Garmin has released a comprehensive software update for its smartwatch lineup, introducing a mix of free health and fitness features alongside new premium subscription services. This update represents the company's continued push toward subscription-based revenue models while still delivering substantial value to existing users without additional costs.
Enhanced Health Monitoring Capabilities
The update introduces Breathing Variations tracking, which leverages Pulse Ox2 technology to monitor shifts in users' breathing patterns during sleep. This feature provides deeper insights into sleep quality and respiratory health, helping users understand their nighttime breathing consistency. The functionality extends across multiple device lines including Vivoactive, Venu, Lily, and several Forerunner models, making advanced sleep analysis more accessible to a broader range of users.
Revolutionary Rucking Support for Weighted Exercise
One of the most significant additions is dedicated rucking support, addressing a long-standing gap in fitness tracking accuracy. The new Rucking Activity mode allows users to input their pack weight, enabling more precise calculations for metrics like VO2 max, calorie burn, and pace analysis. Previously, weighted exercises were tracked as standard activities, leading to skewed fitness assessments that didn't account for the additional load. This feature extends beyond dedicated rucking to include pack weight options for running, trail running, hiking, and walking activities on supported devices.
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| This image illustrates the real-time performance tracking capabilities of Garmin smartwatches, showcasing metrics related to physical activity |
Improved Security and Competitive Sports Features
Security enhancements include expanded passcode functionality across more device models, with automatic wrist detection that requires PIN entry when the watch is removed. The Lily 2, Instinct 3, and Instinct E series now join newer models in offering this protection. For competitive marksmen, a new Stage Timer provides real-time alerts through paired hearing protection or the watch speaker, helping athletes manage time during shooting competitions.
Premium Trail and Golf Services Launch
Garmin Trails represents the company's new premium outdoor service, designed to enhance trail discovery and navigation. Subscribers can filter trails by specific criteria such as dog-friendliness or natural features like waterfalls and forests. The service provides detailed trail information including difficulty ratings, distance, elevation changes, and community reviews with photos. Users with Garmin Connect Plus or Outdoor Maps Plus subscriptions can download trails for offline access and customize routes with points of interest.
The Garmin Golf Membership brings professional-grade golf features to Venu 3 users for USD 9.99 monthly or USD 99.99 annually. This subscription unlocks advanced course details, full-color CourseView maps, touch targeting, PlaysLike distance calculations, and Green Contours analysis previously exclusive to dedicated Approach golf watches.
Device Compatibility and Availability
The update targets select smartwatch models including the Fenix 8 series, various Forerunner models, Instinct 3 lineup, Lily 2 Active, Venu 3, Enduro 3, and Vivoactive series. However, some older models like the retired Forerunner 265 and 965 won't receive all new features, particularly the rucking capabilities. Users can access these updates through automatic syncing with Garmin Connect or Garmin Express, with rollout already underway for eligible devices.