This episode explores the recent controversies surrounding the new Garmin Connect+ premium subscription plan and the acquisition of Komoot by Bending Spoons. Against the backdrop of Garmin's long-standing commitment to a free platform, the introduction of Connect+ with its limited and arguably uncompelling features has drawn significant criticism. More significantly, the acquisition of Komoot by Bending Spoons, a firm known for acquiring companies, increasing prices, and reducing staff, raises concerns about the future of the platform. For instance, the hosts discuss the parallels between Bending Spoons' handling of Evernote and the initial response to the Komoot acquisition, highlighting concerns about potential price hikes and feature reductions. In contrast to the largely negative reaction to Garmin Connect+, the hosts acknowledge that the new performance dashboards offer impressive customization options, but question whether this justifies the premium cost. Ultimately, the discussion concludes that while Garmin's record earnings suggest the company is not immediately threatened, the negative reception to Connect+ and the Komoot acquisition could impact future sales and brand loyalty if not addressed effectively.
