Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Venu Smartwatches Update: New Bug Fixes Released

    Garmin Venu Smartwatches Update: New Bug Fixes Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new update, Beta 15.02, for Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches in its Beta Program.
    2. The smartwatches are currently priced at $459.99 on Amazon.
    3. The stable software branch has been on Software Version 14.15 since mid-May.
    4. Beta 15.02 aims to fix two bugs: incorrect wheelchair push counts during swimming and the golf auto-shot feature.
    5. Users can check for the update manually through the Main menu, Settings, System, and Software Update.

    Garmin has rolled out a new update for its Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches that are part of its Beta Program. Currently, these smartwatches are priced at $459.99 on Amazon. Just to recap, the company has been keeping its stable software branch on Software Version 14.15 since mid-May. In the meantime, it has focusing on v15.xx builds, which began over a month ago.

    New Build Released

    Now, the company has begun to distribute the third build in this cycle, labeled as Beta 15.02. Garmin suggests in a forum announcement that this update will automatically be pushed at some point. If it doesn’t show up, users can manually check for Beta 15.02 by going to ‘Check for Updates’ found in Main menu, then Settings, System, and finally Software Update.

    Update Details

    As per the company, Beta 15.02 is a rather small update meant to fix two existing bugs. First, the update aims to resolve a problem where wheelchair push counts might increase during swimming sessions. Secondly, the golf auto-shot feature should function correctly again once Beta 15.02 is installed. For more information, users can refer to Garmin’s forum post.

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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Get Major Update with 12 New Features

    Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Get Major Update with 12 New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has initiated beta development for high-end smartwatches, including Enduro 2, Epix 2, and Fenix 7.
    2. The new Beta Version 23.05 introduces 12 enhancements, with 9 of them being bug fixes.
    3. A notable fix addresses a crash issue on the Climb Pro data page.
    4. The Recent Stress Widget has been updated to match the design of the Fenix 8.
    5. A new tip for Pool Swim activity will appear during rest sets in the update.

    Garmin has begun another phase of beta development for its high-end smartwatches, including the Enduro 2, Epix 2, and Fenix 7, which currently sells for $519 on Amazon. It’s worth noting that more than a month has gone by since the last update for these devices. Previously, we mentioned that System Software 22.06 had a brief beta testing period, during which only two builds were made available to testers.

    New Beta Version Released

    Now, Garmin has advanced to the v23.xx builds, starting with Beta Version 23.05. In contrast to the 15 changes seen in the v22.xx testing phase, the new Beta Version 23.05 introduces 12 enhancements for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Fenix 7, and other related smartwatches. Out of these, 9 are fixes for bugs, including a fix for a crash that could occur on the Climb Pro data page.

    Improvements in Features

    Additionally, Beta Version 23.05 updates Garmin’s Recent Stress Widget to align with the Fenix 8’s design, and it also introduces a line graph for the Breath Variation page. Furthermore, the first v23.xx update brings a new tip for Pool Swim activity that will be shown during a rest set. Below is the complete changelog between System Software 22.06 and Beta Version 23.05:

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  • Garmin Launches Stable Update to Fix Auto-Detect Feature

    Garmin Launches Stable Update to Fix Auto-Detect Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released system software version 6.18 for Approach S44 and S50 smartwatches.
    2. The update fixes a malfunctioning automatic shot detection feature reported by users.
    3. A bug causing incorrect PlaysLike distances was also resolved in this update.
    4. The update is available now for all users of the Garmin Approach S44 and S50.
    5. Smartwatches retail for $399.99 on Amazon, and updates can be installed via the Garmin Golf app or Garmin Express.

    Garmin has launched the system software version 6.18 for its Approach S44 and Approach S50 smartwatches. This new stable update comes just weeks after the last one, version 6.17, which addressed a potential crash issue and fixed a glitch with the hole scoring screen.

    Bug Fixes Included

    In addition, software version 6.18 introduces two important bug fixes for the Approach S44 and S50 models. The first fix addresses an issue where the automatic shot detection feature was malfunctioning. Many users reported this problem on the Garmin forum, and a company representative noted that it happened when the smartwatch was left on for extended periods.

    Improvements to PlaysLike Feature

    The second fix resolves a bug that caused PlaysLike distances to appear incorrectly. This feature, part of the Garmin Golf subscription, provides users with the distance to the green while considering factors like elevation, wind, and air density.

    The 6.18 system software update is available now for all users of the Garmin Approach S44 and S50 golf smartwatches, which currently retail for $399.99 on Amazon. To install the update, users need to access the Garmin Golf smartphone app or Garmin Express.

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    Garmin Launches Stable Update to Fix Auto-Detect Feature

     

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  • No New Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch After Misleading Announcement

    No New Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch After Misleading Announcement

    Key Takeaways

    1. Recent rumors about a new Garmin Forerunner smartwatch were false and stemmed from a promotional image on Weibo.
    2. The actual purpose of the post was to promote a sale on the Forerunner 265, reduced to CNY 1,999 ($279) in certain areas of China.
    3. The Forerunner 265 is currently available in other regions for $421.60, but better deals were available earlier this year.
    4. Garmin has already released two new running smartwatches in 2023: the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.
    5. Consumers are hoping for a budget-friendly option, but there is uncertainty about the release of models like Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 170.

    Recent speculations about a new smartwatch from Garmin Forerunner have been found to be false. These rumors began circulating after the company posted a mysterious image on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, showing a blurred smartwatch. This led many people to think that a new running device was on the verge of being launched.

    Clarification on the Poster

    In reality, the post was meant to promote an upcoming sale. On July 22nd, in certain areas of China, the Forerunner 265 smartwatch was marked down to CNY 1,999 (around $279), which was mentioned in the promotional poster. This represents a discount of CNY 1,381 (about $192), or roughly 40%, from the original price of CNY 3,380 (approximately $472).

    Discounts in Other Regions

    In other regions, the Forerunner 265 in black and gray is currently available for $421.60, down from $449.99 on Amazon US. However, this isn’t the best deal since the price was lowered to $399.99 earlier in July and even $349.99 during May and early June 2025.

    New Releases and Future Expectations

    Garmin has already introduced two new running smartwatches this year: the Forerunner 570 and the Forerunner 970. Still, many consumers are looking forward to a more budget-friendly option. It remains uncertain if or when Garmin will launch a Forerunner 65 or Forerunner 170 smartwatch.

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    No New Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch After Misleading Announcement

     

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  • Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches Ahead of Major Rollout

    Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches Ahead of Major Rollout

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released multiple updates for its beta and stable software versions recently, focusing mainly on new premium models like the Fenix 8 and Tactix 8.
    2. Older models, including the Forerunner 165, 255, 955, and 965, have not received stable updates in over two months, indicating a low priority for these devices.
    3. A new Beta Version 24.10 has been made available for several models, including the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965.
    4. Users can manually download the Beta update by navigating through their smartwatch settings.
    5. The changelogs for the updated models include a bug fix to prevent potential crashes on the watch face.

    In the past few weeks, Garmin has rolled out a significant number of updates for both its beta and stable software versions. Typically, the company focuses on its newest premium models, specifically the Fenix 8 and Tactix 8, leaving other devices behind. The introduction of the Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Venu X1 appears to have pushed older or mid-range smartwatches even lower on the priority list.

    Update Delays for Older Models

    For instance, the older Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $599 on Amazon) have not seen a new stable update in over two months, since Garmin released System Software 23.20. At the same time, these watches have been stuck on version 24.07 in Garmin’s Beta Program for nearly a month now.

    New Beta Version Release

    Nevertheless, Garmin has now advanced its Beta Program with the rollout of Beta Version 24.10. This update is available for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 starting today. Users can manually download the update by going to the Main menu, then Settings, followed by System, and finally Software Update on their Beta Program-registered smartwatch. After that, just hit ‘Check for Updates.’ As usual, the changelogs for these five smartwatches are quite similar, featuring a bug fix aimed at preventing potential crashes on the watch face. Additional details can be found on Garmin’s forum.

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  • Garmin Updates Flagship Smartwatches with Focus Mode Enhancements

    Garmin Updates Flagship Smartwatches with Focus Mode Enhancements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has moved to Beta Version 17.18 after briefly switching to v15.xx builds.
    2. The Beta Version 17.18 includes six improvements, bringing the total changes since v15.33 to over 100.
    3. Five of the updates in 17.18 are bug fixes addressing various issues.
    4. One new feature added in this update is a theatre mode for custom focus mode functionality.
    5. The beta is available for Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 smartwatches as part of Garmin’s Beta Program.

    Garmin is moving forward with its new beta development phase after briefly switching to v15.xx builds last week. To give some background, the firm released Beta Version 15.33 but quickly moved that update to its stable software line, which included a fix for a certain problem that might happen when an Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8 (currently $1,299.99 on Amazon) smartwatch was left on for several days.

    New Beta Release

    Soon after, Garmin provided v17.17 to its public beta testers, introducing 16 changes from the previous version. Now, the company has upgraded Beta Version 17.17 to Beta Version 17.18, which can be downloaded for Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8 smartwatches that are a part of Garmin’s Beta Program.

    Improvements and Features

    As stated in the company’s forum post, Beta Version 17.18 includes six more improvements. Consequently, the development for v17.xx has now exceeded 100 changes since System Software 15.33. Among the enhancements in Beta Version 17.18, five are bug fixes, while one introduces a new feature. As the changelog below points out, Garmin has added a theatre mode to its custom focus mode functionality in this latest beta update. The bug fixes aim to resolve problems related to custom focus modes, sleep mode, activity history, and device resets. For more details, refer to the changelog below and Garmin’s forum post.

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    Garmin Updates Flagship Smartwatches with Focus Mode Enhancements

     

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  • Garmin Enhances AMOLED Smartwatch with Latest Software Update

    Garmin Enhances AMOLED Smartwatch with Latest Software Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released a beta software update (version 15.01) for the Vivoactive 5, available only to beta testers.
    2. The update addresses issues with golf course maps from the previous software version.
    3. Improvements include better tracking of breathing rates and enhanced passcode security.
    4. The passcode feature protects sensitive health information and helps prevent theft.
    5. The Vivoactive 5 is priced starting at $229 and offers an AMOLED display, GNSS module, and local music playback.

    Garmin has released a software update for the Vivoactive 5, bringing it to version 15.01. This is a beta version, which means it won’t be available to everyone, but only to those who are part of the beta testing group. Installing this update is pretty straightforward; users can simply request it directly through their watch. There’s no need to transfer files manually. While beta updates often come with a risk of introducing new issues, this one aims to fix an existing problem. Specifically, it addresses issues with golf course maps that were downloaded in the last software version.

    Changes in Functionality

    The brief changelog also mentions improvements in tracking breathing rates and the passcode feature, which is essentially a numerical password for the watch. The passcode must be entered when the Garmin smartwatch is removed from the wrist, providing security for sensitive health information and acting as a theft prevention measure. Earlier updates, like versions 14.10 and 14.07, also centered on minor adjustments or bug fixes. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is priced starting at $229 on Amazon and features an AMOLED display, a GNSS module, local music playback, and a wide array of other capabilities.

    Summary of Features

    Garmin’s recent update shows their commitment to improving user experience on the Vivoactive 5. By focusing on critical fixes and enhancements, they aim to ensure that users can enjoy a smooth performance. With its competitive price and advanced features, the Vivoactive 5 continues to be a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.

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  • Garmin Venu 4 Leaked Details Amid Forerunner Smartwatch Rumors

    Garmin Venu 4 Leaked Details Amid Forerunner Smartwatch Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is set to launch a new Forerunner smartwatch on July 22, following the recent release of the Forerunner 570 and 970 models.
    2. An updated user manual hints at the upcoming Venu 4 smartwatch, linking it to Garmin’s paid Golf Membership service.
    3. The mention of the Venu 4 in the user manual suggests a planned release, with expectations for an official unveiling by September 2025.
    4. Features expected in the Venu 4 include enhanced voice controls, a new user interface, and a vibrant AMOLED display.
    5. Garmin’s recent social media hints and user manual updates indicate a focus on innovation and new functionalities in their smartwatch lineup.

    Hardly any time has gone by since Garmin hinted at a new smartwatch on social media. An image posted on Chinese platforms suggests that a new Forerunner model is set to launch on July 22. This comes right after the release of the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, which currently retails for $749.99 on Amazon, just over two months ago.

    Exciting Teasers from Garmin

    Recently, Garmin has also been hinting at another unreleased smartwatch. This was discovered in an updated user manual for the Venu 3 series, which was published earlier this month in Japanese. The manual includes the first mention of the Venu 4, linking it to their paid Golf Membership service. The section included seems to be intentional, especially since the user manual was revised not long ago.

    Timing and Expectations

    The timing of this mention appears to be more than just a coincidence. To provide some context, Garmin launched the Venu 3 and Venu 3S in late August 2023. Based on the company’s past release patterns, it’s reasonable to predict that the fourth-generation models will be officially unveiled either next month or possibly by September 2025 at the latest. Sadly, there haven’t been any solid details about the Venu 4 so far. However, we believe that Garmin will likely include features from their recent models, such as enhanced voice controls, a new user interface, and a more vibrant AMOLED display, among other upgrades.

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    Garmin Venu 4 Leaked Details Amid Forerunner Smartwatch RumorsGarmin Venu 4 Leaked Details Amid Forerunner Smartwatch Rumors
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  • Affordable Garmin Smartwatch Coming Soon: Stay Tuned!

    Affordable Garmin Smartwatch Coming Soon: Stay Tuned!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is hinting at a new smartwatch on social media, likely part of the Forerunner series.
    2. The design of the new watch resembles the Forerunner 165, featuring similar buttons.
    3. Specifications are not confirmed, but comparisons are made with the Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 165.
    4. The new model’s price will range between CNY 1,000 (~$139) and CNY 1,999 (~$278).
    5. Price and potential specifications will be revealed in China on July 22nd at 12:00 (4:00 GMT).

    Garmin has hinted at a new smartwatch on social media in China. The company has shared a few insights about this upcoming device through its Weibo account.

    Design Similarities

    The image shared by Garmin shows the watch’s outline, which looks a lot like the Forerunner 165. This new model seems to have buttons for Start/Stop, Back, Down, Up, and Light, similar to the previous version. Additionally, the picture features a runner, hinting that this could be part of the Forerunner series, potentially succeeding either the Forerunner 55 or the Forerunner 165. Hence, it might be called the Forerunner 65 or the Forerunner 175.

    Features and Comparisons

    The specifications of this new smartwatch are still unverified. For comparison, the Forerunner 55 is an entry-level GPS running watch that comes with an MIP display, heart rate monitoring, Daily Suggested Workouts, and Garmin Coach. In contrast, the Forerunner 165 boasts an AMOLED display and advanced features such as Running Dynamics and VO2 Max.

    Pricing Information

    The Weibo post mentions that the new model will be priced between CNY 1,000 (~$139) and CNY 1,999 (~$278), which makes it a budget-friendly choice. As a reference, the Forerunner 165 is priced at CNY 2,080 ($249.99 in the US). The exact price for this new Garmin smartwatch will be disclosed in China on July 22nd at 12:00 (4:00 GMT). It’s still uncertain if the full specifications will also be unveiled at that time. Furthermore, Garmin has not yet announced when this watch will be available in other regions, like the US, where the Forerunner 570 smartwatch was recently launched (currently $549.99 at Amazon).

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    Affordable Garmin Smartwatch Coming Soon: Stay Tuned!
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  • Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update Fixes Flashlight Issue

    Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update Fixes Flashlight Issue

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released beta update version 10.18 for Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches.
    2. The update fixes Timer alert settings and includes three bug fixes for Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED models.
    3. New features since the last stable update (version 9.25) include Interval Alerts for Timers, Jump Rope rep alerts, and a Solar Intensity data field for Instinct 3 Solar.
    4. The beta update is being gradually rolled out to users, currently reaching about 20% of customers.
    5. The update is delivered over the air (OTA), but Garmin has not provided a completion date for the rollout.

    Garmin has introduced a new beta update for their Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches. This beta version, 10.18, comes just a few days after the previous update, which was beta version 10.16.

    Update Details

    For all Instinct 3 and Instinct E models, the latest beta fixes an issue with Timer alert settings. Additionally, the 10.18 update includes three bug fixes specifically for the Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED models. The first fix addresses a problem related to the flashlight’s strobe effect, which was not functioning properly during multisport activities. The second fix resolves an issue with the Backcountry Ski activity summary that could potentially lead to crashes. Lastly, the update fixes problems with the Jump Rope activity summary data.

    New Features

    It’s worth noting that since the last stable update, which was version 9.25, Garmin has introduced several new features. These include a new Interval Alerts feature for Timers for watches that are not Tactical editions, Jump Rope rep alerts specifically for the Instinct 3, and a Solar Intensity data field for the Instinct 3 Solar smartwatch (currently priced at $449.99 on Amazon).

    Rollout Information

    According to a recent update posted on the Garmin forum, beta version 10.18 is being rolled out gradually to users; at the time of this writing, it should have reached about 20% of customers. This update is being delivered to compatible smartwatches over the air (OTA). Garmin has not specified when the rollout will be finished.

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    Garmin Beta Smartwatch Update Fixes Flashlight Issue

     

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