Garmin International unveiled Connect IQ, the first-ever open platform for third-party developers to create apps for Garmin products.

The software development kit leverages the trusted technology that Garmin is known for, with an emphasis on low power consumption, extended battery life and connectivity to smartphones and peripheral sensors through Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and ANT+.

Garmin prides itself on creating active lifestyle products that become an essential part of customers lives, and now with Connect IQ, third-party developers can utilize the expanding line of world class wearables, while also taking advantage of the loyal customer base and diverse distribution channels.

 “As an early mover in the wearables market, we are excited to open up the Garmin platform to third-party developers, said Dawn Iddings Garmin vice president of business development. Connect IQ will leverage our growing portfolio of wearables and serve as catalyst for growth as customers and developers are able to customize our devices to reflect their unique personalities and needs.

As a pioneer in the wearable tech space, Garmin has created purpose-driven hardware for an active lifestyle since 2001. With Connect IQ, developers can now take advantage of the features that have made Garmin products an integral part of an active lifestyle:

  •     GPS Technology: Trusted GPS technology is the foundation of Garmin devices.
  • Battery Life: Garmin devices are designed for optimal battery life, so theyre still running when others arent.
  • Connectivity: Garmin devices are vastly extendable through BLE and ANT+.
  • Autonomy: Garmin devices are fully functional on their own expanding their utility and use cases.
  • Durability: Garmin products are built to last, and can endure the demanding conditions that an active lifestyle may bring.

With Connect IQ, developers can design colorful always-on watch faces, and translate rich sensor data into new relevant metrics utilizing fully customizable data screens. In addition, Garmin devices will now be able to support widgets and apps. Developers can create widgets to add to the main screen loop, like the score of the big game or when the user needs to hydrate during a long run, ride or hike. These apps can be tailored to the individual lifestyle of the user, no matter what theyre using the device for.

Connect IQ will be available on select Garmin wearables in 2015.