Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Wearable Update: Two New Apps and Optimizations Added

    Garmin Wearable Update: Two New Apps and Optimizations Added

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Garmin Descent X50i dive computer has been updated to system software version 4.05, improving functionality since the last update in July 2025.
    2. New features include Weather & Tides apps, Notifications, Garmin Share support, and a vertical screen rotation option.
    3. Enhanced dive metrics with NDL Aware Depth Metrics and low battery warnings added to the pre-dive checklist.
    4. Users can now monitor system alerts, including improved low tank pressure alerts and logged battery stats during dives.
    5. The update has been rolled out to at least 50% of users, with options to download via the Garmin Dive app, Garmin Express, or directly on the watch.

    The Garmin Descent X50i high-end dive computer has just got a new update, system software 4.05. The last time this device was updated was in July 2025, when they released version 3.18, which improved the touch controls.

    New Features Added

    With the latest update, new apps for Weather & Tides and Notifications have been introduced. The device now allows Garmin Share support, and users can rotate the screen vertically, changing the control buttons to the top instead of the bottom. Additionally, new NDL Aware Depth Metrics in the dive fields give divers more detailed insights, and they can receive low battery warnings on the pre-dive checklist. Moreover, the battery level of a linked inReach device can now be displayed in the status bar, and battery stats can now be logged during a diving activity.

    Enhanced User Experience

    Users of the Descent X50i can now oversee system alerts through the device’s settings, with improvements made to critical low tank pressure alerts. Garmin has also addressed various bugs related to travel gas in the dive plan, the compass not clearing as it should, and issues with cut-off dive charts. You can check out the full change log for system software 4.05 below.

    In a post on the Garmin Forum, a company representative mentioned that system software version 4.05 has been rolled out to at least 50% of Descent X50i users (currently $1,499.99 at Amazon). It’s still uncertain when the rollout will finish. Users can download updates for their device using the Garmin Dive app, Garmin Express on a computer, or directly on the watch by navigating to PREV > Settings > System > Check for Updates.

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    Garmin Wearable Update: Two New Apps and Optimizations Added

     

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  • Garmin Fixes Messenger Bug in Beta Update, Battery Drain Issues Persist

    Garmin Fixes Messenger Bug in Beta Update, Battery Drain Issues Persist

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is updating older smartwatches like Venu 3, Venu 3S, and Vivoactive 5, despite newer models available.
    2. The last stable software update was version 16.05, released in September, with version 17.01 currently in Beta.
    3. Beta 17.01 includes improved translations for Garmin Connect Mobile and fixes for pairing with the Garmin Messenger app.
    4. Battery life issues for Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 have not been addressed in recent updates.
    5. Users can access Beta 17.01 by checking for updates in the smartwatch settings.

    Garmin has transitioned many of its older smartwatches to a significant new software update. Although the Venu 3, Venu 3S, and Vivoactive 5 (currently priced at $199 on Amazon) have been succeeded by newer versions, Garmin still provides updates for them occasionally. However, the company’s release of new patches has noticeably decreased in frequency lately.

    Recent Update History

    For example, the last stable update was released in September, which included fixes for heart-rate related bugs under version 16.05. This was quickly followed by version 16.07, but both have now been superseded by version 17.01, which Garmin is currently rolling out through its Beta Program. While there’s no word on when v17.xx will become stable, recent activities suggest that a new stable update might be on the horizon.

    Details of Beta 17.01

    In the meantime, Beta 17.01 is reported to have three main improvements compared to the v16.xx versions. Garmin has included updated translations for the Garmin Connect Mobile, which are now at version 2.30. Additionally, this beta version is expected to resolve a pairing issue with the Garmin Messenger app and another issue related to the EasyCard icon.

    Battery Life Concerns Unaddressed

    Interestingly, Garmin has not yet tackled the ongoing battery life problems reported for the Venu 3 and Vivoactive since the upgrade to version 16.xx software. Users can download Beta 17.01 on their Venu 3 series or Vivoactive 5 smartwatch by selecting ‘Check for Updates’ after going through the Main Menu, Settings, System, and Software Update. For more information, please refer to Garmin’s forum post.

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  • Garmin Updates Remove Popular Shortcut, Users React Negatively

    Garmin Updates Remove Popular Shortcut, Users React Negatively

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin removed the sleep mode shortcut from some smartwatches in recent software updates.
    2. User feedback has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration on forums like Garmin Forum and Reddit.
    3. Garmin stated the removal was intentional, grouping sleep mode with other focus modes in a new focus menu.
    4. Users have to navigate more menus to access sleep mode, which can be inconvenient, especially for shift workers.
    5. Some users suggested using the voice assistant to activate focus mode, but it’s uncertain if Garmin will reinstate the original shortcut based on user feedback.

    Garmin has decided to take away the sleep mode shortcut on some of its smartwatches. This change occurred in two recent stable software updates: version 15.16 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, and version 20.19 for the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches (curr. $889.99 at Amazon).

    User Reactions to Changes

    The removal of the sleep mode shortcut was first noticed earlier this year during beta testing, leading users to begin asking questions about why it was taken away. Now that these stable updates are being released, more users have been voicing their concerns on the Garmin Forum and Reddit.

    Garmin’s Explanation

    Garmin has explained that the removal of the sleep mode shortcut was a planned decision, stating that sleep mode has now become a type of focus mode. All focus modes are now grouped together in the focus menu. A company representative has suggested that users add Focus Mode to the Light/Controls menu as a replacement for the shortcut.

    User Frustration

    However, many users are unhappy with this change, as it means they have to click more and spend extra time looking at their watch when they’re trying to sleep. Some have noted that this situation also affects shift workers or people with irregular sleeping patterns, making it difficult for them to set up an automatic sleep schedule.

    One user proposed using the smartwatch’s voice assistant to activate focus mode, but that may not work for everyone. It is still unclear if Garmin will listen to this feedback from users and consider restoring the shortcut for better usability.

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  • Garmin Connect+ Now Accessible for More Smartwatch Users

    Garmin Connect+ Now Accessible for More Smartwatch Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Connect+ subscription service in March 2025, priced at $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually, offering exclusive features for subscribers.
    2. Subscribers gain enhanced LiveTrack features, including text alerts for followers and a personalized LiveTrack homepage.
    3. The LiveTrack homepage customization is now accessible to all users with a connectivity subscription, including inReach subscribers.
    4. Other premium features of Garmin Connect+ include coaching tips, unique badge challenges, and 3D maps.
    5. Garmin is exploring the possibility of expanding more features from Connect+ to users with different subscriptions, like inReach or Outdoor Maps+.

    Garmin might be expanding one of its subscriber-only features to a wider audience of smartwatch users. In March 2025, the brand launched the Connect+ subscription service, which offered a variety of new functions exclusively to those who subscribed for $6.99 a month (or $69.99 annually).

    Features Available for Subscribers

    The added features included upgrades to “LiveTrack”; the basic LiveTrack lets friends and family follow your location while you’re being active. For subscribers, there were additional perks like text alerts for followers and the option to set up a personalized LiveTrack homepage.

    Updates on LiveTrack

    A recent update from Garmin Rumors suggests that the LiveTrack feature is getting a makeover. The blog also reports that the ability to customize a LiveTrack homepage is now accessible to anyone with a connectivity subscription. This opens up the feature to inReach subscribers, who won’t need to pay for the Garmin Connect+ plan to use it. This could be particularly useful for users of the newly launched Garmin Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch (currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon). However, it seems that sending LiveTrack info via text remains exclusive to Garmin Connect+ subscribers.

    More Premium Features

    In case you forgot, other premium features included in Garmin Connect+ are specialized coaching tips for Garmin Coach training plans, unique badge challenges, and 3D maps. It’s still uncertain if or when additional features from Garmin Connect+ will be available to smartwatch users who have different subscriptions, such as inReach or Outdoor Maps+.

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  • Garmin Enhances Body Battery and Introduces New Health Features

    Garmin Enhances Body Battery and Introduces New Health Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is enhancing health features like Body Battery, sleep monitoring, and Health Status glance through the Garmin Connect app.
    2. Sleep tracking has improved with clearer explanations of sleep score trends, quality, and monthly patterns.
    3. The Body Battery page has been redesigned to show average daily energy fluctuations and highlight monthly highs.
    4. New tips for the Health Status glance feature emphasize the importance of consistent sleep monitoring for accurate calibration.
    5. The rollout timeline for these enhancements to all eligible Garmin users is currently uncertain.

    Garmin is enhancing its health features, including Body Battery, sleep monitoring, and the new Health Status glance. These updates seem to be available for some users of the company’s smartwatches through the Garmin Connect app on smartphones.

    Improvements in Sleep Tracking

    A recent report from Garmin Rumors reveals that the explanations regarding recent sleep score trends, quality of sleep, and monthly patterns have been improved. The blog indicates that the updated phrasing offers users “clearer breakdowns” of these factors and additional measurements.

    Redesigned Body Battery Page

    The Body Battery section has also been revamped. Garmin users can now see their average daily fluctuations in energy levels, with monthly highs being highlighted. Additionally, there are contextual insights available, such as how often individuals had high Body Battery scores.

    New Tips for Health Status Glance

    Moreover, there are fresh tips for the Health Status glance, which was introduced with the Garmin Venu 4 smartwatch (currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon). Users are now informed that, for this feature to be accurately calibrated, they must consistently monitor their sleep. However, it remains uncertain when these enhancements related to sleep tracking, Body Battery, and Health Status will be rolled out to all eligible Garmin users.

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  • Garmin Introduces Lifestyle Logging Automation for Smartwatch Users

    Garmin Introduces Lifestyle Logging Automation for Smartwatch Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Garmin Lifestyle Logging tool was introduced with the Venu 4 smartwatch in September 2025.
    2. A new auto-logging feature allows certain activities to be logged automatically when the smartwatch syncs with the phone.
    3. Users can enable or disable the auto-logging feature in the Garmin Connect app.
    4. Users will get prompts to activate auto-logging for compatible behaviors, with explanations provided.
    5. The rollout of the auto-logging feature to all users is expected in November 2025.

    An update for the Garmin Lifestyle Logging tool seems to be being released. This feature was introduced with the Venu 4 smartwatch (currently starting at $528.09 on Amazon) in September 2025. Located in the Garmin Connect app, it aims to assist users in tracking various health and wellness habits.

    New Auto-Logging Feature

    Recently, numerous Garmin smartwatch users have shared on Reddit that an auto-logging feature is now available for the Lifestyle Log. This tool allows certain logged activities, such as exercises, to be automatically filled in when your device is synced with your phone, eliminating the need for manual entry. However, Garmin hasn’t yet listed which specific habits can be logged automatically on their support pages.

    User Control Over Auto-Logging

    It seems auto-logging is optional, as Garmin Connect users can enable or disable it at their discretion. A report from Garmin Rumors suggests that users will receive prompts to activate auto-logging when a compatible behavior is detected, along with explanations on how the automation functions. For habits that can’t be logged automatically, users can receive daily reminders to log their activities manually. It’s still unclear when the auto-logging feature for Lifestyle Logging will become available to all users. The5krunner has indicated that it may roll out to more users in November 2025.

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  • Garmin’s Future Smartwatches: Extra-Bright MicroLED Displays

    Garmin’s Future Smartwatches: Extra-Bright MicroLED Displays

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has been a leader in smartwatch display technology, primarily using memory-in-pixel (MIP) displays for their efficiency in bright sunlight and battery conservation.
    2. The company is transitioning to AMOLED technology and has launched the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro with a new MicroLED display, offering impressive brightness levels.
    3. MicroLED technology is believed to outperform OLED in color and brightness while avoiding burn-in issues common in smartwatches.
    4. Future Garmin watches with MicroLED displays will address challenges such as higher power consumption and increased thickness compared to OLED models.
    5. Plans are in place to introduce touch functionality in upcoming Garmin smartwatches, a feature currently absent in the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED.

    Garmin has been a leader in smartwatch display tech for a long time. Their devices often use memory-in-pixel (MIP) displays, which are great for bright sunlight and use less battery. However, Garmin is now moving towards AMOLED technology in its range of products. They have also recently launched a MicroLED version of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (you can find it here on Amazon), which showcases amazing brightness levels.

    Insights from Garmin’s Display Expert

    In a chat with Tom’s Guide, Ralph Poshak, who manages display technology at Garmin, spoke about displays and addressed some of the criticism regarding the company’s adoption of MicroLED technology. He highlighted how MicroLED could outperform OLED in terms of color and brightness, while avoiding issues like burn-in that can be a problem for smartwatches.

    Addressing Challenges with MicroLED

    Future Garmin watches that will have MicroLED displays are said to address some existing challenges related to this technology. For instance, the MicroLED version of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro consumes more power than the OLED version, which could be a worry for gadgets with small batteries. Additionally, the MicroLED display is a bit thicker, making the Fenix 8 Pro one millimeter taller. Ralph Poshak also mentioned future plans to add touch functionality to new Garmin smartwatches, a feature missing in the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED, unlike other models.

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  • Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update: InReach Fixes Now Live

    Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update: InReach Fixes Now Live

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released beta update 23.31 for Fenix 7, Epix, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2 smartwatches.
    2. The update improves stability for the inReach Remote feature, allowing better messaging and SOS capabilities.
    3. Beta version 23.31 is available for manual download and should also update automatically on compatible devices.
    4. The ECG and Dive features remain disabled in this beta update, which is common for beta software.
    5. Future updates may reactivate ECG and Dive features and continue improving user experience.

    Garmin has put out a new beta update for its Fenix 7, Fenix 7X, Fenix 7S, Epix, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2 smartwatches. This beta version, numbered 23.31, comes just a few weeks after the previous one, which was version 23.28 that tackled an issue with inReach messages.

    Update Highlights

    The change log for beta 23.31 reveals an improvement specifically for the Garmin Fenix 7 and other related devices. This update is supposed to provide better stability for the inReach Remote feature. This function enables users to send out messages, start or halt tracking, and even trigger an SOS on a connected inReach satellite communicator directly from their watch.

    Availability and Manual Download

    Recently, a Garmin representative shared on their forum that beta version 23.31 is now accessible to all users of the Fenix 7, Epix, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2 smartwatches. The update should automatically be sent to compatible devices over the air, but it can also be manually installed by going to Main Menu > System > Software Update > Check for Updates. It’s important to mention that the ECG and Dive features are still turned off with this release, which is typical for beta updates. It’s unclear when a new stable version of the 23.xx software will be made available for all Fenix 7 series smartwatch users (Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar 51 mm curr. $670 at Amazon).

    Future Updates

    Garmin’s ongoing commitment to improving its devices is evident with this latest beta release. Users can look forward to more enhancements in future updates, which may include the reactivation of the ECG and Dive features. For now, the stability improvements offered by version 23.31 should enhance the overall user experience on these popular smartwatches.

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    Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update: InReach Fixes Now Live

     

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  • Garmin Announces Major Update for High-End Smartwatches with New Features

    Garmin Announces Major Update for High-End Smartwatches with New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is preparing to release a new stable update for Fenix E, Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches.
    2. The upcoming update follows about six weeks of public beta testing, starting with Beta Version 20.07.
    3. The previous stable update was System Software 17.30, which included over 100 bug fixes and enhancements.
    4. The new update is expected to bring around 89 improvements over System Software 17.30, with nearly 24 specifically for the Fenix 8 Pro.
    5. Beta Version 20.19 has been rolled out to eligible smartwatches and is anticipated to transition to stable software soon.

    It seems like Garmin is getting ready to roll out a new stable update that includes not only the Fenix E and Fenix 8 but also the latest Fenix 8 Pro (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon). This update will also be available for the Enduro 3 and Tactix 8, and it is the result of about six weeks of public beta testing which started with Beta Version 20.07.

    Previous Updates

    To give some background, the last significant stable update from the company was released in mid-August. This was known as System Software 17.28, which featured over 100 bug fixes, new enhancements, and other updates. Garmin quickly followed this up with System Software 17.30 to fix some remaining bugs. From what we understand, the upcoming stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, and Tactix 8 is expected to include around 89 improvements over System Software 17.30, with nearly two dozen specifically for the Fenix 8 Pro.

    Beta Version and Transition

    At this time, Garmin has stated that it has rolled out Beta Version 20.19 to all eligible smartwatches that participate in the Beta Program, which have features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG activated. Thus, we anticipate that the company will move this version to its stable software branch within the next few days at the latest. So, do not be astonished if Garmin starts making System Software 20.19 or something similar available before the week wraps up.

    Garmin

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  • Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with Enhanced Sleep Mode

    Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with Enhanced Sleep Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released updates for the Forerunner 570 (Beta Version 15.13) and Forerunner 970 (Beta Version 15.12), which included bug fixes and removed the sleep mode shortcut feature.
    2. Both smartwatches have now transitioned to Beta Version 15.16, available only through manual installation.
    3. To install the new update, users must navigate through the Main menu, Settings, System, and Software Update on their smartwatch.
    4. The Beta Version 15.16 fixes issues related to skipped post-activity summary pages and device resets when sleep mode is ended manually.
    5. The update also includes unspecified translation improvements, with more details available on Garmin’s forum.

    Earlier this week, Garmin made waves with updates for its latest Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, currently priced at $749 on Amazon. The updates, labeled as Beta Version 15.13 for the Forerunner 570 and Beta Version 15.12 for the Forerunner 970, shared the same changelog that included several bug fixes and removed the sleep mode shortcut feature.

    Transition to New Version

    Now, Garmin has moved both smartwatches to version 15.16. This update is also part of its Beta Program and is currently only accessible through manual installation. To download Beta Version 15.16, users need to go through the Main menu, then Settings, followed by System and Software Update, and tap ‘Check for Updates’ on a Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 that is enrolled in the Beta Program.

    Fixes and Improvements

    In a post on their forum, Garmin explained that the Public Beta Version 15.16 addresses an issue where the post-activity summary pages were being skipped during auto-scrolling. Furthermore, they’ve managed to fix a problem that would reset the device when sleep mode was manually ended. The new update also includes translation updates, though the specific areas that were improved remain unspecified. For more information, refer to Garmin’s forum posts regarding the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.

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