MBlog

Garmin Connect Update - 13 May 2008

UPDATE 5 March 2009: We have posted an update to the Garmin Connect Status Page. We are very sorry that we missed this latest deadline and we hesitate to give further updates with promises of release dates. We realize that we have not handled the updates properly and we are sorry for missed release dates and sloppy updates. You the customer deserve better. We do hope to provide better with the migration and release planned for mid-April.  Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope you accept our apologies.

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The much anticipated release migrating MotionBased to Garmin Connect is taking longer than anticipated.  The release is scheduled for late August/early September 2008.  We know that this set back is very frustrating, but this time is necessary to bring you the best features and the fastest service possible.  We want to thank all of you for your patience while we focus on this effort.

More details can be found on the Garmin Connect Status Page.

Off to the Sea Otter Classic

As has been the case in previous years, Garmin/MotionBased is the official sponsor of the Sea Otter Classic.  Three years ago, after Garmin bought MotionBased, the company thought it wise to sponsor this big kick-off event for cycling on the West Coast.  MotionBased is the official mapping sponsor for the 4th year in a row.

The Sea Otter Classic is a 4 day bike fest with events ranging from Downhill Mountain Bike Races to the Century Road Ride.  We'll be in our usual spot demoing the new Edge 605/705, as well as showing how the new site, Garmin Connect, is coming along.  Stop by the booth to say "Hello" and see the new products!

Garmin Connect - Mac Update

UPDATE 10 MARCH 2009: In case you were wondering, the ANT Agent is compatible on the Mac. The only limitation is sending Courses and Workouts from Garmin Connect to the FR405. This is also a limitation on the PC.

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For all the Mac users out there, this update is for you.  I'm sure you've seen the Garmin Connect Status Page, describing the time line for the release dates of Garmin Connect.  So yes, beginning 21 May you will have full access to MotionBased . . . er, Garmin Connect features! 

UPDATE - Please note that the Forerunner 405 will NOT be supported on the Mac until later this year.  We apologise for any confusion.

Until then, here are a few things to consider when using MotionBased:

1. If you've not already done so, you must upgrade to Safari 3 or begin using the Firefox browser.
2. You must download and install the Garmin Communicator Plugin for Mac.
3. You must upload via the Garmin Communicator Plugin.  The old Mac Web Agent is end-of-life.

Any non-GPS activities are rejected upon upload.  This includes failed recording attempts, old activities that have been over written by new activities, and of course indoor activities.  In other words, if you have a non-GPS activity on your device it will cause an error and even your GPS-enabled/outdoor activities will be prevented from uploading.  If you receive an error of "file too large" when uploading, or the "Max Size" error in the Upload Status tab, you've probably got some non-GPS activities recorded on your device.  Delete these indoor/non-GPS activities from your device and you should be able to upload. 

Check out the Mac Page at MotionBased for more details.

The OFFICIAL Garmin Connect Update

UPDATE 5 March 2009: We have posted an update to the Garmin Connect Status Page. We are very sorry that we missed this latest deadline and we hesitate to give further updates with promises of release dates. We realize that we have not handled the updates properly and we are sorry for missed release dates and sloppy updates. You the customer deserve better. We do hope to provide better with the migration and release planned for mid-April.  Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope you accept our apologies.

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You've waited a long time.  And, for the most part, you've been really patient.  So here it is, the official count down to the Garmin Connect release dates.

26 February 2008 - Garmin Connect released for use with the new Edge series.  The new Edge will be in the hands of customers sometime this weekend.  Three days ago we opened up support for the Edge 605 and 705.  Edge 605 & 705 users will be able to upload to Garmin Connect after recording their first activity.  Those with the new Edge will also be able to upload to MotionBased.  You are more than welcome to upload to both sites, just keep in mind that you'll duplicate activities to manage once the final migration of MotionBased to Garmin Connect takes place in the coming months.

9 April 2008 - Garmin Connect to support the new Forerunner 405.  The next phase of Garmin Connect support will include the new Forerunner 405.  Those using this device will only be able to upload to Garmin Connect; MotionBased will NOT support the FR405.  Mac users will also need to wait a little longer for Garmin Connect support with their 405's.  The Forerunner 405 uses the ANT Agent for uploads.  Mac support for the ANT Agent is scheduled for late 2008. 

21 May 2008 - Garmin Connect to support all of Garmin's GPS USB devices.  All customers will upload to Garmin Connect.  All uploads to MotionBased will cease.  You will login to Garmin Connect with the same username and password you used for MotionBased.  All of your old activities will have been migrated form MotionBased to Garmin Connect by our team. 

Migration of MotionBased to Garmin Connect

• We migrate all of your history to the new site; you need to do nothing.
• Login to Garmin Connect with the same username and password you've used with MotionBased.
• All MB links will be redirected to Garmin Connect.
• All MB Viewports will be redirected to Garmin Connect.
• Garmin Connect will support all Garmin Fitness devices, most handheld USB devices, and all ANT Agent devices (with the exception of the ANT Agent on the Mac until late 2008).

Subscriptions

• We will remove the "Most recent 10 activities" and open up your entire history.  All customers will have access to their entire history.
• Garmin Connect Plus will be offered for those customers wanting access to premium features (features TBD).
• The annual subscription for Garmin Connect Plus will be US$40.00.  We will not offer a monthly subscription.
• For MotionBased subscribers with an Annual Standard Subscription (not monthly), we will convert your account to Garmin Connect Plus and extend your subscription for one year past the expiration date of your current account for FREE.

For status updates on the new Garmin Connect site, please refer to the Garmin Connect Status Page.

Latest News on Garmin Connect & Edge 605/705

While we've been updating the new site, Garmin Connect, over the last few months, most of you have not been able to see what's been cookin'.  Well, we've got some good news for you. Yesterday, we launched support for the Edge 605 and 705 -- which should be hitting stores this weekend.

You will be able to upload to BOTH Garmin Connect and MotionBased utilizing the Garmin Communicator Plugin only.  You are welcome to upload to both MotionBased and Garmin Connect, but keep in mind that you'll have duplicate activities to manage once the final merge of Garmin Connect and MotionBased is complete.  For more information, check out the Garmin Connect Status page.

Hong Kong Marathon - MotionBased Winner!

As I'm sure you've already read, I had a few friends travel around the world to compete in the Greatest Race on Earth.  I asked our marathon runners at MotionBased to step up to a challenge and make sure these 4 marathons appear on the MotionBased TrailNetwork.  We are fortunate enough to have had 3 of the 4 marathons uploaded.  Of the four marathons (Nairobi, Singapore, Mumbai and Hong Kong) only Nairobi is missing (next year!).

The final marathon in the series took place in Hong Kong on 17 February 2008.  It was a perfect day for a marathon; cool enough and no wind.  The only negative was the actual course.  Run on highways and through tunnels, there are absolutely no spectators on the course until the final few miles.  After observing the paltry spectating conditions first hand (my holiday was awesome!), this is definitely a marathon that will break you if you're not prepared.  This is why I was shocked when I found the winner of the upload challenge.  User fyleung didn't just run a stellar 4:23 marathon, but it was their FIRST MARATHON!!!  You can see the marathon as run by fyleung below.  Please note that the race to upload was also tight . . . just 17 minutes separated the first two uploads.

Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California is set to kick off in just 5 days, with the Prologue riding through the streets of Palo Alto on Sunday, February 17th.  Like last year, Garmin will have a booth at the finish line of each stage.  We'll be featuring our newest GPS enabled bike computers, the Edge 605 & 705.  If you're a long time friend of MotionBased, you're likely to see some new faces, as well.  Our office has doubled since this time last year and we're sending some new engineers into the field to see what the Tour is all about.

One of the highlights for this year's Tour will take place during Stage 1 in Santa Rosa on February 18th.  For the first time, the Tour will host a Women's Criterium.  The Women's Criterium will be raced on portions of the men's finish circuit, prior to the men's finish.

Another exciting addition to the Tour, from a Garmin perspective, is our support of Slipstream Sports.  Just weeks ago, Garmin announced that we will be sponsoring this elite cycling team, and that they'll be training with the new Edge 705!  Look for the men in argyle to shake things up in this year's Tour of California, and in the Tour de France later this year.

This year's tour Stages are similar to last year's, with stages starting and finishing in some of the most beautiful areas in California.  Don't forget to stop by our finish line booths to say hello and get a peek at the new Edge 605 & 705!

Mumbai Marathon - MotionBased Winner!

On 14 December 2007, I put our world traveling marathoners to a challenge.  Four of my running friends and teammates were selected to compete in the Greatest Race on Earth marathon series.  I wanted to see if the Mumbai and Hong Kong Marathons would be added to the TrailNetwork by the MotionBased faithful. 

One MotionBased user did upload the Mumbai Marathon, receiving a year's subscription for free . . . and it wasn't my friend Allison!  Check out the elevation profile from nkstar's race.  Amazingly enough, the Mumbai Marathon has the "easiest" elevation profile of the 4 marathons in the series. 

The Hong Kong Marathon is swiftly approaching.  Flora gets underway on the morning of 17 February.  I can't wait to see it uploaded to MotionBased!

Storming in the New Year

Last Friday (4 January 2008) the Bay Area was hit with one of the nastiest storms we've ever seen.  A strong steady wind (40+ MPH at times) was aided by wind gusts of 50+ MPH, and accompanied by a torrential downpour that made for one dark, stay-inside day that brought down fences (yes, mine - whimper), trees and power lines.  It also put a halt to the obsessive compulsive running, cycling, rowing, etc. for which our customers are known.  Well, most of you halted, retreating indoors for a ride on the trainer, a run on the treadmill or just curling up with a good book.  Yet, while most of us took cover inside, no fewer than nine of our Bay Area customers proved that they are slightly off kilter (my personal 348th reason to love the Bay Area).  In my quest to see just how many die hard outdoorsmen we have at MotionBased, I stumbled across this comment: "Very, very wet and windy.  Excellent!"  That was jmcauliffe's attitude about his 12.41 mile mountain bike ride.  Fortunately he was adventurous enough to go during what was probably his lunch break!  (For some reason the weather data for a few of the area's activities is not posting.  Check out the steady wind speeds on Intern-Devon's attempted drive to work.)  Check out jmcauliffe's ride out below.  And, if you're curious to see who else in the Bay Area suffers from OCD, take a stab at the search functions by choosing a Custom Date in Quick Filters, then running the Map Filter.  HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

My Challenge to All

I have 4 friends running the Greatest Race on Earth.  It's a series of 4 marathons in 4 international cities aimed at promoting a green planet.  In order, the marathon challenge began in Kenya (28 October 2007), headed to Singapore (2 December 2007), makes its way to Mumbai (20 January 2008), and finishes in Hong Kong (17 February 2008).  I was really interested in the second marathon.  My friend Kate has been struggling with injury and was scheduled to run it.  Because of her commitment to her teammates she opted to go to Singapore and run as she felt, realizing that if her body told her to "stop," she'd listen.  When her body gave her the go ahead to finish, I was really interested to find at least one activity on the TrailNetwork to show her the marathon in which she competed.  Here's that marathon below, as run by thelonelyrunner:

I then got to thinking about Emily (our first runner) and her marathon in Kenya.  I found something that really bummed me out.  Not one person in the Greatest Race on Earth - Kenya wore a device and uploaded.

My challenge to everyone is this.  I'd love to see the Mumbai and Hong Kong Marathons uploaded . . . and not by Allison (running Mumbai) nor Flora (running Hong Kong) nor me!  (I'm going to Honk Kong with my friend and teammate Flora to act as her Sherpa for the race.  Of course we'll be spending quality time in Hong Kong and Shanghai after the race!)  The first person to answer the call for each challenge will receive a year's subscription to MotionBased . . . soon to be Garmin Connect.  As soon as your activity is uploaded, comment to this post with the activity link and we'll get you squared away.