technical sense. Up till now, that was being held back in various countries due to regulatory approval (more on that in a second).
Garmin has always done regulatory approval in the US first, and thus, the following watches in the US already have ECG (and some other countries that basically mirror the FDA approvals, including Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. The full list of available countries is here.):
– Garmin Enduro 3
– Garmin Epix Pro series
– Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro
– Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series, Fenix 8 Series
– Garmin Quatix 7 Pro
– Garmin Tactix 7 Pro AMOLED
– Garmin Venu 2 Plus (with Gen4 sensor and added hardware but ECG), Venu 3
In any case, the exclusion of the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro in the EU is peculiar because:
A) Garmin certifies these as medical devices not based on hardware names (e.g. Fenix 8), but based on a combination of sensor + the ECG App on the device. This is known as Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), and allows companies like Apple/Garmin/Fitbit/Samsung/etc… to certify a specific component, rather than the entire watch as a medical device.
B) Garmin has already released the ECG feature in the US + other Asian countries on the Fenix 7 Pro & Epix Pro, demonstrating it’s perfectly capable.
C) The Venu 3 did get enabled in the EU/Australia, presumably because there’s no Venu 4 yet, and thus nothing to upsell. Whereas for the Fenix/Epix, I presume they want you to buy the Fenix 8 instead. Thus demonstrating that this is merely a backend toggle, and not a true certification issue.
D) Garmin specifically refers to it as the ‘ECG App’, which is the correct nomenclature. That’s how it’s certified. It is not certified on a per-device naming basis.
I asked Garmin for official comment on why they aren’t enabling the feature in the EU for Fenix 7/Epix owners, and here was the official response:
“The ECG app is a medical device that requires regulatory approval to place on the European Union market. Garmin has made the ECG app available in the European Union for select smartwatches in-line with the necessary regulatory approvals. Garmin intends to continue to expand its portfolio of products supporting the ECG app over time.”
This is one of the more baffling decisions I’ve seen in recent times from Garmin. And that’s saying something, given there’s been a lot of baffling decisions lately. In fact, I’d even argue Garmin, over the last 4-6 months, seems to be shifting against supporting existing buyers of products with new features. We saw that with the Fenix 8 release (and no new features for Fenix 7/7 Pro users), and we saw that with the Instinct 3 release (and no new features for Instinct 2/2X users). However, some products, like the Garmin Edge series, continue to do a good job of supporting in-market products with new features.
Still, this seems cyclical. Years ago Garmin heavily leaned towards the ‘no upgrades’ model, yet was forced by the market (Wahoo on the bike computer side, Apple, Suunto, and COROS on the watch side), to change with the times and provide meaningful upgrades. After all, the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are barely 18 months old. Certainly, those at Garmin remember what happened last time they did this, right? Competitors came in and took their sales. And more critically, they unnecessarily angered customers. This seems like one of those things that only serves to piss people off. But maybe that’s just me.
Getting Started:
In any event, assuming you have a Fenix 8 or Venu 3, I’ve previously written how to get started on the ECG capability, which only takes a minute or two and is pretty easy/straightforward. I just activated it on a Fenix 8 here in Spain in about 90 seconds. As a general rule, you need to activate the feature in one of the countries listed/linked above, but then can use ECG in any country after that point. For example, previously I had activated ECG on watches in the US, and then travelled back to Europe and used them here without any issue.
Oh, and if you haven’t updated your watches (or Garmin Connect app) in some time, then definitely do that first, as it is required to enable the feature. All of the above watches support updating via WiFi, so you can simply ensure WiFi is connected/available, and then go into the About menu to update pretty seamlessly
(Also, a reminder that the ECG function is disabled for public firmware beta builds, until usually the last build before it releases. So if you’re on a public beta firmware, it won’t be available.)
As always, note that the ECG feature (on any watch) does not detect a heart attack, and in Garmin’s case, is doing Afib symptoms detection (when manually started). Garmin is not at this point doing passive Afib detection like some other companies.
With that – thanks for reading!
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Got notification from Garmin yesterday in NL. Tried it immediately on my Enduro 3. Easy to set up, easy to use. Downloadable PDF looks nice.
I’ve got an epix pro and I want ecg activated, garmin will lose me as a customer
I used the “trick” to enable it a few days ago, but if garmin doesn’t also implement this feature in the EU on f7pro / epix2pro & co.
I used the “trick” to enable it a few days ago, but if garmin doesn’t also implement this feature in the EU on f7pro / epix2pro & co. , I will no longer buy garmin
Hi,
For the moment all report over the Web indicate that Fenix 7 Pro and Epix 2 Pro are not able to activate ECG in Europe, with pre 20.xx (beta version) System versions (19 / 18 / 17 for the most represented systems) …
And Garmin communciation is not clear nor confirm that 18 months models with Elevate 5 already concerned.
Do you have an official source for the list provided ?
Thanks
Official list of supported models is here: link to support.garmin.com
I’ve seen those comments too, though don’t have any Fenix 7 Pro/Epix Pro watches that aren’t already enabled left in my stable to validate. Unclear if it’s a delay thing or what, as I haven’t seen comments about it since yesterday when it was first announced.
I have an Epix Pro, and if you click on ECG availability per device on Garmin’s website, it only lists the countries that were already there (USA and a bunch of SE Asian countries). As I’m in the Netherlands, no joy for me alas. For now, it seems only Fenix and Venu 3 are getting ECG in the EU.
Odd indeed. I’ve sent over a note to get clarity. Makes zero sense, as the app and sensor portion is what’s certified (not the watch model itself), so this should 100% be a toggle.
Please reply/update your post if you ever get a response as to why it’s not available on the Epix 2 Pro/Fenix 7 Pro.
If it’s a marketing/strategic option from Garmin, then it’s another one on an already long list of weird options.
thank you, this link was updated after i check it.
waiting ;-)
Response back from Garmin. TLDR: Nope.
I revamped the post above accordingly. I’m blown away.
What an absurd decision and great way to make Fenix 7 Pro/Epix 2 Pro owners unhappy. I don’t plan to retire my Epix 2 Pro anytime soon, but when that happens I’ll start looking at non-Garmin options.
Thanks for the update Ray.
Any idea if Garmin are counting the UK as being in the EU for this…. or is this getting added onto my long list of things I’m angry about after Brexit?
I was going to ask the same thing. Most likely another missed opportunity following the Brexit catastrophe!
I have learnt that it makes no sense to try to figure out the whys behind any moves from Garmin, or use some harsh adjectives assigned to Garmin to let steam out of me. I tried to become even more effective.
So if I feel something related to Garmin either I use a link to a youtube song mirroring my feelings or just use a simple equation or an implication like this:
Garmin => “ In any case, the exclusion of the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro in the EU is peculiar ” => Garmin
Dont forget the poor Enduro 2 owners! :-)
Garmin Venu 2 Plus has gen 4 sensor.
Valid, though has ECG.
Odd thing also is on this link form the German Garmin site the Fenix E is showing up with ECG support, doesnt she have just the Gen 4 sensor? Or is it the same like Venu 2 Plus?
link to garmin.com
I don’t see it now, looks like Garmin already caught the error. But definitely Gen4 sensors there.
Hi Ray
Does the Fenix E get ECG (in Belgium)?
Is it a Fenix 8 watch subtype or not and does it have specific features (very) different from the F8?
Thanks for clarifying.
Ed
No, Gen4 sensor on FEnix E.
To be fair, it’s a pretty dull feature that you are not going to use much. It doesn’t run in the background and send alerts for AFIB. You need to run the test and then it shows you a simple ECG. Warns you that it cannot detect heart attacks but will assure you that you have Sinus Rhythm, if you have.
That’s why I recently bought Forerunner 965 instead of Fenix 7 Pro. Amoled screen won over ECG for me.
I have a Fenix 7 Pro Solar here in Finland and this ECG app thing doesn’t seem to be available. There is no option to “finish set-up” in the Garmin app. Both watch and app are up to date.
Here’s a screenshot.
Indeed, see updates above…Sigh.
Any Idea when this will be coming to the UK?
There’s a post on the Garmin forums that suggests it’s not coming to anything but F8, Venu 3 and Enduro 3:
link to forums.garmin.com
Filtering EU Garmin sites for the ECG app shows only those devices, filtering on the US site shows the F7 Pro and so on as well
link to garmin.com
Presumably UK isn’t far behind, did you ask Garmin if they have any idea of a timeline? I’m guessing no comment but thought I’d ask anyway 😂
There are few things that I get hard ‘no comments’ on from Garmin, even when they know they’re in trouble on something with me – but timelines for additional countries for medical device stuff is one of those.
Their lawyers believe strongly that saying anything about the medical device approval process for a given country can get them in trouble. I agree with the spirit of that, though, I think their lawyers are a bit too strict in this arena. Still, given how long it took Garmin to get EU approval, I can see why the hesitancy.
Seems fair, I was kind of hoping that with the UK still having similar regs it might only be a month or two behind and they’d be a bit more open. Oh well, I guess the UK voted for this 🤣
I think that standpoint is understandable. Imagine Garmin says something like “we are working on it” and people buy these devices under the assumption that ECG in the future is a given.
These customers might sue Garmin for a refund if the approval process fails for any reason.
This a real shame… I live in Australia and I was so happy when I saw this press release but… nope. This update is not for Epix pro! Seriously Garmin? I’m thinking to sell it and buy the Apple Watch Ultra.
How does the watch know your location for giving you ECG or not? GPS? can a VPN on the app overcome it?
You can fake the watch, by using “Fake GPS”-app with vpn on the phone. Set your location to the US, for example.
This is the way.
Could help do go into a basement or other No-GPS location to ensure watch unable to get GPS on its own and revert to phone metrics which would pass a spoofed GPS and GeoIP pointing to USA, and magically their walled off code is enabled (aka corporate greed disabled). Once enabled as Ray noted you’ll never need to go through that again on same device.
Works like a charm on Android. Moved to the US on Garmin account and device where GC is installed for 5 minutes 😉
I am the owner of an F7x Pro Sapphire watch in Europe. To be honest, I don’t care that the ECG doesn’t work, because I think it is useless to me. However, considering Garmin’s policies, I have decided my next watch will not be a Garmin; I will consider Samsung or Apple instead, after 11 years with Garmin. After years as a triathlete, I use my Garmin watch as a display for non-Garmin sensors. For this, I do not need the ECG function.
Same feeling. I also don’t care about ECG, but Garmin’s latest decisions regarding some of newer features not being available on the Epix Pro/Fenix 7 Pro watches, although those watches are more than capable to have those features are weird to say the least.
I’ve been using Fenix/Epix watches for over 10 years and Edge devices for even longer. Unless there’s a significant change on Garmin’s side, I guess I’ll be trying a new ecosystem on the next devices…
Totally agree and same thoughts!
For me, this is a wake up call. I’ve purchased EpixPro with ECG HW with clear expectations that it becomes available once legal scrutiny is over. I know Garmin could not confirm at that moment, but I’ve trusted Garmin, because so far I considered Garmin watch as a premium device, hence getting appropriate support, firmware updates and new feature availability (if HW supports it).
Now Garmin has decided to step down from this perception, while still keeping premium price tag.
I like Garmin ecosystem, planning to expand with Edge 1040/50 this spring, all my family is using Garmin watch and equipment. But this experience with ECG rollup in EU changed my mind. Will now study other options and ecosystems for sport equip, not willing to pay premium for something not premium anymore. So our next family devices will have another brand label. Really bad marketing decision in the long run.
I seriously wonder, why detection of atrial fibrillation in sports watches is such a desirable feature at this point in time. A quick search on pubmed did not reveal a significant morbidity or survival benefit for screening for afib in a younger population without cardiac or other pertinent comorbidity (though screening through wearables has at least been mentioned: Schnabel RB, Marinelli EA, Arbelo E, Boriani G, Boveda S, Buckley CM, Camm AJ, Casadei B, Chua W, Dagres N, de Melis M, Desteghe L, Diederichsen SZ, Duncker D, Eckardt L, Eisert C, Engler D, Fabritz L, Freedman B, Gillet L, Goette A, Guasch E, Svendsen JH, Hatem SN, Haeusler KG, Healey JS, Heidbuchel H, Hindricks G, Hobbs FDR, Hübner T, Kotecha D, Krekler M, Leclercq C, Lewalter T, Lin H, Linz D, Lip GYH, Løchen ML, Lucassen W, Malaczynska-Rajpold K, Massberg S, Merino JL, Meyer R, Mont L, Myers MC, Neubeck L, Niiranen T, Oeff M, Oldgren J, Potpara TS, Psaroudakis G, Pürerfellner H, Ravens U, Rienstra M, Rivard L, Scherr D, Schotten U, Shah D, Sinner MF, Smolnik R, Steinbeck G, Steven D, Svennberg E, Thomas D, True Hills M, van Gelder IC, Vardar B, Palà E, Wakili R, Wegscheider K, Wieloch M, Willems S, Witt H, Ziegler A, Daniel Zink M, Kirchhof P. Early diagnosis and better rhythm management to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: the 8th AFNET/EHRA consensus conference. Europace. 2023 Feb 8;25(1):6-27. doi: 10.1093/europace/euac062. PMID: 35894842; PMCID: PMC9907557.). The number of people in an unpreselected population that clinically benefit from the prevention of avoidable incidents such as stroke etc. has not been established. And though a long term exposure to endurance training may increase the likelihood of atrial fibrillation through atrial dilation and other mechanisms, a relevant clinical benefit remains to be elucidated. Thus, in my opinion ECG features in sports watches are still very optional. But each to their own. Cheers.
I’d speculate a couple of reasons:
– The interest in ECG is backed by fear rather than legitimate concerns around afib.
– The majority of Garmin customers aren’t, but rather folks who want a watch with a long battery life and tangentially associate them with sporty ideals.
>>>a significant morbidity or survival benefit for screening for afib in a younger population<<<
In this case, what's the cutoff for younger? I think a very significant fraction of Garmin customers are probably older than that; in their 50s, 60s, and up.
It’s still extremely early for the research on that. The feature has not been available for very long so it’s entirely possible that the results will take years to see. Also worth noting that availability has mainly been in North America which has a different relationship with heart disease than much of the world, so comprehensive research hasn’t been possible.
It is not about this tiny feature. It is the symptom of bigger issue with Garmin
Feature-throttling is always annoying, but this one is particularly annoying because it depends on where you are. If I go to the US, magically my Epix gets access to ECG. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The EU managed to get USB-C as standard and had done a lot on the “right to repair” front, forcing Apple to make battery replacement on iPhones possible.
Seems like it’s time to start talking about “the right to upgrade”.
In the name of sustainability, we shouldn’t be forced to bin a < 2 year watch, in order to get a feature, just because the mfg what to sell shit. Should be the HW breaking or being outdate that drive the replacement. And since Garmin, Apple etc don't want to do that voluntarily, sadly it look like more regulation is needed.
And yes, Apple might add feature to their watches, but they also massively limits how old an iPad or phone can be, before they can get the latest iOS. And hence latest version of certain apps.
I don’t think it’s possible to regulate this, as Garmin has no legal obligation to introduce new features on older models. It’s ultimately a marketing decision. That’s why it’s important not to buy a device with the expectation that new features will be added over time.
Regulation is what creates legal obligations ;)
I think it’s a bit of a scummy move by Garmin if they don’t enable ECG in the UK given that other (non-garmin) devices have it. I also think it’s extra scummy to not enable it for certain watches in the EU. More in the long line of questionable decisions by Garmin over the years, because we all know Garmin could get ECG certified in the UK if they wanted to, and quickly, just as Apple have. Similar to Garmin pay, which is just awful in the UK.
Luckily I’m adept enough to have enabled ECG from the UK as ECG is one of the reasons I bought the EPIX Pro. If Garmin’s devices and ecosystem weren’t simply the best on offer, I’d likely go elsewhere. Damn you Garmin!
Could you explain the steps required to enable ECG on the Epix pro please?
Hi Clive,
There are numerous posts out there, especially on Reddit that can help, but I could only offer a guide on an Android phone as that’s what I use, but I would only detail the steps here with Ray’s permission as I would want to get him in trouble with Garmin as this is publicly searchable.
Hardly a scummy move by Garmin!
1. The UK voted to leave the EU, in order to “get control”. This is that control
2. The UK are holding this back. Garmin will have started the process globally at the same time. In the US it’s far easier to get approval for various reasons so they got it first. EU are more cautious but have the resources to get the approval done. UK is bankrupt and very probably will just copy the EUs homework here.
3. Garmin cannot enable in the UK without approval. It’s a medical device and they would be in serious trouble if they did.
Apple have the ECG feature in the UK on their watches, and you would argue Garmin has a stronger market share of the sports and fitness tech market, so your response doesn’t really hold a lot of weight for me. If Garmin wanted it in the UK by now, they could have. We took freely give companies the get out of jail free card or excuse of the UK/EU split but in reality it’s just not acceptable to Garmin’s customers.
No that’s not how approvals work.
Apple got theirs approved because they had a working product and a good explanation about how it worked and why it should be approved. They also started years before Garmin did.
Garmin had to get their different device approved with a different explanation written by different people. Their approval is not related in any way to Apple’s. It’s possible Garmin didn’t have as good a device, software, or dossier or even the funds to focus the approvers on their application. It’s a complex system that Garmin are not in charge of and cannot influence.
Also worth highlighting that Apple got theirs approved prior to Brexit therefore the EU team approved it, just as that team have now approved Garmin’s. We have no history of a UK team approving anything or proof such a team exists and has time for approving sports toys. My assumption is that some civil servant will see the EU approval and get out their rubber stamp, but we have no way of knowing.
In any case, there isn’t anything Garmin can do about it other than keep chasing approval.
Initially, I was mostly in agreement with this. But no longer: If Garmin can get certification for the F8 (launched later and with the exact same hardware) then they could have easily done it for the F7 Pro/Epix Pro.
This one is entirely a Garmin decision, not a regulatory issue.
These devices are terrifically expensive, and one way to offset that is to mm have robust maintenance and firmware upgrades and support.
It was a welcome change to have a levelling of the feature set across.devices if they were capable within a range.
This behaviour changing to effectively pay wall new features on a capable device that cost North of 1.8k erodes my confidence that that sort of outlay can be justified.
I have had at least 5 HRM straps absolutely fail after their first battery change. There is an obvious design flaw creating this issue that other straps have little issue with. If my device hasn’t failed within a one year period then I have had to purchase a new one with the standard garmin premium added in which is about 100% over competitors.
I was literally about to purchase the epix gen 2 on their current run out specials knowing the hardware on it is basically the same apart from a couple of things I have no use for and have dubious usefulness and reliability.
This report has made.me.reconsider that purchase as just dead money spent, and I’ll use it for something else or a competing product.
Hi Ray,
Looks like they have more options opened in Australia. Got one of the regular emails from Garmin Australasia with the link to models that have it enabled in Australia
link to garmin.com
Haven’t got any devices to check it on my F6 pro died a while back and have been making do with my descent g1 while making the decision to whether to pull the trigger on an F8
Regards,
Another Ray
Isn’t it possible using a VPN to enable ECG on Epix and Fenix 7 pro as you mentioned that once enabled it remains?
There is a workaround on reddit. You need an fake-gps app for you phone and set your location to US in your Garmin account. You can change it back afterwards, ECG will be still available.
Yes. I have done that with my Tactix 7 Amoled. Installed via VPN and after that changed everything back how they was. It is still there and working.
Wow – this is crazy. I’m getting Forerunner 645 vibes with the Fenix / Epix Pro…
Its crazy my older 955 is getting more / newer updates than the supposedly more premium Fenix / Epix Pro.
Sadly even though a lot of people are saying they will move – to where thou? Garmin have the market cornered with IQConnect fields / apps and seamless(mostly) connectivity to their Edge devices. I have an AWU (double wristing looser..) and its just not prime time ready for diehard athletes.
I hope there is enough backlash from the Fenix/Epix 7 users to change Garmins mind – as it appears to me these models last year were super popular.
Which update(s) did the FR955 get that the F7/F7 Pro did not?
Strength Coach
link to support.garmin.com
Plus the F7 / Epix doesn’t support spectator messaging
link to support.garmin.com
I believe Spectator Messaging was a FR-only feature no Fenix model ever had it?
An example of the Athletics (FR) and Outdoor (Fenix/Epix) groups within Garmin putting slightly different features on top of a shared platform.
Other examples: FR UI design and FR965 display, HR sensor, etc.
More generally, I am not sure that Garmin views the Fenix/Epix Pro as “more premium” than the FR. Rather the FR and Fenix lines are positioned as _different_.
So Strength Coach is coming to the top tier models in each category (F8 for Outdoor, FR955/965 for Athletic) has some logic (Note: I always thought that the Outdoor/Athletics separation was a bit silly and contributed to the confusion/product inflation, but there is some logic/explanation here.)
absurd, they made the 965, 955, 265 and 255 models compatible with strength coach but not f7pro andpix2pro…
And also the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5.
It’s quite puzzling that the FR 955, a midrange $499/599 watch that was released almost 3 years ago in May 2022, is supported better than the premium Fenix 7 Pro series, a $899/999/1099 watch released a full year later in May 2023.
Bottom line: Buy entry level to midrange models if you want to have long term support. Buy high end models if you want to cash out money for every new model.
Hi, do you know how Garmin checks about your location? Is there a way to overcome it by using VPN?
There is an easy workaround to activate ECG on Fenix 7 Pro or Epix pro. Just google it. I am an older runner with a small heart condition so i want to have some more details than just HR. But i am using a Frontier X2 belt for that. The ECG on the watch is nice to have but not helpful.
But Garmin is going definitely the wrong at the moment. No maps on the Instinct 3 and no ECG for Fenix/Epix 2 Pro users. When you see that other brands offer maps on mucht cheaper watches and when you see the update policy of Coros where updates are delivered to older devices as long as possible, this my cost Garmin some customers.
Good. I will not buy new Garmin watch if it will not be enabled in my 18 months old Epix 2 Pro. It’s a joke and pure greed from Garmin. Time to switch to different brand after ignoring their customers. Just look what have they done with Instinct 3 watch, used to be survival adventure watch, now it is Starbucks mission watch, not even camo or military green version but some twilight neon…
Yeah, I got this too… but the link they have in the email is for the US site – change the en-US part of the link to the en-AU site, and the number of supported devices suddenly drops to about 5 from many more.
Pretty ordinary that Asia pacific email has US site link with incorrect information.
The link they supplied: link to garmin.com
the correct one for australia: link to garmin.com
Hi!
One other thought why Garmin might do this, although it is pure speculation based on a few things I read:
According to posts at various pages (reddit, garmin forum), many people from Europe tried the “workaround” with the fake location and failed to get the feature activated, because the watch is not detecting the fingers on the watch.
This also happened for US users and they got a replacement from Garmin, so it seams a hardware issue.
I of course don’t know if this is a widespread problem for the EU users, no idea how many people even tried the workaround and how many failed to activate.
But maybe this is a more widespread problem in the EU than in US? More faulty hardware in a batch delivered to the EU? And Garmin wants to avoid replacing too many watches during the guarantee lifetime?
Your headline – Garmin ECG Now Available in EU (But not Fenix 7 Pro & Epix Pro)
It sounds like those two watches are not available. Inserting the word “on” before Fenix would clarify the meaning.
Maybe one reason is, that the sales for the F8 are lagging because many people kept their Epix/F7 Pro because the new generation was, apart from being expensive, not very innovative. So Garmin will make the F& Pro a bit more unattractive and persuade owners to upgrade. BTW I installed ECG during a trip to the US and haven’t really used it…
Oh, this is the reason why I could pick up a Fenix 7Pro dirt cheap at a flash sale during Black Friday.
I had already activated it by using a spoofing method whereby the phone suggests the watch for the GPS to be located to be in the US. Didn’t want to wait after I’ve paid €1,300 for the watch
Will we see the strength workouts incorporated into Garmin Coach running and cycling plans is the main upgrade for Coach for Garmin Epix Gen 2 ?
As usual Gamrin doesn’t reply, Public forum, Beta … press !
—
https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-7-series/392054/system-19-34—q4-feature-update-really-poor-compared-to-forerunner
link to forums.garmin.com
—
https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/community-discussion/398696/ciq-system-8—next-release-20-xx/1881631#1881631
—
https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/public-beta-reports/i/public-beta-20-xx/beta-20-xx—no-garmin-coach-strenght-training-plans
https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/public-beta-reports/i/public-beta-20-xx/beta-20-xx—no-meditation-activity
Well thanks for the clarity. Add one to the list of happy customers who are now less likely to buy a future product. They used to score well in bringing new functionality to older models where technically possible. But both the recent failure to carry over the Fenix 8 UI to the Epix (pro) line, and now sensors that are perfectly capable but will not gain support, have completely tipped the trust I had in Garmin. I had my eyes on SPD power pedals and the new edge as upcoming upgrades, but the uncertainty of receiving full support on not even 12mo old purchases mean that I will hold back on those future (luxury) purchases. Its not about the features but all about the companies’ ethos towards customers, and currently its showing red flags for me. Pity.
On Garmin site, they have a possibility to check compability and Fenix 7 pro Sapphire solar has ECG app shown available in EU countries there in the tool.
Maybe this is something new now, but its there.
Like Marques Brownlee once said: “Never. Ever. Buy a tech product based on the promise of future software updates.”
And never ever buy a product based on what MBL says about it – or is paid to say about it.
Just a warning if you’ve never used this feature before and are thinking about just trying it out for fun:
The moment you record a reading, your Garmin Connect Account will start requiring two-factor authentication, for privacy purposes. There is no way to undo this, even if you delete the recording. It’s very annoying.
Garmin claims it’s required by law, but that’s simply not true in (in the US anyway). It would be more accurate to say it’s required by Garmin’s lawyers.
To be fair, the need for 2FA after using the ECG functionality is very clearly stated and well publicized by Garmin.
Good to know. Thanks for the warning!
Garmin is alienating many of its (often loyal) customers. I do not own a Fenix 7pro/Epix gen 2 pro (I was sos timid to buy Marq) but after seeing this (and their previous moves of putting old sensors in new high end models), I will no longer buy stuff from them. We’re lucky that now there are alternatives. For me, the AWU does the job better than I could have imagined, and it has LTE.
So to clarify the consensus of outrage in the thread, Garmin has the hardware but seems hesitant to activate the ECG app on watches that were already introduced but have finally gotten through the regulatory process in the EU.
Many of these people are saying they will now leave Garmin and go purchase an Apple Watch which has an O2 sensor but has had it turned off for two generations of watch dur to the US declaring it invalidated a patent.
Apple didn’t engineer around it. They didn’t purchase the patents, they just turned it off.
Sometimes government gets in the way. It sounds like a growing problem.
Not the same. The Apple story is indeed not elegant, but the feature disappeared for everyone (it works on my EU watch though, as the court decision does not apply here). This is totally different than Garmin deliberately depriving owners of the same watch from a feature that works in the US. Discrimination in its most pure form.
Installing a location spoofing app on your phone can make your phone and watch think you are in another country. So even though I’m physically in Australia, my phone and watch think I’m in the US.
ECG can be enabled on your Fenix 7 Pro whilst you’re in the US, and still works when you travel back home… ;-)
Unbelievable that Garmin has exclude Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro in the EU (so far). People in Europe have waited for months for ECG and if you have one these models…Bad move. And even if you have a F8 or another listed device and are part of the beta sw program, you have to wait for a final version, which supports ECG, but the next beta will make it not usable again and…Ok, you can cancel the beta program and go back to the last final sw, but no one likes a hard reset…
Ray a bit off topic but you probably can confirm this easily since you have access to several devices. I’ve come back to a Fenix 7X after about a year with another watch, and the lactate threshold test seems to have vanished. Did Garmin take this off the Fenix line? I know I need an heart rate band to do the test, but can’t seem to find it, even after reading Garmin instructions on the website.
That was removed on one of the latest firmwares. Now it’s automatically detected and no longer requires a chest strap. If it’s more accurate or not remains to be seen…
link to support.garmin.com
Thanks mate. Still, seems weird for them to remove the test. At least that way you knew it would most probably trigger a lactate reading. Time to create a personalized workout with roughly the same steps I guess. :)
This is a total disaster. I gave Garmin the benefit of the Doubt after not including the Epix Pro in the recent uodates in Nov.24. But now it feels deliberate. I am already shopping for alternatives and trying to sell my Epix on Ebay
Sigh. Venu 3 owner, in New Zealand. I was excited to see ‘Asia’ and ‘Australia’ being added to the ECG availability list, since we generally get lumped in with one of those buckets (Asia because that’s broadly where people physically think of us, and Australia because we share a lot of the same legislation and technical specifications like radio frequencies and power supplies/plugs, etc).
But no. For some reason we’re not in the list yet even though pretty much everyone around us is. Maybe there’s a ‘Pacific’ group still to come?
I there, I’m located in Austria and have activated ECG on my Fenix 8 via the Connect App a few days ago. But since then, I’m unable to find the ECG App on my watch. Can you please tell me, where is it?!?
If you go to your device in the Connect app then into the “Activities & Apps” menu, you can add it as favourite activity and it can then be easily accessed by pressing the start/stop button on your watch
I’m curious as to why all the EU garmin owners here are blaming Garmin and not the EU’s policies for being left out here. If you think its just garmin shafting their customers, why exactly do you think they are only doing so in the EU market and not everywhere else?
Clearly there is some sort of extra requirement the EU wants from Garmin to approve ECG on each individual device/software version which they aren’t willing to invest in, while the other territories must do approval simply on the sensor itself i.e. approval is given to the sensor and any watch/device that uses it is covered in that single approval.
The EU loves bullying tech companies with their red tape nonsense. Garmin clearly just didn’t see the value in playing ball on this one
No, that his been discussed above: While the certification process is probably slightly easier in other markets (e.g., certifying just the components), it is not massively more difficult in Europe and _more importantly_ Garmin did go through the process with a very similar/near identical model that was introduced later. It would have been absolutely tivial to get certification for the F7 Pro/Epix Pro at that time with essentaily the same documentation, etc.
So why do you think Garmin went through the process to approve the older watches in all markets besides the EU then? Just out of spite? If they were doing it as some sort of force obsolescence policy they wouldn’t have got the older watches approved in the US or australia.
Clearly there was some differentiator in the EU market compared to everywhere else – undoubtedly an additional hoop or 2 – and Garmin decided not to invest the money in doing it there
That is exactly the point/the essence of Ray’s post and most of the discussion in the comments: There appears to be no good reason (other than forced model differentiation) for the F7 Pro/Epix Pro to not be ECG enabled in the EU.
So where does Garmin happily offering the feature on older models in the US, Asian, and Australian markets fit in with this supposed model differentiation strategy? Why only in the EU?
Clearly there is some sort of unique process to get the older models verified that the EU has demanded which Garmin is not proceeding with. If it were corporate greed, they’d be applying it to all markets and not just the one who is known for forcing all sorts of red tape and restrictions down tech companys’ throats
Addressed several times already (including in Ray’s original post), but one more time:
The EU process is slightly different.
But not significantly different and Garmin should have easily been able to get the older models certified (absent any specific issue(s)).
However, Garmin has not done so and not provided any specific reason.
There could be a number of potential reasons (maybe regulatory, maybe just a delay, maybe product differentiation, maybe just a screw-up, etc.) but Garmin is not saying why (at least so far).
I know it’s been speculated a bunch in the comments and by Ray, I’m asking for more clarification about WHY you think it’s a deliberate product differentiation strategy by Garmin as opposed to some sort of unique regulatory condition in the EU given they are allowing the feature in other markets.
To me it seems the most logical answer is the EU is throwing up blockers somewhere. In the last Ray has also mentioned that Garmin (or any manufacturer) are not allowed to discuss a device’s potential accreditation while it’s in process – led to a lot of circular non-answers about the ECG feature’s availability internationally when it was first launched in the US as well – so I’d say Garmin is keeping quiet about it because they don’t want to jeopardise the process
Please do not put words into my mouth. I did not say that “it’s a deliberate product differentiation strategy” – although a number of other people have been suggesting or even alleging that.
It was _you_ who stated in your first stated that “Clearly there is some sort of extra requirement the EU wants from Garmin to approve ECG on each individual device/software version which they aren’t willing to invest in”. Maybe that is the case, but I have seen no evidence for that.
where is GARMIN to clarify this discussion?
It is in their interest to inform their users and stop the speculations about this nerve breaking issue (for some of us)
Not even a moderator on their own forums that seems to react, it is a strange situation.
whatever the reason, they should give some information.
Hi,
Garmin do the job for Fenix 8, 5 months after the product launch.
Fenix 7 Series “Pro” (include Epix 2) are 18 months products and nothing …
Yeah, “bullying”, sure. The poor companies that make billions and billions of profits, pay there managers millions, are the poor ones, that would do sooo much more for the consumers if they were not bullied by the EU.
What else do you dream?
Yes, the EU might not be perfect. They might even be bad in many things. But at least they try to improve the rights of consumers against greedy companies. Otherwise the companies would be much more greedy.
“where is GARMIN to clarify this discussion?”
No offense, but I got that quote, in the post above. That was on the on-record quote they were willing to give me about it.
The rest of the post explains what’s actually going on.
Hi Ray,
With al do respect and no offense but that is a simple “answer” on a big issue.
For sure it was provided soon after but meanwhile it is dead silent…
Big thankst for your follow up on these situations.
And there we are: Garmin caved on this after all.
link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks, Ray!
This is so unacceptable. I bought an Epix Pro in november and became so happy a week ago when I heared that a friend was going to activate ECG on his Venu 3 but then I read the details:-(
I tried to activate this with the fake US GPS position and VPN workaround because I don’t accept this as a Garmin customer since 2011. I could successfully do an initial ECG measurement connected to an Android phone but after setup was completed I moved the watch back to my iPhone with my European account in GC and the ECG app was gone! What did I do wrong, anyone knows? Or has Garmin done something recently to stop this?
also you have to set your Garmin profile location – eg at http s :// link to garmin.com to an EU country.
I’m out in Spain this week and just successfully activated my UK watch in this way. Before changing country in the profile, the ‘finish installation’ menu item did not appear..
Thanks, Andy. That is exactly what I found out myself after misunderstanding so now I’m happy with my Epix Pro 51mm :-)
Does Garmin plan to include an option for the ECG app to display HRV values in the future? I was used to seeing them with my AWU and now I miss it a bit. Have you had any conversations with them about this?
Info from garmin for the Netherlands
De ECG-app is een medisch apparaat dat wettelijke goedkeuring nodig heeft om op de markt van de Europese Unie te worden gebracht. Garmin heeft de ECG-app beschikbaar gesteld in de Europese Unie voor de fenix 8, enduro 3 en venu 3-serie, in overeenstemming met de vereiste wettelijke goedkeuringen. De functie zal dus op uw toestel (Epix Pro Gen 2) niet beschikbaar komen.
Virtually exactly the same deliberately vaguely worded non-answer that Ray got (in the original post above).
Garmin is not at this point doing passive Afib detection like some other companies.
Which companies or watches offer passive Afib detection?
And is it worth buying if one does not have any known heart issues?
Vanwaar hebt u deze verkregen?
Vandaag?
Is there a place where to know if the process is even on going where I live ?
Since it’s a long process, if it’s not started in my country. I will not get my hopes to high that it will eventually be enable in my country of maple syrup.
It is so weird. Today sitting with my colleagues. Two of us have 7pro. No ECG, we havent found a way to trick it,as all these GPS spoofing just have to many Russia vibes… Gdamn Garmin it irritating….Have a nice evening out there… :-)
Still no ECG App available in the EU for Venu 2 Plus. So we are in that same boat as the Fenix 7/Epix owners. 🙁
The ECG app is now available in EU for the Epix 2 Pro (and I assume the Fenix 7 Pro as well).
I’m glad Garmin listened to the users and made the app available. Now please add the Strength training plans and the workout execution improvements that were added to the Forerunner series :)
After today’s software update I can now set up the ECG app on my Epix Pro! Glad to see Garmin have come to their senses.
Works in Italy, fenix 7 pro
Hi
I am in the UK and have a Fenix 7 Pro running 19.41 firmware.
Has anyone else with the same been able to enable the ECG? If so please could you let me know how? Thanks
ECG now works on Epix pro 2 in Canada
ECG now works on fenix 7 Pro Solar in France too.
Also working on Epix pro gen 2 in The Netherlands