"so I need a 3rd party app to convert it to *.gpx, so I’m always at somebody’s mercy."
Yes, but no. A converter program can be run on your own computer, or even might be open-source, so it can be easily monitored or even cut off from the 'net completely if you really want to make sure no one is watching.
Don't get me wrong, my Garmin watch auto-syncs (over wifi no less, doesn't actually need the app once set up) with Garmin Connect and Strava and my own cloud storage, so I'm down with how easy it can be, but there still are fairly simple options for those who want to track rides but don't want to give away their data.
Good stuff!
April 11, 2022, 6:29 a.m. - Justin White
"so I need a 3rd party app to convert it to *.gpx, so I’m always at somebody’s mercy." Yes, but no. A converter program can be run on your own computer, or even might be open-source, so it can be easily monitored or even cut off from the 'net completely if you really want to make sure no one is watching. Don't get me wrong, my Garmin watch auto-syncs (over wifi no less, doesn't actually need the app once set up) with Garmin Connect and Strava and my own cloud storage, so I'm down with how easy it can be, but there still are fairly simple options for those who want to track rides but don't want to give away their data. Good stuff!