Garmin Update Enhances Heart Rate Tracking for Older Smartwatches

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin released stable updates for older Forerunner smartwatches after beta testing.
2. The last stable update for the Forerunner series was Software Version 24.12, released in late July.
3. Garmin is focusing on newer models like the Forerunner 570 and Fenix 8, with limited beta updates for older models.
4. The latest stable update, Software Version 25.04, includes bug fixes and improved heart rate tracking.
5. The Forerunner 165 did not receive a fix for Power Save Timeout settings, unlike the other models.

Garmin has rolled out new stable updates for its older Forerunner smartwatches after a brief beta testing period. To summarize, the last stable update for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $589 on Amazon) was released in late July with Software Version 24.12.

Focus on Newer Models

Following that, Garmin has shifted its attention to newer models like the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Fenix 8. While these new models have seen a variety of beta updates, the only beta version offered to the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 beta testers was Version 25.02. Recently, Garmin unexpectedly moved ahead with Software Version 25.04, which can be manually downloaded by going through these menus on your Forerunner smartwatch:

Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

Improvements and Fixes

As anticipated, this latest stable update is primarily aimed at fixing bugs. One notable fix is for a problem that stopped Strength workouts from being marked as complete in Garmin Run Coach plans. In addition, Garmin has stated that it has enhanced wrist-based heart rate tracking, reducing instances where readings might be inaccurately high during activities. It’s important to mention that the Forerunner 165 is the only one from the five smartwatches eligible for Software Version 25.04 that hasn’t received a fix for Power Save Timeout settings in multisport profiles.

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