Garmin has been making waves in the world of fitness and outdoor tech, with their latest beta software updates for most of their newest watches. Over the past two weeks, the company has rolled out updates for the Forerunner series, the Fenix 7, the Epix 2, the Venu 3, and the Vivoactive 5, bringing a host of new features and improvements to these already powerful devices.
For those with a Forerunner watch, the new update adds a database of thousands of public tracks, making it easier than ever to find suitable running routes. Additionally, Forerunner users can now undo lap presses, making sure that accidental button presses during a workout don’t mess up post-run results. Automatic multisport tracking has also been added, allowing seamless transitions between different activities without needing to manually switch modes.
The Fenix 7 and Epix 2 watches have also received an exciting new feature with the ability to help users locate their missing smartphone during GPS-tracked runs. This is a highly useful addition for those who have experienced the frustration of misplacing their phone during outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 have also seen some notable improvements in the latest beta software update. Users can now enjoy a new jumprope activity and a new voice prompt option, offering more variety and customization for workout routines.
Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 owners will particularly appreciate the new male voice option for audio prompts, providing more personalization to their workout experience. These watches have also gained a dedicated jump roping activity, a feature that was previously only available through the Connect IQ app.
For the Forerunner series, the updates bring a wealth of new features and improvements. The Forerunner 965 and other models now incorporate the Sleep Coach widget from the Venu 3, allowing users to get personalized recommendations for optimizing their sleep and recharging their Body Battery. This adds another dimension to the already robust suite of health and fitness tracking capabilities offered by Garmin’s watches.
Furthermore, the addition of the “Lap Undo” feature is a welcome addition for many users. Accidentally hitting a button during a run can lead to inaccurate post-run results, but the new feature allows for the deletion of accidental laps, preventing unnecessary disruptions to workout data.
Another standout feature is the introduction of a “database of 400m running tracks all over the world”. This mirrors a similar feature on the Apple Watch and allows Garmin Forerunner users to automatically detect when they are on a track, providing more accurate results based on the user’s GPS location.
In addition, Garmin has incorporated over 11,000 tracks in its worldwide database, with plans to add more over time. Even if a user’s local track isn’t in Garmin’s database, the watch will auto-calibrate a track map based on GPS activity, ensuring accurate tracking regardless of location.
For multisport users, the automatic transition between activities is another convenient enhancement, eliminating the need to manually switch modes when moving from one activity to the next. This is particularly useful for those undertaking triathlons or other multi-discipline events.
It’s worth noting that the beta features are not limited to newer models. Users of the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 255 also have access to these updates, with the Forerunner 265 expected to receive the update in the near future after reported bug fixes.
The high-end watches including the Fenix 7, Epix 2, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and Marq 2 have also received all the aforementioned features, in addition to some extra enhancements. For instance, users of these watches will now benefit from a feature that saves the GPS location where the watch’s Bluetooth disconnected, providing a route to guide them back to the location and using Bluetooth signal strength to help locate a dropped phone. Furthermore, watches with a built-in flashlight now have the ability to instantly turn on the LED with a double-tap of the top-left LIGHT button.
These updates come as welcome news for Garmin enthusiasts, especially given the recent announcements of the new Lily 2 smartwatch, HRM-Fit monitor, and Connect app revamp during CES 2024. The commitment to post-launch feature updates demonstrates Garmin’s dedication to providing ongoing value and innovation to its users.
To access the beta software updates, users can sign in to Garmin Connect on their computer, select their Garmin watch under the Devices button, click “Join Beta Software Program” link under the version number, and “Agree” to the terms. The update can then be manually installed on the watch.
For those who would prefer to wait for the stable public launch, Garmin typically releases these updates around a month after the beta version, meaning that these exciting new features should be available to all users in the near future.
With Garmin’s continued focus on delivering improvements and new features to its product lineup, users can expect even more innovative updates and enhancements in the future. The company’s dedication to ongoing development and customer satisfaction solidifies its position as a leader in the fitness and outdoor tech industry.
