Tag: Garmin Forerunner 970

  • Garmin Smartwatches to Get Google Maps Support in Future Updates

    Garmin Smartwatches to Get Google Maps Support in Future Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched the Forerunner 970, featuring turn-by-turn navigation, priced at $749.99.
    2. Garmin is reportedly working with Google to integrate Google Maps support into select smartwatches.
    3. The integration may allow Garmin devices to provide navigation prompts similar to Wear OS devices.
    4. Current Wear OS smartwatches can initiate navigation or display info from a connected smartphone.
    5. Future Garmin updates, like the Fenix 8 Pro, may include LTE connectivity alongside Google Maps support.


    It appears that a significant maps update might be on its way for upcoming Garmin smartwatches. To summarize, Garmin has launched the Forerunner 970 (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon) which includes turn-by-turn navigation. However, there are indications that the company is collaborating with Google to introduce Google Maps support for select devices.

    Google Maps Compatibility

    A recent update from Google Maps has hinted that Google is planning to integrate Garmin compatibility in some capacity. Garmin Rumors suggests that certain Garmin smartwatches could soon receive Google Maps prompts, similar to how Wear OS devices currently operate. Unfortunately, the APK for Google Maps does not specify which Garmin smartwatches will be included in this collaboration.

    Features of Current Wear OS Devices

    For context, the existing Wear OS smartwatches can either initiate turn-by-turn navigation directly or display what is visible on a connected smartphone. It would be great if this functionality could also be applied to the Forerunner 970 or Fenix 8, allowing them to provide haptic feedback for upcoming turns. Moreover, there’s a possibility that Garmin might incorporate this support with LTE connectivity, which is expected to be introduced later this year as part of the Fenix 8 Pro update.

    u/bendotlc via Garmin Rumors

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  • Garmin Forerunner Smartwatches Update: Improved Battery Life

    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatches Update: Improved Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released software version 6.17 for the Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches, marking its first stable update since their launch in May 2025.
    2. The update improves battery life for the Forerunner 970 and the 47 mm version of the Forerunner 570, though specific improvements in battery duration are not disclosed.
    3. A translation update is now available for users in Japan, but the update does not address reported bug issues on Garmin forums, such as touchscreen problems and rebooting issues.
    4. Users can access the software update by navigating to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates on their smartwatches.
    5. The Forerunner 970 is priced at $549.99 on Amazon and is expected to last up to 15 days, while the Forerunner 570 (47 mm) can last up to 11 days on a single charge.


    Garmin has rolled out software version 6.17 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. These running devices were introduced in late May 2025. This update is the first stable one for these watches, which Garmin refers to as a hotfix.

    Battery Improvements

    The software update, version 6.17, reportedly boosts the battery life “on watch face” for the Forerunner 970 and the larger 47 mm version of the Forerunner 570 (currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon). Sadly, Garmin hasn’t provided any details about how much battery life has improved. Just to remind, the Forerunner 970 is expected to last up to 15 days, while the Forerunner 570 47 mm can last up to 11 days on a single charge.

    Translation Updates and Issues

    For those who bought one of these new Forerunner smartwatches in Japan, an update for translations is now available. The last note in the change log is a bit mysterious, mentioning “changes to support manufacturing.” However, the software release doesn’t seem to address any bug fixes related to problems users have reported on the Garmin forum. These include touch-screen issues on the Forerunner 570 and a rebooting problem on the Forerunner 970 that is connected to features like Google Assistant and maps.

    How to Get the Update

    Garmin states that software version 6.17 is accessible now for all users of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. To download this update, simply navigate to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

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  • New Garmin Smartwatch Workouts Coming Soon for Fitness Fans

    New Garmin Smartwatch Workouts Coming Soon for Fitness Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin may introduce new walking and swimming workouts for select smartwatches.
    2. The new swim workouts are expected to help improve technique and stamina with various intensity levels.
    3. There will be recovery sessions and timed workouts for users preparing for events.
    4. New walking workouts may include interval training and focus on mental wellness.
    5. The release date and compatible smartwatches for these features are still unknown.


    Two fresh features for Garmin smartwatches seem to have been leaked. These rumors surfaced after the launch of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, which introduced new functionalities like Evening Report, Running tolerance, and Running economy.

    New Workouts on the Horizon

    A report from the5krunner suggests that Garmin might be adding new walking and swimming workouts to certain smartwatches. These could potentially be new Daily Suggested Workouts. The swim workouts might also connect to the newly unveiled Garmin Triathlon Coach for the Forerunner 970 (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon). This feature in the Garmin Connect app offers users a complimentary training plan aimed at achieving fitness goals or preparing for races.

    Enhancing Technique and Stamina

    The anticipated swimming workouts are designed to assist users in improving their technique and stamina. They will present various intensity levels, with some tailored for open water swimming. Additionally, there will be recovery sessions to help the body recuperate, along with timed workouts to challenge users before an event. This information closely resembles the ‘Swim Workouts’ segment on the specialized Garmin Triathlon Coach webpage.

    Walking Workouts and Mental Wellness

    It’s still uncertain if the new walking workouts will also be tied to a Garmin Coach training plan. Reportedly, the walking workouts will feature a variety of intensities and durations, including interval training and recovery-based sessions. There seem to be workouts aimed at enhancing mental wellness, encouraging breathing awareness, and immersing oneself in nature.

    In both cases, the5krunner references their reliable source, @JohnW. The timing of the launch for these new Garmin swimming and walking workouts, as well as which smartwatches will support them, remains unclear.

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  • Garmin Introduces Evening Report Feature for Select Smartwatches

    Garmin Introduces Evening Report Feature for Select Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched the Evening Report feature for the Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches, available from May 21st, 2025.
    2. The Evening Report assists users in planning their evenings by providing summaries of sleep targets, future workouts, and events before bedtime.
    3. It displays the Body Battery score, next day’s weather forecast, and advice from the Garmin sleep coach, enhancing user experience.
    4. Users can customize the Evening Report settings to choose what information they want to see or disable the feature.
    5. The Evening Report will also be available for Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches in a future software update.


    Garmin has introduced a new Evening Report feature for its Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. These devices were announced earlier this month and became available on May 21st, 2025.

    Evening Report Overview

    The Evening Report is similar to the existing Morning Report feature that was first introduced with the Garmin Lily in 2021. The Morning Report provides a daily overview when users wake up, including important details like their Body Battery score, upcoming Calendar events, and a Suggested Workout.

    Enhancing User Experience

    The new Evening Report is designed to assist smartwatch users in planning their evenings. This summary is shown just before the user usually goes to sleep, reminding them of their sleep targets, future workouts, and any scheduled events. Additionally, it displays the Body Battery score, a weather forecast for the next day, and advice from the Garmin sleep coach. Users can personalize their Evening Report by navigating to Watch Settings > Notifications & Alerts > Report Settings > Evening Report, allowing them to select which information they want to see or turn off the feature entirely.

    Comparison with Previous Features

    It’s important to mention that this feature is more sophisticated compared to the older Daily Summary option, which is found on devices like the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5. Similar to the Evening Report, this notification is delivered a few hours before the user’s expected sleep time, showing how their activities and stress levels have influenced their Body Battery score.

    A recent article indicates that the Evening Report feature will also be made available for the Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches (currently starting at $1,299.99 on Amazon) in an upcoming software update.

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  • Garmin Forerunner 570 & 970 Now Available with HRM 600 Monitor

    Garmin Forerunner 570 & 970 Now Available with HRM 600 Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, along with the HRM 600 heart rate monitor.
    2. The Forerunner 570 is priced at $549.99, making it the most affordable option among the new models.
    3. The Forerunner 970 is only available in a 47 mm size and costs $749.99, which is 50% more than the recently reduced Forerunner 965 priced at $499.99.
    4. The HRM 600 heart rate monitor is available for $169.99 but is not yet sold by third-party sellers like Amazon.
    5. Garmin offers the Forerunner 570 in 42 mm and 47 mm sizes with multiple finish options available.


    Garmin has recently begun offering the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 worldwide, having unveiled both models last week along with the HRM 600. Interestingly, the HRM 600 is also available starting today, but it’s not yet sold by third-party sellers like Amazon. For your information, the HRM 600 is priced at $169.99 for the XS-S and M-XL sizes; you can check out our launch article for more technical specifications.

    Pricing and Availability

    When it comes to Garmin’s new Forerunner smartwatches, the Forerunner 570 stands out as the most affordable option at $549.99. Presently, Garmin has various stocks of all 42 mm and 47 mm sizes, providing three different finishes for each. The full-color names for the Forerunner 570 include:

    – 42 mm
    – 47 mm

    Forerunner 970 Specifications

    On the other hand, the Forerunner 970 is only available in a 47 mm size, similar to the Forerunner 965. However, the Forerunner 970 costs a staggering 50% more than the 965, since Garmin has lowered the price of the Forerunner 965 to $499.99. For complete technical information, please refer to our Forerunner 970 launch article. Currently, the latest smartwatch from Garmin is priced at $749.99 and comes in the following finishes.

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  • Garmin Forerunner 570: Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED Display

    Garmin Forerunner 570: Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has introduced two new models in the Forerunner series: the Forerunner 970 and the newly revealed Forerunner 570.
    2. The Forerunner 570 is a more affordable option than the Forerunner 970 but is still more expensive than the Forerunner 265.
    3. The Forerunner 570 is available in two sizes (42 mm and 47 mm) and features AMOLED screens, with the 47 mm model offering better battery life.
    4. The Forerunner 570 lacks some features found in the Forerunner 970, including ECG support, a flashlight, and turn-by-turn navigation maps.
    5. Pre-orders for the Forerunner 570 will start on May 21, with a price set at $549.99.


    Garmin has unveiled two new models in its Forerunner series today. While the Forerunner 970 was already known, the details about the Forerunner 570 just came to light earlier today.

    Pricing Structure

    The Forerunner 570 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Forerunner 970, yet it is still pricier than the current Forerunner 265, which is listed at $349.99 on Amazon. Currently, it is not certain if Garmin is developing a new Forerunner ‘2’ grade model. The Forerunner 570, however, takes the lead over the Forerunner 265 in some respects, such as being available in two different sizes.

    Specifications Overview

    Garmin has chosen to produce its new smartwatch in sizes of 42 mm and 47 mm, compared to the 42 mm and 46 mm sizes of the Forerunner 265. Both versions of the Forerunner 570 come with AMOLED screens, but there’s a slight 0.2-inch difference in diameter between them. The 47 mm model has a slight advantage in battery life, lasting up to 11 days. Similar differences can be seen when GPS modes are in use, which drops to 8 hours for the larger model.

    Feature Comparison

    The Forerunner 570 lacks several features that the Forerunner 970 offers. For instance, it does not have ECG support or a specific flashlight. Additionally, the Forerunner 570 has only a quarter of the storage capacity of the Forerunner 970, with 8 GB compared to 32 GB, and it does not support turn-by-turn navigation maps. However, it does appear to include Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate sensor. All models of the Forerunner 570 are set to be available for pre-order on Garmin’s website starting May 21 for a price of $549.99.

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