Tag: Garmin

December 2, 2025

Garmin inReach Mini 3: Upgrades, Pricing, and Launch Details

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin’s inReach Mini 3 is expected to launch globally soon, with sightings of retail units already occurring.
2. The inReach Mini 3 features a larger color touchscreen display, while maintaining similar visuals to its predecessor.
3. The device is thicker and weighs 122 grams but may include solar charging capabilities and topographically accurate satellite maps.
4. Enhanced speakers, emergency calling, location sharing, and satellite messaging functions are retained in the new model.
5. Pricing is set at $259.99 for the inReach Mini 3 and $499 for the upgraded Mini 3 Plus, which includes additional messaging features.

It appears that Garmin’s new inReach device is nearing a global launch. After a short appearance in an official advertisement that was quickly removed, the inReach Mini 3 has been spotted on Reddit by user u/HMITCHR. This Reddit user claims to have bought a retail unit locally, indicating that Garmin might be releasing the device later this week.

Hands-On Insights

In the meantime, u/HMITCHR shared some hands-on pictures that showcase not only the inReach Mini 3 (currently priced at $259.99 on Amazon) but also how it stacks up against the previous inReach Mini. Visually, there’s not much that distinguishes the inReach Mini 3 from its predecessor. However, Garmin has upgraded the display to a much larger color touchscreen this time around.

Size and Features

Even though the inReach Mini 3 is thicker and weighs 122 grams, u/HMITCHR noted that Garmin might have added solar charging capabilities. Additionally, the new inReach communicator features satellite maps that are topographically accurate. The user also mentioned that the inReach Mini 3 comes with enhanced speakers, while still retaining essential functions like emergency calling, location sharing, and satellite messaging via the inReach network.

Pricing and Availability

Moreover, the same Reddit user claims that a nearby retailer offered the inReach Mini 3 Plus alongside the standard Mini 3. The inReach Mini 3 is rumored to have a starting price of $449. In comparison, the inReach Mini 3 Plus is said to be available for $499, which includes photo and audio messaging features, justifying the $50 increase from the current inReach Mini 2. Regardless, both models will be pricier than Garmin’s existing compact inReach communicator.

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Tags: Garmin, inReach Mini 3, Satellite Messaging
November 27, 2025

Garmin Launches Beta Update for Older Mid-Range Smartwatches

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin has released a new beta update (version 17.08) for Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches.
2. The update includes various bug fixes and improvements, but specific details are not provided.
3. There is a contradiction in the announcement regarding the update’s availability, suggesting users may need to manually check for updates.
4. Beta updates are typically delivered automatically, so the update may be distributed over-the-air (OTA) as usual.
5. The timeline for the stable release of version 17.08 for all users is currently unknown.

Garmin has launched a new beta update for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. This beta version 17.08 comes about two months after the stable release of version 17.07, which resolved an issue related to DogTrack distances.

Minor Update Details

The new beta update 17.08 is considered a small update, as the change log simply indicates it includes “various bug fixes and improvements” for the Instinct 2 and the other smartwatches. Sadly, Garmin does not provide specific details about the problems it has resolved or the adjustments it has made to enhance these devices.

Announcement and Inconsistencies

This beta update was shared in a recent post on the Garmin Forum. One thing to note is a contradiction in the announcement: the title mentions that beta version 17.08 is “Available OTA,” whereas the message implies that users should manually “check for updates.” Usually, beta updates for the Instinct 2 smartwatches are delivered automatically over-the-air (OTA) when the user is connected to the Garmin Connect app or through Garmin Express. So, it is likely that this update is being distributed the same way. It is yet to be seen when the stable release of software version 17.08 will be available for all users of the Instinct 2 (45 mm Solar Graphite, currently priced at $223.35 on Amazon) and its related smartwatches.

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Tags: beta update 17.08, Garmin, Instinct 2
November 25, 2025

Garmin Recovery Band Teased as Future of Wearables Release

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin is planning to launch a new wearable device before the end of the year.
2. The Index Sleep Monitor, priced at $169.99, is a screenless wearable designed for sleep, worn on the upper arm.
3. Speculation is growing about a new product called the Garmin Recovery Band, potentially an alternative to Whoop.
4. An image shared by Garmin hints at a new smartwatch with LED lights, possibly resembling the Venu 4.
5. There is no confirmation on whether the new device is a re-release of the Venu 4 or a new version, but it may be a slimmer model.

It seems Garmin is getting ready to unveil a new wearable device before the year wraps up. Earlier this year, there were whispers about the company working on a wearable that doesn’t have a screen. This idea eventually materialized into the Index Sleep Monitor, which is currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon. Garmin designed this monitor to be worn on the upper arm, making it distinct from typical smartwatches, and it is meant to be used only during sleep.

Speculation About a New Device

Recently, a post on Garmin India’s Facebook page has sparked fresh rumors suggesting that the company might be crafting an alternative to Whoop. Referred to as the Garmin Recovery Band by sources like the5krunner and Gadgets & Wearables, this mysterious device is not explicitly named in the Facebook post. Instead, Garmin hints that “the future of wearables is almost here,” adding that it will be “coming sooner than you think.”

What the Image Reveals

The accompanying image doesn’t give away too much at first glance. However, if you rotate it by 90°, you can see what appears to be a smartwatch with an LED light located between the strap and the top part of its housing. In this regard, the smartwatch bears a resemblance to the Venu 4, especially since Garmin showcases both red and white LED settings.

Despite this resemblance, the Venu 4 was launched several months ago in India, hitting the market in mid-September, just like it did in the United States. Therefore, it seems unlikely that this teaser is about a re-release of the Venu 4, unless there’s a new version in the works. This device might possibly be a slimmer version of the Venu 4, though no solid information has surfaced at this time.

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Tags: Garmin, Index Sleep Monitor, Venu 4
November 25, 2025

Garmin Smartwatch Users Report Issues with Turn-by-Turn Navigation

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin smartwatch users are experiencing issues with the real-time turn-by-turn navigation feature, particularly after software update 20.19.

2. Affected models include the Fenix 8, Fenix 7, Forerunner 955, and Enduro 3, with reports shared on forums like Garmin Forum and Reddit.

3. The problem may stem from missing course_point entities in route files, affecting navigation guidance sent from the Garmin Connect app.

4. Courses saved on the smartwatch remain unaffected, but may stop working after syncing with the app.

5. A suggested workaround involves using third-party mapping tools like Plotaroute to create routes and manually uploading the generated FIT file to the smartwatch.

Many users of Garmin smartwatches are facing a problem related to the real-time turn-by-turn navigation feature. This function alerts users about upcoming turns, displaying the distance to the turn directly on the watch screen. Alerts can be in the form of vibrations or sounds, with maps uploaded to the device via the Garmin Connect app.

User Reports and Devices Affected

On forums like Garmin Forum and Reddit, owners of various Garmin models—including the Fenix 8, Fenix 7, Forerunner 955, and Enduro 3 (51mm Solar currently priced at $739.99 on Amazon)—have shared their experiences with this issue. Some users have pointed out that the problem began after the latest system software update, version 20.19. It appears that the issue is linked to the Garmin Connect app, which is responsible for sending navigation guidance to the smartwatch.

Potential Cause and Impact

It is believed that the glitch with turn-by-turn notifications may be caused by missing course_point entities in the route files. Courses already saved on the smartwatch are not impacted, but they may stop working the next time you sync with the app. So far, Garmin has not acknowledged this problem nor provided an explanation or a fix for its users.

Workaround Suggestion

Nonetheless, a Garmin user known as socorsu on the brand’s forum has proposed a potential workaround. They recommend using a third-party mapping tool, such as Plotaroute, to create your course. After creating the route, you can generate a FIT file that should include the necessary data to activate the turn-by-turn notifications. Users will then need to manually place the FIT file in the “Garmin/New Files” directory on their smartwatch.

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Tags: Fenix 8, Garmin, turn-by-turn navigation
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