Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Releases Stable Smartwatch Update with Course Bug Fix

    Garmin Releases Stable Smartwatch Update with Course Bug Fix

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released System Software 5.10 for the Approach S12 GPS golf watch, addressing two user-reported bugs.
    2. The update fixes issues with auto course update files, allowing for successful retrieval of teebox, par, and handicap details.
    3. A glitch affecting the visibility of front and back dots on the main golf page’s Green has also been resolved.
    4. The update has been rolled out to about 30% of Approach S12 users, with installation available via the Garmin Golf app or Garmin Express software.
    5. Garmin is also updating other golf smartwatches, including the Approach G12, S70, S44, and S50, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.

    Garmin has rolled out a new stable update for the Approach S12 GPS golf watch. This smartwatch, which was introduced in 2021, hasn’t seen a software update in quite some time. Now, with System Software 5.10, the company is addressing two bugs that users of this device have encountered.

    Update Fixes

    The patch notes for version 5.10 indicate that Garmin has resolved an issue related to the auto course update files on the Approach S12 smartwatch (curr. $199.99 at Amazon). The device should now successfully retrieve teebox, par, and handicap details from the downloaded files without any problems. Additionally, Garmin has fixed a glitch where the front and back dots were not appearing as they should on the main golf page’s Green.

    User Reach and Installation

    As per a recent update on the Garmin Forum, the Approach S12 System Software 5.10 has been rolled out to about 30% of its users so far. When the update becomes available for you, there are two ways to install it: through the Garmin Golf smartphone app or the Garmin Express software on your computer. A similar update is also being distributed to users of the Approach G12, which is a clip-on GPS golf range finder. Moreover, Garmin has recently released stable updates for other golf smartwatches, including the Approach S70, S44, and S50.

    Conclusion

    Garmin’s attention to fixing issues in older models like the Approach S12 shows their commitment to customer satisfaction. With these updates, users can enjoy a smoother experience on the golf course.

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  • Garmin to Release New Wearable with Wrist-Based Smart Bands Soon

    Garmin to Release New Wearable with Wrist-Based Smart Bands Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has recently launched several new smartwatches, including the Approach J1 and Quatix 8 Pro.
    2. A new product, the Cirqa Smart Band, was briefly listed on Garmin Canada’s website before being removed.
    3. The Cirqa Smart Band is a wrist-worn device, available in two sizes and two colors: Black and French Grey.
    4. The smaller size fits wrist circumferences starting at 120 mm, while the L/XL size accommodates wrists from 145 mm to 240 mm.
    5. The official release of the Cirqa Smart Band is anticipated for late May or June, following its appearance on the website.

    A Reddit user has found mentions of a new Garmin device that hasn’t been released yet. To summarize, the company has already unveiled several smartwatches this month, including the Approach J1, Quatix 8 Pro, and a refreshed version of the Venu X1, which is currently priced at $599.99 on Amazon. Now, Garmin seems to be working on a product that could compete with Whoop.

    New Product Details

    Garmin had briefly listed the Cirqa Smart Band on its Canadian website, but it has since been taken down. The user u/CultureAdvanced managed to take a screenshot, which shows that the Cirqa Smart Band is a wrist-worn device, unlike the Index Sleep Monitor that Garmin released last year, which is worn on the bicep.

    According to the screenshot, the Cirqa Smart Band comes in two sizes, with the smallest fitting wrist circumferences starting at 120 mm. Garmin suggests that its L/XL size will accommodate wrists ranging from 145 mm to 240 mm. The band will be available in two colors: Black and French Grey.

    Anticipation and Release Timeline

    Sadly, the exact design of the Cirqa Smart Band is still a mystery, as Garmin Canada initially used a temporary product image before removing it. The listing indicated that the smart band would not be available until late May or June. However, the fact that it appeared on Garmin Canada’s website suggests that an official launch might take place sooner than expected.

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  • Free Garmin App Tracks Blood Caffeine Levels Accurately

    Free Garmin App Tracks Blood Caffeine Levels Accurately

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has introduced a lifestyle tracking feature that includes a Caffeine Tracker app for smartwatches.
    2. The app allows users to log caffeine intake from various beverages directly from their wrist.
    3. It calculates current blood-caffeine concentration based on user weight and caffeine’s biological half-life.
    4. The app is mostly free, with optional premium features available for a one-time fee of €4.90 (approx. $5.80).
    5. Premium features include adjustable caffeine half-life settings, detailed daily stats, and personalized blood-caffeine thresholds.

    Garmin has launched a lifestyle tracking feature that monitors various aspects, including how much caffeine you consume. Now, there’s a new tool for those seeking a more detailed analysis of their intake and even an estimate of their blood-caffeine levels. The Caffeine Tracker app, created by Ondřej Božek instead of Garmin, comes with a widget and works with numerous Garmin smartwatches, such as several models from the Forerunner and Fenix series (the Fenix 8 can be found on Amazon).

    Easy Logging of Caffeine Intake

    This app allows users to record their consumption of different caffeinated beverages, like coffee and cola, right from their wrist, so there’s no need to reach for a smartphone. It calculates your current blood-caffeine concentration based on your body weight and the biological half-life of caffeine, displaying the information in a quick-view format and as a chart.

    Affordable Premium Features

    Caffeine Tracker is mostly free, but it does offer extra premium features that require a one-time fee of €4.90 (approximately $5.80). Upgrading to the premium version provides adjustable caffeine half-life settings, detailed daily stats, and a personalized lower blood-caffeine threshold, which can help you avoid caffeine intake too close to sleep.

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  • Garmin Resolves Smartwatch HRV Issue in Latest Beta Update

    Garmin Resolves Smartwatch HRV Issue in Latest Beta Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released beta update 21.18 for Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches.
    2. The update includes two new bug fixes: one for the Garmin Messenger app and another for the heart rate variability (HRV) chart.
    3. The update has been rolled out over the air (OTA) to about 50% of users, with no timeline for full rollout.
    4. During beta testing, ECG, Dive, and Aviation features are unavailable.
    5. A stable version of the 21.xx software is expected to include a feature allowing users to disable navigation guidance until needed.

    Garmin has released a new beta update, version 21.18, for its Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 smartwatches. This update comes just a week after the last one in the 21.xx testing series, which was version 21.17. The previous update fixed four issues, including a bug related to GPS navigation.

    New Bug Fixes

    The beta version 21.18 introduces two additional bug fixes for the Fenix 8 and its related models. The first fix addresses an issue with the Garmin Messenger app, where users were facing delays when trying to scroll through longer message threads. The second fix solves a problem with the heart rate variability (HRV) chart, which could crash when users interacted with it.

    Update Rollout

    As per a recent update on the Garmin forum, this version has been rolled out over the air (OTA) to about 50% of users who own these smartwatches. It is still uncertain when this rollout will reach 100%. As always during beta testing, the ECG, Dive, and Aviation features are not available. It is also not known when a stable version of the 21.xx software will be available for all users of the Fenix 8 (AMOLED 47mm Orange currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon), Fenix E, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8. This stable version is anticipated to include a new option allowing users to disable navigation guidance until a turn is necessary.

    Garmin is continuously working to enhance the user experience with its devices, and this latest beta update is a step in that direction.

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  • Garmin Premium Device Software Update Adds Exciting New Features

    Garmin Premium Device Software Update Adds Exciting New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. New play mode “On Course Practice” added, allowing experimentation on over 42,000 golf courses.
    2. Users can now choose specific holes to play and turn off the Lie Penalty in Home Tee Hero mode.
    3. Improved access to buttons for mulligan, replay, and previous shot metrics in Home Tee Hero.
    4. Introduction of a keyboard simulator feature for use with third-party software via Bluetooth.
    5. Software version 4.80 is automatically available for users and can be manually updated through device settings.

    Garmin has introduced software version 4.80 for the Approach R50, a portable golf launch monitor and simulator. This device, aimed at assisting golfers in enhancing their skills, received its last software update, version 4.60, about three months ago.

    New Features in Version 4.80

    With the arrival of software version 4.80, users can enjoy several exciting new features. A fresh play mode called On Course Practice has been added, enabling you to experiment with different shots on more than 42,000 golf courses. Users now have the ability to pick which hole to play while in a Home Tee Hero round, and the option to turn off the Lie Penalty in this mode is also available. Additionally, the buttons for mulligan, replay, and metrics from the previous shot can now be accessed in Home Tee Hero.

    Enhanced Functionality

    Garmin has also introduced a new keyboard simulator feature for the Approach R50. This feature can be utilized when the device is connected via Bluetooth to a computer that runs third-party simulator software. Moreover, there is a new setting for measurement units for putting, along with a retail demonstration mode.

    Update Availability

    Software version 4.80 is accessible for all Garmin Approach R50 users (currently priced at $4,999.99 on Amazon). The update will automatically install when the device connects to Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can manually start the update by navigating to Menu > Settings > Software Update > Download and Install.

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  • New Garmin Smartwatch Feature Now Available in Beta Update

    New Garmin Smartwatch Feature Now Available in Beta Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released beta update 16.16 for vivoactive 6, Venu 4, and Venu X1 smartwatches, just ten days after update 16.14.
    2. The new Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging feature allows users to monitor nutritional information by scanning food items.
    3. Access to the nutrition logging feature requires a Garmin Connect+ subscription, which costs $6.99 per month.
    4. Users can view detailed reports and AI-generated insights about their diet’s impact on health.
    5. Beta version 16.16 can be downloaded by eligible users through their smartwatch settings, but the release date for a stable version is still unknown.

    Garmin has unveiled a fresh beta update for the vivoactive 6, Venu 4, and Venu X1 smartwatches. This new beta version, 16.16, comes about ten days after the previous testing version, 16.14. The earlier update improved Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) Translations to version 3.40.

    New Nutrition Logging Feature

    With the release of beta version 16.16, users of the Garmin Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6 smartwatches now have access to an innovative Garmin Connect+ nutrition logging feature. This feature was first revealed in early January 2026. It allows users to monitor nutritional information, including calories and macros, by scanning food items via the brand’s app. Users can also see daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly reports, along with AI-generated insights into how their diet impacts their health.

    Subscription Requirement

    It should be noted that since this is a Connect+ feature, it’s only available to those who have a Garmin Connect+ subscription, which costs $6.99 per month. However, some tests conducted by the5krunner and DC Rainmaker have pointed out various problems with this feature.

    How to Download

    For users of the Garmin Venu 4, Venu X1, and vivoactive 6 smartwatch (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon) who are part of the beta program, they can download beta version 16.16 by navigating to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. It’s still uncertain when a stable version of software 16.xx, which should come with more new features, will be available to all users.

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  • Garmin Update: Support for Latest Chronograph Release Now Live

    Garmin Update: Support for Latest Chronograph Release Now Live

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released a new beta update (Beta Version 13.15) for its Instinct Crossover AMOLED smartwatches, but it has the same changelog as the previous version.
    2. A new stable update (System Software 12.26) has been launched, which is a return to version 12.xx instead of continuing with the 13.xx beta series.
    3. The stable update includes only one bug fix and adds support for the Garmin Xero C2 chronograph.
    4. The update allows all Instinct 3 series smartwatches, including the Instinct E, to manage and show data from the Xero C2.
    5. About 50% of the Instinct 3 series smartwatches have received the OTA notification for System Software 12.26.

    Earlier today, we shared news that Garmin has released a new beta update for smartwatches such as the Instinct Crossover AMOLED. This build, known as Beta Version 13.15, is quite puzzling since it carries the same changelog as the previous one. While we wait for more information regarding this beta update, Garmin has discreetly launched a new stable update for the same lineup of smartwatches.

    A Noteworthy Catch

    Yet, there’s a twist that might surprise those anticipating a significant stable release. To give some background, Garmin began the version 13.xx development over a month ago with the first Beta Version 13.08. Even though the company has rolled out several beta builds since then, it has now returned to version 12.xx for the newest stable update for the Instinct 3 and similar models.

    Details of the Update

    This time around, Garmin has introduced System Software 12.26, which includes just one bug fix. More precisely, this update brings support for Garmin’s latest Xero C2 chronograph. After updating, all smartwatches in the Instinct 3 series will be capable of managing and showing data collected from the Xero C2, including the more affordable Instinct E (currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon). At present, Garmin estimates that roughly 50% of these smartwatches have received a notification to download System Software 12.26 as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

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  • Garmin Rolls Out New OTA Update for Multiple Smartwatches

    Garmin Rolls Out New OTA Update for Multiple Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new update for the Instinct 3 series and related smartwatches, including the Instinct Crossover AMOLED.
    2. The latest update, Beta Version 13.15, follows the previous Beta Version 13.14, which aimed to fix issues with a new activity feature.
    3. The update will be delivered over-the-air (OTA) in phases to smartwatches enrolled in the Beta Program.
    4. The changelog for Beta Version 13.15 appears to be identical to Beta Version 13.14, leaving new features unclear.
    5. Garmin is also working on stable updates for the Fenix 7 series while continuing developments for the Instinct 3 series.

    Garmin has started to release a new update for the Instinct 3 and related smartwatches like the Instinct Crossover AMOLED (currently priced at $649 on Amazon). While the Fenix 7 series has just received a stable update today, Garmin is still working on recent beta developments for the Instinct 3 series.

    Update Overview

    To summarize, Garmin rolled out Beta Version 13.14 to its upper mid-range smartwatches just a little over a week ago. This third v13.xx update claimed to fix some problems with a new activity that was causing troubles in the latest builds. Now, it has come back with Beta Version 13.15, which is being released across the Instinct E and Instinct 3 Tactical, along with the Instinct 3 and Instinct Crossover AMOLED.

    Update Process

    This update, known as an over-the-air (OTA) update, will be delivered to smartwatches enrolled in the Beta Program in phases. Sadly, it appears that Garmin has duplicated the changelog from Beta Version 13.14. Therefore, it’s not clear at this moment what new features or enhancements Beta Version 13.15 introduces. We will make sure to update the article if there are any changes in the future.

    Garmin’s

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  • Garmin Unveils New Smartwatch with AMOLED Display and Unique Features

    Garmin Unveils New Smartwatch with AMOLED Display and Unique Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched the Approach J1 smartwatch, designed specifically for young golfers with a lightweight and sleek design for smaller wrists.
    2. Key features include a user-friendly display, customizable tee-off guidance, club recommendations, and the ability to track scores, with access to over 43,000 preloaded golf courses.
    3. The Approach J1 also tracks other activities like walking, cycling, and running, using GPS for distance tracking, along with standard smartwatch functions.
    4. It features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, offers an optional always-on setting, and has a battery life of up to 10 days in watch mode or 15 hours using GPS.
    5. The smartwatch will be available on January 23rd for $299.99, making it more expensive than the Garmin Approach S12, which is priced at $199.99.

    Garmin has introduced the latest Approach J1 smartwatch across the globe. This is the company’s first smartwatch designed specifically for young golfers. It’s tailored to fit smaller wrists, featuring a lightweight and sleek design.

    Unique Features for Young Golfers

    The Approach J1 comes with a user-friendly display and a visual timer that indicates the recommended pace for playing. It also provides tee-off guidance that you can customize based on the player’s skill level, and you can set the par to fit their abilities. Additional features include club recommendations and fun animations to celebrate achievements. Golfers can keep track of their scores directly on the watch, with all data accessible through the Garmin Golf app, and it has more than 43,000 golf courses preloaded.

    Multi-Activity Tracking and Smartwatch Functions

    In addition to golfing, the Approach J1 can monitor other activities like walking, cycling, and running, all while utilizing GPS for distance tracking. It also includes standard smartwatch features, such as a step counter, alarm, timer, and stopwatch. The device showcases a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels and offers an optional always-on setting. Garmin claims that it can last up to 10 days in watch mode, or 15 hours when using GPS. The watch comes in two colors: Blue/Black with a Black ComfortFit strap and Silver/Purple with a Purple ComfortFit strap.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Garmin Approach J1 smartwatch will be available for purchase starting January 23rd at a price of $299.99/£309.99/€349.99. It’s important to mention that this isn’t the least expensive golf smartwatch from Garmin; in the U.S., the Approach S12 is priced at $199.99 (currently $174.90 on Amazon).

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  • Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update: Key Improvements Released

    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update: Key Improvements Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new stable update (version 15.52) for the Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches.
    2. The update includes bug fixes and minor improvements but lacks detailed information on specific changes.
    3. About 50% of users have started receiving the update, with no confirmed completion timeline.
    4. Users can manually check for the update through the smartwatch’s system menu.
    5. A beta update (version 16.14) has also been released, enhancing the Morning Report feature for select users.

    Garmin is introducing a new stable update for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. The release of version 15.52 comes about a month after the previous 15.33 update, which included a few minor enhancements and fixes for these devices.

    Details of the Update

    Version 15.52 is another small update. Similar to the last one, the change log indicates that this version addresses several bugs and brings improvements to the Forerunner series. However, it lacks specific details, making it hard to see how these changes will actually help users. The release notes mention that Garmin has implemented modifications to “support manufacturing,” which probably won’t have a noticeable impact on user experience.

    Rollout Information

    In a post on the Garmin forum, a brand representative mentioned that update version 15.52 has been rolled out to at least 50% of users of the Forerunner 570 (47 mm currently priced from $479.99 at Amazon) and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. It remains uncertain when the rollout will finish. Once it is available for you, you can manually start the installation by navigating to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. Additionally, these smartwatches recently got a beta update, version 16.14, which enhanced the Morning Report feature for a select group of users.

    Conclusion

    Garmin continues to support its Forerunner series with these updates, focusing on stability and minor tweaks. As users await the full rollout of version 15.52, they can look forward to the potential improvements it may bring, even if details are sparse.

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