Garmin Mid-Range Smartwatches Receive Beta Update with Fixes

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin released new beta updates for the Forerunner 570 (version 15.31) and Forerunner 970 (version 15.30) after the stable software version 15.16.
2. The updates focus on various bug fixes and improvements, but specifics on benefits to users are unclear.
3. Users of the Forerunner 970 are experiencing ongoing issues with text message alerts not appearing or notifying them.
4. Alerts from other apps and incoming calls on the Forerunner 970 are functioning properly, but the text message issue remains unaddressed by Garmin.
5. Users can access the beta software by navigating through the smartwatch’s settings to check for updates.

Garmin has just unveiled new beta updates for its Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. These updates come nearly a month after the stable software version 15.16 was released, which introduced features such as Health Status, app-level notification controls, and a gesture that lets users exit notifications by simply placing their palm on the screen.

Beta Version Details

The Forerunner 570 is getting beta version 15.31, while the Forerunner 970 is getting beta version 15.30. It’s a bit confusing why these updates have different version numbers. The change logs for both watches merely mention “various bug fixes and improvements,” leaving it unclear how these updates might actually benefit users of these running watches.

Notification Issues Persist

One issue that seems to remain unresolved is regarding text message alerts. Users of the Forerunner 970 have shared on the Garmin Forum that notifications are not appearing on their screens or creating sounds or vibrations, which is what they would expect. However, alerts from other apps and incoming calls do not seem to be affected. Garmin hasn’t publicly addressed this problem yet, so it’s uncertain when a fix might be available.

How to Access Beta Software

If you’re part of the Garmin beta program for the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 smartwatches (currently starting at $646 on Amazon), you can now download the latest beta software. To do this, navigate to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

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