Garmin is introducing a fresh beta software update, version 15.07, for two of its popular GPS running smartwatches: the Forerunner 970 and the Forerunner 570. This rollout brings a mix of brand-new features, quality-of-life improvements, and essential bug fixes aimed at enhancing the overall user experience for owners of these devices. Users interested in testing the new software can download it manually through their watch’s settings.
Key New Features and Health Tracking
The most notable addition in this beta release is a new glance dedicated to health data. This feature allows users to easily track changes in their overall health metrics and wellbeing directly from their wrist, providing a more consolidated view of their body’s status over time. Furthermore, for dedicated cyclists, the update adds support for a cycling VO2 max complication on certain watch faces. This integration makes it simpler for riders to keep tabs on a key indicator of their aerobic fitness during and after their rides.
Crucial Fixes for Call and Notification Management
Several significant fixes address issues related to phone calls and smart notifications. One issue resolved prevents a setting to block all incoming calls from being enabled accidentally. The update also corrects a malfunction where the accept and decline buttons on the incoming call screen might not work properly. A fix is also included for a more complex issue where the speaker could be muted or the device might reboot after a user attempted to answer a phone call while music was playing through the speakers. On the notification front, Garmin has fixed a bug that caused the notification number on the watch face to be incorrect.
Activity and System Stability Enhancements
The beta software also targets several bugs that impacted activity tracking and general system stability. An issue where the evening report might not display at the intended time has been fixed. A problematic scenario involving multisport tracking has been resolved: users can now change to a strength activity while recording a different activity type without the original activity being prematurely ended. Stability fixes include resolving an issue that could cause the device to reboot when receiving multiple smart notifications in quick succession and another that could cause a failure when setting up a Wi-Fi network via Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express.
Improved Controls and Voice Note Functionality
User control during activities has been refined. The down key can now be used to dismiss training alerts, providing a quick way to clear the screen during a workout. In multisport activities, the lap key can now be held to change sports, which conveniently frees up a single lap press to record laps, rests, or sets within the current sport, offering more flexible tracking. Voice note functionality has also seen improvements, with the update reducing the click sound at the beginning of a voice note and fixing an issue that could cause a voice note to be replayed at half speed. Finally, for user convenience, the device is now allowed to be powered down without entering a passcode.
How to Install the Beta Software
If you’re an owner of a Forerunner 970 or Forerunner 570 and wish to immediately access these new features and fixes, you can manually download the update on your smartwatch.
To do this, navigate to the following menu on your device: Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
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