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Android Central
Android Central
Technology
Michael L Hicks

Polar follows Garmin's lead as 'optional' subscriptions becomes the new normal

Polar Garmin Michael Hicks Samsung Android Central Coros Suunto
A press render of the Polar Flow app showing the Polar Fitness Program subscription.

Polar has announced a new €9.99/month subscription that's very different from Garmin Connect+ but immediately invites comparisons because of the timing and outrage surrounding that service. The fact is, the number of fitness smartwatches that don't have a subscription is dwindling, and I'd be shocked if the remaining brands like COROS and Suunto don't decide to follow suit — not to mention Samsung.

Polar's "Fitness Program" doesn't lock key data behind a paywall like Fitbit Premium or Oura Membership. Even more so than Connect+, I'd call this subscription optional; your Polar Vantage V3 or Vantage M3 will function the same way they did yesterday.

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