Garmin is currently advising that implementation of virtual shifting requires cooperation from Zwift and asks users to encourage Zwift to work with them to make this a reality.
PLEASE WORK WITH GARMIN to enable virtual shifting on the Neo 2t/3m line of trainers.
Agreed. Whilst I like the idea of Virtual shifting, I’m not swapping my trainer just to get it.
Use the QZ app and bypass Zwift/Garmin working together…
I guess I’m “lucky” enough to have a dedicated bike on my Neo, but I really can’t see what all the fuss is over Virtual Shifting other than it’s just the new, shiny thing.
That is my current solution. Roberto, the developer of the QZ app, is AWESOME. I would just ultimately like to be able to just load up Zwift directly instead of needing middleware. Just in testing, I keep accidentally swiping the app away and interrupting the connection between the trainer and Zwift. I think that I need to run it on a separate phone or tablet in order to prevent accidental closure.
Where is Garmin publishing this message to its users?
One of the Garmin forum staff/moderators posted the following about a week ago (emphasis mine, just to make it more obvious within the quote):
Thanks for reaching out.
There have been several threads on this topic since the first rollout of Zwift’s virtual shifting function. We are continuing to investigate bringing more compatibility and more features to Tacx trainers, and will share more details when available.
Some 3rd party apps can bridge smart trainer connections and allow virtual shifting support in Zwift. A true integration of Tacx hardware with Zwift software involves both parties, and it would be equally helpful for Tacx users to ask Zwift about expanding their virtual shifting support.
I appreciate your patience, I will be updating several threads regarding this feature request when more info is available.
This is fair. Zwift didn’t have to implement virtual shifting in a way that cut off many trainers and resulted in confused users who bought things they thought were compatible but could not be used, and ended up returning those things after much wasted time, support interactions, shipping expenses, etc. I don’t think the feature would have been worse in any important way if it had been designed differently and supported every smart trainer without a firmware update. I would be happy to hear them explain why that is not the case.
Is power calculation accurate with QZ app virtual shifting?
I paired my Kickr/power meters to Zwift as power source and Qz as resistance mode for virtual shifting, ensuring no change in power. However, I’ve extensively tested Qz, and if you choose to use it as power source, the accuracy will match your original source—whether it’s your trainer, power meters, or any other connected device. Qz Virtual shifting adjust the resistance generated by the trainer, not how power is measured.