Lifesaver or paywall disaster? Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could make Garmin look old in regard to satellite communication

[Redaktion]

Apple's Watch Ultra 3 may deal a significant blow to Garmin and its Fenix ​​8 Pro, particularly from a marketing perspective. For customers, the choice of manufacturer could not only have financial implications but also an impact on safety.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lifesaver-or-paywall-disaster-Why-the-Apple-Watch-Ultra-3-could-make-Garmin-look-old-in-regard-to-satellite-communication.1107302.0.html

[GeorgeS]

How silly can NBC's writing get here?

Just follow the money and the logic for a moment:

- all network devices have a unique number assigned at point of manufacture
- as long as the device is NOT sending data, it has ZERO impact on infostructure
- Garmins "inReach" makes use of the Iridum Sat network, Apple uses Starlink

while the cost of ETHER companies devices is NOT inexpensive Garmin has a history of not only putting functions and features behind a 'paywall' but also marketing "SatCom" devices that require a subscription to function.

Due to the 'zero cost until used' nature of the devices, Apple has merely (for now anyway) abandoned the revenue stream from the devices that Garmin counts on for survival.

Ether or both companies COULD switch to 'pay per use' however that would negate the consumer advantage Apple currently has for its devices and the company advantage Garmin has for its devices.

One thing is for sure, "free" vs "subscription" is kinda a no brainer.