Current Garmin smartwatches receive new functions via patch
16/1/2024
Translation: machine translated
Even if you have been using your Garmin smartwatch for a long time: Garmin keeps releasing patches that add new functions. The first beta update for 2024 is here and brings some new features.
In the last two weeks, Garmin has made new beta features available for its current smartwatches. You can already test them via the beta programme. The release versions will be automatically rolled out to the affected watches in a few weeks.
The "Venu 3" and "Vivoactive 5" can announce directions and kilometre times by voice. Previously, the instructions only came in a female voice. After the update, you can also switch to a male voice. The watches now also track rope jumping. Before the update, you had to download the appropriate workout via the Connect app on your computer.
Lots of new features for the "Forerunner" watches
The "Forerunner" series has received a particularly large number of new functions. In addition to the rope jumping activity, the watches have the same sleep coach as the "Venu 3" after the update. Before going to bed, you can now check how much sleep the software recommends. The coach also provides you with information about your sleep, for example whether you slept peacefully and restfully.
You can now also reset laps during running training: Some users reported that they used to create a new lap by accidentally pressing the corresponding button. This falsifies the training data. After the update, you will have a few seconds after pressing the button to cancel the start of a new lap. Affected users will be particularly pleased about this feature: there has been a lot of displeasure in recent years about the accidentally created laps.
Other new functions of the "Forerunner" watches:
- An integrated database of thousands of 400-metre running tracks around the world: Using GPS, the watch recognises when you enter a saved track. Your watch can then give you more accurate results for your training on that particular track.
- Automatically recognises the change of activity: The watch automatically switches from cycling to running tracking, for example.
"Fenix 7", "Epix 2" and other top-of-the-range smartwatches are also equipped with other functions, such as
- Finding your smartphone via Bluetooth if you lose it during training
- faster switching on of the integrated torch
Sports watches + Smartwatchesavailable
EUR449,99
Garmin Forerunner 955
46.50 mm, Fiber-reinforced polymer, One size
Sports watches + Smartwatchesavailable in a few weeks
EUR601,98
Garmin epix Gen 2
47 mm, Stainless steel, One size
Sports watches + SmartwatchesAvailability unknown
EUR469,–
Garmin Venu 3
45 mm, Polymer, One size
Sports watches + Smartwatchesavailable
EUR449,99
Garmin Forerunner 955
46.50 mm, Fiber-reinforced polymer, One size
Sports watches + Smartwatchesavailable in a few weeks
EUR601,98
Garmin epix Gen 2
47 mm, Stainless steel, One size
Installation of the beta patch
If you want to know exactly which new functions your model is getting and if you are interested in the beta version of the patch, you can look for your model on the Garmin website under Beta programme. The patch information can be found under "Announcement". If you want to use a beta version, you can install it via the Connect software on your PC. Click on "Devices" and then on "Beta Software Programme". You can then download the patch.
Header image: Shutterstock/Maridav
Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.