Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Beta Update: New Notification Delay Feature for Smartwatches

    Garmin Beta Update: New Notification Delay Feature for Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released beta version 16.28 for Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6 smartwatches.
    2. New features include additional alarm sounds and the option to postpone notifications until after exercise.
    3. The Garmin Connect Mobile Translations app has been updated to version 3.50.
    4. Bug fixes address unexpected reboots, device resets during indoor cycling courses, and blank screens when accessing the music player.
    5. Venu X1 users can now save adjustments to structured repeats for interval workouts, and the pace feature is more responsive.

    Garmin has released beta version 16.28 for its Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6 smartwatches. This new update comes after the beta version 16.16, which was made available in January 2026 and introduced the Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging feature.

    Updated Features

    The changelog (see screenshot below) outlines numerous updates, though some were part of earlier versions. The beta version 16.28 brings additional alarm sounds and introduces the option to postpone notifications until after an exercise, thanks to its integration into the stage menu. Additionally, the Garmin Connect Mobile Translations app has been updated to version 3.50.

    Bug Fixes

    The Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6 smartwatches are also getting a fix that should stop the device from rebooting unexpectedly when starting an activity or at other moments. Garmin has addressed issues related to device resets while loading indoor cycling courses, as well as a blank screen that appears when users try to access the music player during workouts. Only for Venu X1 users (currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon Marketplace), there is now the ability to save adjustments to structured repeats for upcoming interval workouts, and the pace feature is reported to be more responsive.

    How to Update

    If you are a member of the Beta Program and own a Venu X1, Venu 4, or vivoactive 6 smartwatch, you can download the version 16.28 update by navigating to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

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  • Garmin Launches Major Update for Recent LTE Smartwatch

    Garmin Launches Major Update for Recent LTE Smartwatch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched Software Version 16.23 for the Bounce 2 LTE smartwatch, improving functionality from the previous version 5.12.
    2. The update is being released worldwide and can be downloaded via the Garmin Jr. app, with about 50% of devices having received it so far.
    3. New features include additional activity animations and options for alarm sounds.
    4. The update addresses translation and predictive text issues, as well as fixing a bug related to incorrect multiplier values on daily activity records.
    5. Garmin mentions various other bug fixes and enhancements, though details are not provided.

    Garmin has just launched a new stable version for one of its latest LTE smartwatches. To summarize, the firm rolled out Software Version 5.12 to the Bounce 2 (currently priced at $254.96 on Amazon) toward the end of last year. However, unlike many of its other smartwatches, they do not offer beta updates.

    New Update Available

    The same smartwatch has now been upgraded to Software Version 16.23, moving up several software revisions. This update is being released worldwide and can be downloaded through the Garmin Jr. app. Right now, Garmin estimates that about 50% of Bounce 2 smartwatches have received the new update. For those devices that have been updated, Garmin reports the addition of more activity animations and options for alarm sounds.

    Improvements and Fixes

    In addition, Software Version 16.23 includes solutions for existing translation and predictive text problems. Garmin also mentions that this new version fixes a bug that displayed incorrect multiplier values on the Most Daily Active Minutes record. As usual, the company notes that there are ‘various’ other bug fixes and enhancements included, but doesn’t go into detail about them. For more information, be sure to check Garmin’s forum post.

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Heart Rate Issue

    Garmin Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Heart Rate Issue

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released beta version 13.23 for Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches, following versions 13.18 and 13.22.
    2. The update includes a bug fix for the heart rate data broadcasting issue, which could cause unexpected crashes.
    3. Users can receive the update via over-the-air through the Garmin Connect Manager app or Garmin Express on their computers.
    4. A stable version of the 13.xx software is not yet available for non-Beta Program users but is expected to introduce a new Treadmill Walk activity.
    5. Future updates will also include customization options for the Morning Report and support for Pack Weight in certain activities for select smartwatch models.

    Garmin has begun distributing beta version 13.23 to the Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover smartwatch users. This new update comes shortly after the launch of versions 13.18 and 13.22, both of which featured the same change logs indicating that Instinct Crossover users would get a brand new watch face design.

    Bug Fixes

    The release notes for beta version 13.23 mention only one bug fix relevant to the Garmin Instinct 3 and its associated devices. The issue that has been addressed was related to the smartwatch’s heart rate data broadcasting capability. According to reports in the Garmin Forum’s specific Beta Bugs section, this problem could lead to unexpected crashes of the watch.

    How to Update

    Beta software version 13.23 has been delivered to the Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches via over-the-air updates. A recent post in the Garmin Forum indicates that all users will receive this update when they next connect to the Garmin Connect Manager app on their smartphones through Bluetooth or the Garmin Express application on their computers.

    Future Updates

    It is still unclear when a stable version of the 13.xx software will be available for users of the Instinct 3 (45 mm currently priced at $449.99 on Amazon) who are not part of the Beta Program. This stable version is expected to introduce a new Treadmill Walk activity and customization options for the Morning Report for Instinct 3 and Instinct E users, along with support for Pack Weight in certain activities for the Solar, AMOLED, and Crossover smartwatches.

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  • Garmin Releases New Update for Pro Smartwatches with Improvements

    Garmin Releases New Update for Pro Smartwatches with Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has been developing the v21.xx public beta for over six weeks without switching to stable software.
    2. The removal of certain functions in Beta Version 21.22 indicates more updates are still needed.
    3. Recent beta updates show limited changes, suggesting Garmin is nearing completion of v21.xx development.
    4. About 50% of eligible smartwatches received alerts for Beta Version 21.22, indicating progress in the update process.
    5. Future updates are expected, as Garmin continues to enhance device features through ongoing beta developments.

    In other words, Garmin has been working on v21.xx public beta for over six weeks now. However, the company doesn’t appear to be nearing a switch of v21.xx builds to its stable software line. The removal of Aviation, Dive, and ECG functions in Beta Version 21.22 suggests that Garmin still has more v21.xx beta updates in the pipeline.

    Changes Indicate Progress

    The low number of modifications seen in recent beta updates implies that Garmin is making progress towards completing the v21.xx beta development. This time, Garmin only reports fixing a problem that prevented Fenix 8 Pro smartwatches from getting GPS signals in CIQ applications. Allegedly, about 50% of qualifying smartwatches have received alerts to download Beta Version 21.22. Therefore, we anticipate Garmin to wrap up its automatic update process in the coming days.

    Looking Ahead

    Garmin’s plans remain somewhat unclear, but the continuous beta updates hint at ongoing developments. Users are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates, as more features may be added. The gradual rollout of Beta Version 21.22 indicates that the company is working diligently to enhance their devices.

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  • Garmin Varia RearVue 820: New Radar Tail Light for Cyclists

    Garmin Varia RearVue 820: New Radar Tail Light for Cyclists

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Garmin Varia RearVue 820 is the “most luminous and powerful” radar tail light for cyclists.
    2. It offers visibility from up to 2 km (1.24 miles) and battery life of up to 10 hours in night flash mode and 24 hours in day flash mode.
    3. The tail light features a special flashing pattern that activates when slowing down or stopping for added safety.
    4. It uses radar technology to detect vehicles approaching from up to 175 meters (190 yards) and supports advanced vehicle tracking.
    5. The Varia RearVue 820 will be available for order on February 6 for $299.99 in the U.S.

    Garmin has rolled out a new addition to its Varia series, introducing the RearVue 820. Following the recent launches of the Approach J1 and Quatix 8 Pro smartwatches, the Varia RearVue 820 is proclaimed to be the “most luminous and powerful” radar tail light for cyclists by Garmin.

    Visibility and Battery Life

    This tail light is designed to be seen from a distance of up to 2 km (1.24 miles) and can last up to 10 hours in night flash mode when it’s always on. Garmin also mentions that in day flash mode, the battery can last up to 24 hours.

    Safety Features and Compatibility

    The Varia RearVue 820 has a special flashing pattern that activates when you are slowing down or coming to a stop, helping to alert nearby cyclists and vehicles. Thanks to an updated seatpost mount, this tail light should fit on most bicycles.

    Radar and Tracking Capabilities

    Furthermore, the Varia RearVue 820 uses radar technology to sense vehicles approaching from as far as 175 metres (190 yards). It also offers advanced vehicle tracking that can connect to cycling computers ranging from the Edge 540 to the Edge 1050 (currently priced at $699 on Amazon). Starting February 6, the Varia RearVue 820 will be available for order at a price of $299.99 in the United States. For additional information, visit Garmin’s website.

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  • Garmin Enhances High-End Smartwatches with New Workout Update

    Garmin Enhances High-End Smartwatches with New Workout Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Smartwatches with solar capabilities now display Rest Timers accurately after updating to Beta Version 21.20.
    2. Garmin mistakenly labeled the recent update as Beta Version 21.19, despite it being officially released as 21.20.
    3. Users confirm the availability of Beta Version 21.20, which is intended for those in the Beta Program.
    4. Ongoing issues with weight tracking input in the metric system persist across the beta builds.
    5. The timeline for moving v21.xx to stable software is still uncertain, and users should monitor Garmin’s communications for updates.

    On the flip side, all smartwatches that come with solar capabilities are now supposed to accurately display Rest Timers while users are working out after they’ve updated to Beta version 21.20. It’s a bit perplexing that Garmin calls this latest beta update Beta Version 21.19, even though it was officially released at the end of last month. Nevertheless, their changelog clarifies that this update is intended for smartwatches enrolled in the Beta Program under the name Beta Version 21.20.

    Confirmation of Release

    Users who got the update early have confirmed that Garmin has indeed made Beta Version 21.20 available, instead of just reissuing Beta Version 21.19. Sadly, problems with weight tracking input when utilizing the metric system still continue to occur across these builds. It is also still uncertain when Garmin will move the v21.xx development to its stable software channel. For additional information, be sure to check out Garmin’s forum post.

    Ongoing Issues

    Garmin’s updates seems to be creating a mix of feelings among its users, especially with the lingering issues that are still not resolved. Keeping an eye on their communications is vital for those who are eagerly awaiting stable updates.

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  • Garmin’s New Device Features Advanced 60 GHz Radar Technology

    Garmin’s New Device Features Advanced 60 GHz Radar Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched several new devices in 2023, including the Venu X1, Quatix 8 Pro, and the Approach golf smartwatch.
    2. A new device, the Cirqa Smart Band, has been revealed on Garmin’s Canadian site, indicating more products are on the way.
    3. The FCC has shared documents for a mysterious Garmin device with the model number A04986, described as a portable transceiver.
    4. The A04986 device supports ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy, suggesting compatibility with Garmin Connect.
    5. The device may utilize 60 GHz radar and could be related to the Approach or Varia branding, with a potential launch expected in spring 2026.

    Garmin has introduced many devices this year, including the updated Venu X1, the Quatix 8 Pro, and a new golf smartwatch called the Approach. However, it appears that there are still some more products in the pipeline. Recently, information about the Cirqa Smart Band was revealed through Garmin’s Canadian site.

    New Device Reveal

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also shared initial documents for a mysterious Garmin gadget with the model number A04986. This device is described as a portable transceiver and is said to support typical connectivity features found in most Garmin products, such as ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy. This means that the unnamed gadget should work well with Garmin Connect.

    Speculations and Features

    Moreover, the FCC has noted that the device is compatible with 60 GHz radar. This leads us to believe that it might be a new device under the Approach or Varia branding. However, it’s still unclear if the A04986 will be a wrist-worn device or something like the Approach R10 (currently priced at $407.49 for refurbished models on Amazon). Nevertheless, the end of the confidentiality agreement between Garmin and the FCC in May indicates that we might see a launch in spring 2026.

    FCC via The New Camera

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  • Garmin, Huawei Watches to Get Two Upgrades with Apple iPhones

    Garmin, Huawei Watches to Get Two Upgrades with Apple iPhones

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Apple Watch is currently the only smartwatch that works perfectly with the iPhone due to operating system restrictions.
    2. Users may need to disable iMessage to allow third-party smartwatches to send messages directly through the network carrier.
    3. The upcoming iOS 26.3 update will introduce notification forwarding, improving compatibility for third-party smartwatches.
    4. Users will have to choose between using an Apple Watch or another smartwatch, as messages can’t be sent to multiple devices.
    5. The iOS 26.3 update will allow syncing of smartwatch data with the iPhone even if the related app isn’t actively running.

    Currently, the only smartwatch that works perfectly with the iPhone is the Apple Watch. This isn’t due to brands like Garmin or Huawei, but instead, it’s because of the iPhone’s operating system restrictions. For instance, users can interact with notifications directly on the Apple Watch, allowing them to reply to WhatsApp messages without needing to pick up their iPhone.

    Changes Over Time

    Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, mentions in his blog that things have gotten worse over recent years. Now, to bypass this limitation and let the smartwatch send messages directly through the network carrier, users even have to turn off iMessage. The European Commission informed The Wall Street Journal that the situation for third-party smartwatches will slightly improve with the upcoming iOS 26.3 update. This update includes a new feature called notification forwarding, which is being introduced due to pressure from the EU. With this feature, notifications can be sent to another device, allowing it to engage with messages.

    Limitations Remain

    However, there is a downside: users must pick between an Apple Watch and another smartwatch, as sending a message to multiple devices isn’t an option. According to Gadgets & Wearables, the beta version of iOS 26.3 brings a significant enhancement. After the update, users will be able to sync their smartwatch with the iPhone even when the related app isn’t actively running. This ensures that data like heart rate or workout information won’t get lost if the Garmin Connect app crashes and stays closed for a while. The iOS 26.3 update is anticipated to be available as a free upgrade for all compatible iPhones in February.

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  • Garmin Smartwatches Get New Features with Latest Update

    Garmin Smartwatches Get New Features with Latest Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released Beta Version 21.19 for Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 smartwatches, following previous updates that fixed significant issues.
    2. This beta version disables the Aviation, Dive, and ECG features, indicating more updates may come before a stable release.
    3. Beta Version 21.19 addresses issues with blank data fields in the map split screen and fixes a bug related to Backcountry Ski activity summaries.
    4. The update is expected to be available soon to smartwatches in the Beta Program, with 50% of devices already notified.
    5. Garmin’s focus will shift to stable software updates after resolving issues in the current beta series.

    Garmin has launched a new update for the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, and other related smartwatches such as the Tactix 8, which is currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon. Just to recap, the company introduced Beta Version 21.18 nearly a week ago, which fixed a significant heart rate variability (HRV) issue, along with other enhancements. Prior to that, Garmin mentioned that it had resolved four additional bugs with Beta Version 21.16.

    New Developments Ahead

    Now, Garmin has progressed to Beta Version 21.19 in the 21.xx series. A notable point is that this beta version keeps the Aviation, Dive, and ECG features turned off. Therefore, it’s reasonable to anticipate more beta updates in the 21.xx range throughout February, before Garmin shifts its focus to the stable software branch. The number of changes in Beta Version 21.19 indicates that a new stable version could be on the horizon sooner than expected.

    Updates and Fixes

    In a post on a forum, Garmin stated that Beta Version 21.19 aims to stop blank data fields from appearing in the map split screen for smartwatches that utilize memory in pixel displays (MiP). Furthermore, this update includes a fix for a bug that prevented the Backcountry Ski post-activity summary from displaying Max Speed or Mileage. Beta Version 21.19 is expected to reach smartwatches enrolled in the Beta Program in the upcoming days, and reports suggest that 50% of these devices have already received a notification to download the new update.

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  • Garmin Update Adds 12+ Features for Multiple Smartwatches

    Garmin Update Adds 12+ Features for Multiple Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released Beta Version 16.17 for the Forerunner 570 and 970, focusing on bug fixes.
    2. Nine out of thirteen changes in the update address recurring issues causing device resets.
    3. Improvements include a better layout for the course details page and enhanced audio prompts for distance intervals.
    4. The update adds support for more spoken watch face complications and displays stoppage time on sports scores.
    5. Users in the Beta Program can expect the update soon or can request it manually.

    Garmin has rolled out a fresh beta update for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (currently priced at $689 on Amazon). Earlier this month, the company launched Software Version 15.52, which brought several improvements compared to the previous v15.xx versions. Just before that, Garmin released Beta Version 16.14, which included more than a dozen changes.

    Latest Improvements

    Now, Garmin has identified another set of enhancements, bundled together in Beta Version 16.17. This update skips two intermediate versions and focuses significantly on fixing bugs. In fact, nine of the thirteen changes aim to tackle persistent issues, such as problems that lead to the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 resetting when a user sets a favorite sports team or checks the heart rate variability (HRV) chart.

    Enhanced Features

    Additionally, Garmin has stated that it has improved the layout of the course details page. It has also fine-tuned the audio prompt for distance intervals to announce the time at specified intervals. Furthermore, Beta Version 16.17 introduces support for additional spoken watch face complications and enables the display of stoppage time on sports scores. Users enrolled in the Beta Program for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches can expect to receive Beta Version 16.17 in the next few days. Alternatively, users have the option to request the new update manually. The complete changelog between Beta Versions 16.14 and 16.17 is as follows:

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