Transmit power data from Skierg PM5 to Garmin Epix2

[HornetMaX]

The key issue is that the EU requires that for new devices the user can select to encrypt any possibly sensitive data (see https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/the ... eless.html for a more detailed explanation). Garmin has to comply by summer, and simply decided that ANT+ can't comply without breaking backward compatibility, so they kill the entire ANT+ protocol (slowly).

Interesting read.

That directive covers a flotilla of different areas, but one of the most applicable pieces is that it requires authentication and encryption for wireless communications of personal information. Or, at the very least, it requires manufacturers to make you aware when data is being transmitted without such protections.

I hope someone is not simply jumping on a chance to go "Back to walled gardens" with the EU law excuse (e.g. if the approach "make me aware, I'm fine with that" is really possible).

Anyway, guess we'll see what happens once the whole thing is enforced for real (if anything happens).

[JaapvanE]

I hope someone is not simply jumping on a chance to go "Back to walled gardens" with the EU law excuse (e.g. if the approach "make me aware, I'm fine with that" is really possible).

Oddly enough, Garmin introduced functionality in the latest Epix/Fenix devices that does just that. It causes huge issues, as stuff doesn't connect automatically anymore, but once they fix that, they probably are OK. In essence, that would put them in the clear without sacrificing ANT+. My impression of Garmin is that they are quite cost-driven: they standardize a lot of components across models, just to run down production cost. Now they got the perfect excuse to axe a protocol on their newest sensors, removing an antenna, battery use etc., potentially even allowing a move to more standardized chipsets...

[HornetMaX]

I hope someone is not simply jumping on a chance to go "Back to walled gardens" with the EU law excuse (e.g. if the approach "make me aware, I'm fine with that" is really possible).

Oddly enough, Garmin introduced functionality in the latest Epix/Fenix devices that does just that. It causes huge issues, as stuff doesn't connect automatically anymore, but once they fix that, they probably are OK. In essence, that would put them in the clear without sacrificing ANT+.

But they already have sacrificed ANT+, no ? They said the entire program (certifications, loyalties, evolutions) is stopped for good.
If informing the user (about absence of encryption) was enough, why stop it ?!

[JaapvanE]

But they already have sacrificed ANT+, no ? They said the entire program (certifications, loyalties, evolutions) is stopped for good.
If informing the user (about absence of encryption) was enough, why stop it ?!

They haven't made an official statement. So it is guesswork.

Perhaps some lawyers are overly cautious. Know to happen, especially given the hefty EU fines for big cooperations.

But it could be that RED allows them to wall off the garden again and allow them to one-on-one deals again. ANT+ was interesting in one way as it allowed them to use sensors they couldn't produce themselves. But it also allowed companies to produce cheaper HRM bands and hook them up to the Garmin ecosystem. And lets not forget competitors like Wahoo etc. who really hurt Garmin's bike business. And Polar just hit them on the watch side as well. Open Standards are all fun and games, until somebody realises that locking people in is a better business model. As everybody in the industry wants to work with Garmin, they already got the leverage to connect people via BLE custom protocols.

Only time can tell I'm afraid.