Garmin has just released a brand-new beta software update for its Venu 4 and Vivoactive 6 smartwatches. The new version, labeled as update 18.12, is packed with dozens of changes designed to make the watches smarter, easier to use, and far less likely to freeze up during a workout.
If you like testing new features before everyone else, this update brings a lot to the table, ranging from hands-free voice controls to essential performance fixes.
Control Your Watch with Just Your Voice
The biggest change in this update is all about hands-free convenience. Garmin has enabled a voice command feature, meaning you can now wake up your watch simply by saying “OK, Garmin.”
Active users are also getting some practical upgrades. Runners will now see a new quick-workout suggestion tool built right into the watch. Additionally, if you prefer hitting the gym or working out at home when it’s cold outside, Garmin has added a dedicated XC Ski Indoor activity profile to help track cross-country skiing machines.
Smarter Workouts and Cleaner Screens
Garmin has changed how alerts behave so they do not get in your way. When you are in the middle of an exercise, you can now tap or swipe the screen to instantly clear away workout banners. The watch has also fixed an issue with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions, bringing back the onscreen lap shortcut that had mysteriously gone missing.
Other updates focus on making your daily summaries a bit more customizable:
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Evening Reports: If you do not want to see bedtime advice anymore, you can now completely turn off sleep suggestions in your evening report.
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Swim Data: The watch will now only try to download stored heart rate data after a swim if you actually had a heart rate monitor connected, saving you battery life.
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Audio Tweaks: When you adjust your volume, the screen will now show extra details so you know exactly what setting you are changing.
Map Upgrades and Navigation Fixes
For people who use their watches to explore, Garmin has expanded the maximum size for course point names so they are much easier to read at a glance. The watch will also update your weather location more frequently to ensure your local forecast is accurate.
Furthermore, Garmin fixed an annoying navigation glitch. Previously, if you tried to navigate to a saved location, the map page would fail to show your remaining distance. That has now been fixed so you always know how much further you have to go.
Stopping Unexpected Crashes and Screen Glitches
A massive chunk of this update is dedicated to fixing system bugs that caused the watches to suddenly reboot or freeze. Garmin has successfully patched issues that caused random resets when turning the watch off, playing a round of golf, tracking a free strength workout, or opening the “Saved” app. It also stops the watch from crashing if it tries to install audio prompts and main software at the exact same moment.
A few other important fixes include:
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Treadmill Accuracy: Fixed a bug that prevented treadmill calibration from saving properly, which used to mess up your indoor running distances.
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Do Not Disturb Mode: Fixed a flaw where the watch would still make sounds or vibrate even when set to silent.
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Visual Bugs: Cleaned up jagged border lines and cropped icons on several watch face designs.
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Water Ejection: Fixed a bug where the speaker volume would stay too quiet after using the watch’s built-in water clearing feature.
How to Download Version 18.12
Because this software is still in beta, your watch might not download it automatically. If you want to grab these features early, you can force the update manually through your watch’s menus.
Just open the Main Menu, choose Settings, scroll down to System, select Software Update, and tap Check For Updates.
