Tag: Garmin

  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update: InReach Fixes Now Live

     

    Tags: , ,
  • 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

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Enhances Sleep Mode in High-End Smartwatch with Update

    Garmin Enhances Sleep Mode in High-End Smartwatch with Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Fenix 8 Pro and Beta Version 20.15 for its smartwatch series, including Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8.
    2. The Beta Version 20.18 update is being rolled out globally as an over-the-air (OTA) update to eligible devices.
    3. Garmin has reported that 50% of eligible devices have already received the Beta Version 20.18 update.
    4. This update fixes a potential system crash when exiting Sleep mode but has disabled features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG.
    5. More beta updates are expected before Garmin moves towards a stable software release, with no clear timeline provided for future stable versions.

    Earlier this week, Garmin introduced the Fenix 8 Pro (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon) into its Beta Program with the launch of Beta Version 20.15. At that time, we noted that the beta primarily concentrated on Garmin’s new Fenix 8 series smartwatch, though it was also made available for the standard Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 models.

    Update to Beta Version 20.18

    Now, the company has upgraded these smartwatches to Beta Version 20.18, which is being released globally as an over-the-air (OTA) update. In a post on their forum, Garmin mentions that the new beta has already been provided to 50% of devices that are eligible. If your smartwatch enrolled in the Beta Program hasn’t received it yet, simply go to Menu, System, Software Update, and choose ‘Check for Updates’ to manually download Beta Version 20.18.

    Fixes and Feature Changes

    Garmin states that this new beta addresses a possible system crash that might happen when manually exiting Sleep mode. However, the company also cautions that features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG have been disabled in Beta Version 20.18. Consequently, more beta updates are anticipated before Garmin shifts the 20.xx development toward a stable software release. Unfortunately, there is no clear information provided by Garmin regarding future rollout plans for stable versions at this time.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Fenix Pro Software Update: New Features and Improvements

    Garmin Fenix Pro Software Update: New Features and Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is launching a beta firmware update (version 20.15) for the Fenix 8 Pro series, with some features currently disabled.
    2. New features include a program for viewing and zooming received images on the watch and a new data field for LTE connection strength.
    3. Users can respond to Messenger messages using emojis and receive separate alerts for LTE standby.
    4. Bug fixes include allowing longer voice messages (over 30 seconds) in Messenger and resolving crashes when exiting the app.
    5. Diving and air sports functionalities remain disabled until a stable software version is released.

    Garmin is launching a new software version for the Fenix 8 Pro series. The firmware update, version 20.15, is still in beta, which means some features are not working yet. For instance, users will find that they cannot perform electrocardiograms, and the diving and air sports functionalities are disabled until a stable software version is made available.

    New Features and Changes

    The changelog reveals 24 updates, introducing fresh features like a program for showing received images that can now be zoomed directly on the watch. Additionally, a new data field has been added for activities, which allows users to view the LTE connection strength. Another notable change is the separate alert for LTE standby. Users can now respond to Messenger messages using emojis.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The update also includes various bug fixes, primarily focusing on Messenger. For instance, users can now send voice messages that are longer than 30 seconds, and it should no longer lead to crashes when exiting the Messenger app on the Fenix 8 Pro.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

    Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched beta update 15.12 for Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches.
    2. The update includes bug fixes for activity voice alerts, incident detection alarms, and device resets.
    3. A specific fix for the Forerunner 970 addresses the flashlight strobe effect issue.
    4. Users are encouraged to switch to the new Sleep Focus Mode after the removal of an older sleep mode shortcut.
    5. Beta version 15.12 is available to all users in the beta program, with no timeline for a stable release.

    Garmin has launched a new beta update for its Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches. This is beta version 15.12, which comes after the mid-October release of beta version 15.09. The previous update added a hotkey for the calculator and an automatic button lock feature for climbing activities.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The latest beta version 15.12 brings several bug fixes to the Forerunner 570 and 970 models. The company has resolved an issue with activity voice alerts that could play at incorrect frequencies. Additionally, there was a problem where the incident detection alarm would sound through headphones instead of the watch’s speakers; this has now been fixed. Moreover, a bug affecting runners that caused the watch to lock onto a nearby track has also been addressed. Other issues that could lead to unexpected device resets or a blank screen have been eliminated as well.

    Specific Fixes for Forerunner 970

    Specifically for the Forerunner 970, there was a bug related to the flashlight strobe effect, which was not functioning as it should have during use. Garmin has also removed an older sleep mode shortcut, and users are encouraged to switch to the new Sleep Focus Mode instead. Furthermore, there are updates regarding translations for the smartwatches, although no specific information has been shared.

    In a post on the Garmin Forum, a brand representative has confirmed that the beta version 15.12 is now accessible to all Forerunner 570 and 970 users (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon) who are part of the beta program. It remains unclear when a stable version of the 15.xx software will be rolled out to all users of these devices.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

    Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Users are frustrated with changes to notifications after the Garmin Connect app update (version 5.18) on October 8th.
    2. The update linked Android’s Do Not Disturb mode to Garmin smartwatches, affecting notification vibrations.
    3. Many users noticed that their watches stopped vibrating for incoming notifications, even though messages still appeared.
    4. The issue impacts all Garmin smartwatch models, including the popular vivoactive 6, priced at $299.99.
    5. Garmin’s support team acknowledged the problem and plans to reverse the Do Not Disturb change in a future app update, though the timing is unknown.

    Garmin smartwatch users are voicing their annoyance over a recent unscheduled modification regarding notifications from Android smartphones. This problem emerged with the Garmin Connect app version 5.18, which was released on October 8th on the Google Play Store.

    Notification Changes

    Shortly after the update, many users began to discuss the alterations in smart notifications on their smartwatches on the Garmin Forum. Normally, when an Android phone sends notifications to a Garmin device, the watch would vibrate—provided the settings were adjusted correctly. This would occur even if the smartphone was in Do Not Disturb mode.

    Issues with Vibration

    Post the 5.18 app update, the Do Not Disturb feature from Android smartphones was automatically transferred to Garmin smartwatches. This is why some users noticed that their watches weren’t vibrating for incoming notifications, even though they could still see messages as usual in the notifications center. It seems this change impacted all models, including the popular vivoactive 6, which is currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon.

    Response from Garmin

    One user shared a reply from Garmin’s product support team (see screenshot below). The representative acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the change regarding the Do Not Disturb setting would be reversed in a future update for the Garmin Connect app for Android. However, the timing of this update remains uncertain.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

     

    Tags: , ,