Garmin has officially commenced the rollout of its latest beta firmware, version 16.11, specifically designed for the Forerunner 970 and 570 series. This comprehensive update introduces a mixture of lifestyle integration, deeper athletic data, and critical bug fixes aimed at refining the user experience for triathletes and casual runners alike.
Expanded Glances and Daily Health Insights
The update focuses heavily on “at-a-glance” information. Users can now monitor their weight trends and battery performance directly from the widget loop. For those interested in lifestyle metrics, the new Daily Behavior glance analyzes how your habits impact your health, while the enhanced Sleep glance now offers personalized recommendations for the most effective bed and wake times. Sports fans will also appreciate the new glance dedicated to tracking their favorite team’s scores in real-time.
Advanced Training and Course Navigation
Garmin is doubling down on technical data for competitive athletes. The mapping system now supports more granular course details, such as aid station locations and cut-off times, which are vital for ultra-marathoners and long-distance cyclists. Additionally, a new Multisport activity mode allows for the seamless recording of consecutive disciplines. Training guidance has also been updated to account for recent dive data, ensuring that recovery and intensity metrics are accurate for those who cross-train in the water.
Connectivity and Communication Upgrades
In a significant move for social connectivity, the update includes a downloadable app for viewing WhatsApp messages directly on the wrist. Notification management is also improved with a “Stage Menu” option, allowing users to delay smart notifications until a workout is finished to avoid distractions. Furthermore, Voice Alerts have been expanded to include settings for compatible radar devices, providing audible safety warnings during rides.
Performance Tweaks and Customization
Under the hood, Garmin has made the pace tracking more responsive to sudden changes in speed. For those who prefer a personalized look, the “Ripples” watch face makes its debut alongside new color filters and additional alarm tones. Strength trainers will also see support for more diverse personal records, and users can now add “lap step speed loss” as a data field to better analyze their consistency during intervals.
Critical Bug Fixes and Stability
Version 16.11 addresses several nagging issues reported in previous builds. Notable fixes include:
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Audio & Alarms: Corrected volume adjustments for system tones and fixed incorrect audio prompts for power-target workouts.
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Data Integrity: Resolved an issue where “Suggested Workouts” would regenerate unnecessarily and fixed inaccurate race times in the Evening Report.
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Hardware Sync: Patched a bug causing excessive low-battery alerts for the HRM 600 during swims and improved Wi-Fi upload reliability.
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Visual Glitches: Fixed blank screens when accessing music during activities and garbled text when connected to a PC.
How to Install the Update
Users enrolled in the Beta program can initiate the download manually by navigating to: Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
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