Garmin Launches Major Update for High-End Smartwatches

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin has updated multiple Forerunner smartwatch models, including the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965, and introduced beta updates for the Forerunner 570 and 970.
2. Beta testing is now ongoing for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8, with the release of Beta Version 17.19.
3. Beta Version 17.19 primarily focuses on bug fixes, including a crash issue related to the back button in the add activities menu.
4. The update removes the Fitness Age feature during sleep mode and adds support for Focus Mode on watch faces.
5. The update will be delivered automatically via over-the-air (OTA) download, with more beta versions expected before moving to stable software.

In the past few days, Garmin has focused on refreshing its Forerunner smartwatch lineup, both current and older models. This week alone, the company rolled out two updates for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. Additionally, they have also introduced the initial beta updates for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.

Latest Developments in Garmin’s Beta Testing

Garmin has now shifted its efforts back to beta testing for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 (currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon) with the release of Beta Version 17.19. This latest update comes just under a week after the previous Beta Version 17.18, which included several changes for the supported smartwatches. Interestingly, Beta Version 17.19 incorporates the same set of features as its predecessor.

Improvements and Fixes

Most of the enhancements in this update are focused on fixing bugs, including a specific issue that could lead to a crash when users pressed the back button in the add activities menu. Furthermore, the Fitness Age feature will no longer appear during sleep mode. In addition, Beta Version 17.19 introduces support for Focus Mode on watch faces. Garmin indicates that this update will be delivered automatically through an over-the-air (OTA) download. According to a post on the company’s forum, additional beta versions are expected before the v17.xx software is moved to Garmin’s stable software branch.

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