Tag: Garmin

November 20, 2025
Garmin LTE Smartwatch Update Boosts Battery Life
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released software version 5.10 for the Bounce 2 smartwatch for kids, improving battery life and adding features.
2. The update introduces a new activity called Fish and enhances existing activities like Run, Walk, and Bike.
3. Users now have access to new language options, although specific languages are not mentioned.
4. The vibration feature for reminders is disabled during school and sleep modes, and call experiences have been improved.
5. Software version 5.10 is available for all Bounce 2 users and can be downloaded via the Garmin Jr. App.
Garmin has introduced a new stable update for the Bounce 2 smartwatch designed for kids. This device was first launched in September 2025, serving as a successor to the original Bounce model. The latest software, version 5.10, has just been released, arriving about a month after the previous version 4.28, which enhanced the LTE bar’s responsiveness and fixed several bugs.
Battery Life and New Features
The change log for software version 5.10 highlights improvements to the Bounce 2’s battery life when the user is in areas with weak LTE signal. Additionally, this update brings a new activity called Fish, while enhancements have been made to current activities, such as Run, Walk, and Bike.
Language Options and Vibration Settings
Bounce 2 users can now enjoy access to several new languages, although the specific languages aren’t detailed in the release notes for version 5.10. Another update is that the vibration feature has been turned off for reminders during school or sleep mode. The experience of making calls has been refined, especially when switching from Wi-Fi to LTE, and the company has fixed a problem that arose when users attempted to connect multiple headphones or earbuds to the smartwatch.
Availability of the Update
A representative from Garmin shared in a forum post that the software version 5.10 is currently available for all Bounce 2 smartwatch users (curr. $299.99 at Amazon). Users can download the update through the Garmin Jr. App on their connected smartphones.
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Tags: Bounce 2, Garmin, Smartwatch Update
November 18, 2025
Garmin Patents Inertial Scrolling Digital Crown for Smartwatches
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is exploring digital crown technology for wearable devices, but source transparency is lacking in reports.
2. A newly discovered patent titled ‘rotatable control button assembly for a wearable device’ supports earlier claims about this technology.
3. The patent describes a control button assembly with a rotating crown and a Hall effect sensor for inertial scrolling.
4. The design of the control button assembly resembles Garmin’s current Fenix series, but patents don’t guarantee final product realization.
5. The timeline for turning this patent into a mass-produced device is uncertain, making claims of an imminent release misleading.
Yesterday, fresh details came to light about Garmin’s planned digital crown technology. According to Gadgets & Wearables, the website didn’t disclose where the information came from in their report. This lack of source transparency was also true for the earlier statements made a few weeks ago.
Patent Speculation
At first, we thought that a recent patent might be the basis for Gadgets & Wearables’ claims. Regrettably, searches on Justia and similar sites yielded no useful findings. Nevertheless, Wearable has recently found the patent that likely supports many of the earlier assertions made by Gadgets & Wearables. This patent, titled ‘rotatable control button assembly for a wearable device’ and assigned the number 20250341869, provides a description of the control button as follows:
A wearable electronic device, which consists of a body. In addition, the device contains a Hall effect sensor that is placed within the body’s interior and is either close to or in contact with an inner surface of the body.
Control Button Assembly
Moreover, the device includes a control button assembly that is attached to the body. The outer part of the body has a hollow section where at least part of the control button assembly fits. The control button assembly has a magnet at its proximal end.
At the opposite end, the control button assembly has a crown that can rotate in relation to the body, and the assembly is designed so that turning the crown results in a corresponding movement of the magnet. The body also has a sidewall that completely separates the control button assembly from the Hall effect sensor.
This patent additionally confirms that the assembly includes a sensor to facilitate inertial scrolling, similar to the existing Apple Watch Series 11 and Pixel Watch 4 (currently priced at $349 on Amazon). As mentioned before, the drawings in the patent are very similar to the design language of Garmin’s current Fenix series. It’s important to note, however, that patent submissions seldom reflect the final product.
Reality Check
In the same vein, any implication that this patent is on the verge of being realized is a bit misleading. Generally, patents may take many years to transform into mass-production devices, if they ever do. Therefore, it would be surprising if Garmin were to release this hardware ‘soon,’ as prior reports have suggested.
USPTO via Wareable
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Tags: Apple Watch Series 11, Garmin, Pixel Watch 4
November 18, 2025
Garmin Instinct Smartwatches Get Exciting New Update
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is releasing a software update (version 12.21) for the Instinct 3 series, currently in beta phase.
2. The update addresses translation errors for activity names and improves the dog tracking feature.
3. Users will notice enhancements in health status reporting and display of vital signs compared to earlier beta version 12.19.
4. New data fields and user interface tweaks are included, enhancing overall user experience.
5. The update may extend runtime due to a fix for previous high power usage issues.
Garmin is rolling out a new software update for its Instinct 3 series. The models included in this update are the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, Instinct E, Instinct 3 Tactical Solar and AMOLED, as well as the Instinct Crossover AMOLED. The update, labeled version 12.21, is still in its beta phase, so users might run into some issues despite it aiming to resolve certain glitches.
Changes in the Update
According to the changelog, there are two main changes when compared to the earlier beta version, version 12.19. Firstly, some translation errors have been addressed, where a few activity names were incorrectly translated. Secondly, the dog tracking feature has seen improvements. While Garmin’s dog tracking devices aren’t just for regular dog owners, they also cater to hunters and similar users.
Enhancements Over Previous Versions
In contrast to the earlier stable software versions (10.36 or 11.11), there are a handful of more significant changes. Users who have been testing the beta versions will see enhancements in health status reporting and the display of key vital signs. Depending on the model, there are new data fields added, along with small tweaks or enhancements to the user interface. Additionally, runtime may be extended due to a fix that previously led to higher power use.
Garmin’s
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Tags: Garmin, Instinct 3, software update
November 18, 2025
Garmin November 2025 Update: New Features for Smartwatches & More
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has launched a new Feature Update for various smartwatches, including the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970.
2. The November 2025 update introduces six new features, such as Health Status and Real-Time Weather Updates.
3. 3D mapping capabilities will be added in a separate report following the update.
4. New features for cycling computers include Smart Fueling and Gear Ratio analysis, along with improved notification management for several smartwatch models.
5. The update will be rolled out in stages, taking several weeks to reach all compatible devices.
Garmin has quietly revealed a new Feature Update for a range of its recent products. To summarize, the company has been rolling out various stable updates for several smartwatch lines recently, which includes the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 (currently priced at $749 on Amazon) that were highlighted in their Feature Update announcement.
New Features Added
Following a previous update that was released during the summer, the November 2025 Feature Update introduces about six new features, such as Health Status and Real-Time Weather Updates. Additionally, the company has announced that it will be adding 3D mapping capabilities, with full details shared in a separate report.
Updates for Cycling Computers
The rest of the new features in Garmin’s latest update primarily target its cycling computer lineup, including Smart Fueling and Gear Ratio analysis. However, Garmin is also improving notification management across several smartwatches, including the Fenix 8, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, and Venu X1, among others. Furthermore, support for Rally 110 and Rally 210 has been added for many devices, as illustrated in the image above.
Garmin states that the November 2025 Feature Update will be rolled out in stages. Therefore, it could take several weeks before the software updates reach the compatible cycling computers and smartwatches. Unfortunately, Garmin hasn’t specified the build numbers for these updates yet.
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Tags: Feature Update, Forerunner 970, Garmin
November 18, 2025
Garmin to Launch Advanced Digital Crown on New Fenix Smartwatch
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has launched new smartwatches in 2023, notably the Fenix 8 Pro, featuring advanced microLED display technology.
2. The Fenix 8 Pro enhances Garmin’s LTE connectivity service for improved communication.
3. Garmin is developing a digital crown for future smartwatches, utilizing a Hall effect sensor for rotation recognition.
4. The digital crown is expected to offer haptic feedback and inertial scrolling, similar to features in other smartwatches.
5. The timeline for the release of the smartwatch with the digital crown technology remains uncertain.
Garmin has introduced a variety of gadgets this year, especially smartwatches that have broadened its Outdoor Recreation and Sports & Fitness categories. Among the latest arrivals, the Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,299 on Amazon) has likely introduced the most groundbreaking features to Garmin’s smartwatch lineup, including advanced microLED display technology.
Expanding Connectivity
Moreover, the Fenix 8 Pro has also enhanced Garmin’s LTE connectivity service. However, it appears that Garmin is already moving forward with another significant update for its smartwatch collection. Recently, Gadgets & Wearables disclosed information about technology Garmin is looking to incorporate, specifically a digital crown in an upcoming smartwatch.
Innovative Features
In essence, the site mentioned that the mechanism utilizes a Hall effect sensor to recognize rotations instead of traditional mechanical parts. Now, Gadgets & Wearables claims to have obtained new insights regarding this hardware advancement, yet it does not specify which smartwatch will feature it first. Earlier, the site hinted that a new Venu or Vivoactive model might showcase the digital crown. Still, the concept images displayed above and below resemble a potential future Fenix smartwatch more than any other model.
Future Uncertainties
On a different note, Gadgets & Wearables insists that the digital crown will offer haptic feedback, along with enabling inertial scrolling. Interestingly, the latter feature is already present in several contemporary smartwatches, such as the latest Apple Watch and Pixel Watch models. Supposedly, the digital crown will also include a hardware button, ensuring that its functionality will not be compromised compared to Garmin’s existing five-button setup on watches like the Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 series. Unfortunately, it is still uncertain when this technology will actually be featured in a commercially available device.
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Tags: digital crown, Fenix 8 Pro, Garmin
November 17, 2025
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Leaks: Satellite Messaging Like Fenix 8 Pro
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has introduced the GPSMap H1i Plus, a new handheld navigator compatible with the inReach Plus service.
2. A new version of the inReach Mini, called the inReach Mini 3, is expected to replace the popular inReach Mini 2.
3. The inReach Mini 3 was accidentally revealed in a Garmin promotional email, confirming its upcoming launch.
4. The leaked image shows design updates, including a larger screen for marking waypoints and sending messages.
5. The inReach Mini 3 will feature a vertical antenna with a unique red casing, indicating enhancements over the Mini 2.
Earlier this year, Garmin introduced the GPSMap H1i Plus, a new handheld navigator that is compatible with the company’s inReach Plus service (currently priced at $929 on Amazon). Now, it appears that the company has hinted at plans to replace the inReach Mini 2, which was launched nearly four years ago.
New Developments
The Mini 2 has been a popular entry-level option for Garmin’s satellite communicator, mainly due to its affordable starting price and regular discounts. It looks like a new version is approaching. Interestingly, Garmin itself seems to be the source of this news, as they included an image of the upcoming inReach Mini 3 in a recent promotional email.
Leaked Information
The image, first shared by Reddit user u/LargestIntestine, sparked a Reddit discussion where it was noted that Garmin promptly replaced the image with one of the older inReach Mini 2 after realizing their error. This clearly indicates that the new inReach device is legitimate and will be officially launched soon. Meanwhile, the leaked image shows some design updates compared to the aging inReach Mini 2.
Features and Speculation
For example, Garmin has included a noticeably larger screen, which suggests that the inReach Mini 3 will be able to mark map waypoints and send messages through satellite networks. This display will come along with a vertical antenna, which is returning but has a unique red casing this time. Other specifics about the inReach Mini 3 are still under wraps, but it seems that the device is nearing a global release.

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Tags: Garmin, GPSMap H1i Plus, inReach Mini 3
November 12, 2025
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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Tags: Descent X50i, Garmin, software update 4.05
November 11, 2025
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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Tags: Garmin, Venu 3, Vivoactive 5
November 11, 2025
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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Tags: Fenix 8, Forerunner 570, Garmin
November 10, 2025
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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Tags: Connect+, Garmin, Garmin Fenix 8 Pro