Ryan Haines / Android Authority
As an Android fan, I’ve always been big on customization. I want the software on my device — no matter what it is — to feel as unique as I do. And, as a runner, I’ve always been big on Garmin GPS watches. Sure, I’ve explored a Coros here and a Galaxy Watch there, but I’ve always come back to the comfort and capabilities of what I know best.
Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about my favorite wearable ecosystem. I’ve learned that there’s a right way and a wrong way to make a workout in Garmin Connect, and I’ve learned that if left unchecked, I could probably spend $100 on watch faces in Connect IQ. But, most importantly, I’ve learned that I have a favorite Garmin watch face — and even better, it’s a free one.
This is fine… no, it’s better than fine
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Honestly, I found my favorite Garmin watch face completely by accident. I mean, who really goes looking through the entire Connect IQ store and settles on one of the least practical faces? Well, I did. I can’t remember which watch I was wearing then, but I remember growing tired of the brightly colored, super-sporty faces that came installed by default, so I went searching.
And, before I’d reached the end of the list, I’d found the face that would stick with me for years to come, a face called This is Fine. Now, if you’ve ever been on the internet — probably just once would do — you’ll probably recognize the star of my wrist-based show. Yes, it’s the cartoon dog sitting in a flaming room, with only his coffee cup to keep him company. That’s it, and it’s all I could ask for.
Sometimes, the best watch face is the one that just tells you the time.
The Connect IQ version is a little more interactive than the beloved meme, but not much. The flames flicker back and forth, and the dog reminds me that “This is fine” every time I lift my watch face, and that’s it. He doesn’t tell me my steps, heart rate, or anything else, but that’s how I like it. It’s the antidote to Garmin’s usual data-heavy watch faces, and it makes me feel less lazy in my post-marathon recovery period.
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
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