Garmin Bounce 2 LTE Smartwatch Gets Major Update with New Features and Bug Fixes

Garmin has released a significant software update for its Bounce 2 LTE smartwatch, upgrading the device from Software Version 5.12 to 16.23. This major jump in version numbers indicates a substantial update that brings several new features and improvements to the children's smartwatch.

The Bounce 2, currently priced at $254.96 on Amazon, is one of Garmin's LTE-enabled smartwatches designed specifically for kids. Unlike many of Garmin's other smartwatch models that offer beta updates, the Bounce 2 follows a more traditional stable release approach, making this update particularly noteworthy for owners of the device.

According to Garmin's official forum post, the Software Version 16.23 update is being rolled out globally and can be downloaded through the Garmin Jr. app. The company estimates that approximately 50% of Bounce 2 devices have already received the update at the time of writing.

New Features in Version 16.23

The update brings several new features to enhance the user experience:

Activity Animations: Garmin has added more activity animations to make the fitness tracking experience more engaging for children. These visual elements help keep young users motivated and interested in their daily activity goals.

Alarm Sound Options: The update introduces new alarm sound options, giving parents and children more flexibility in customizing wake-up calls and reminders. This feature is particularly useful for helping kids develop good habits and time management skills.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

Beyond new features, Software Version 16.23 addresses several technical issues that were affecting the Bounce 2:

Translation Fixes: The update resolves outstanding translation issues, ensuring that the smartwatch displays text correctly across different languages and regions.

Predictive Text Improvements: Garmin has fixed problems with the predictive text functionality, making messaging and text input more reliable and user-friendly.

Most Daily Active Minutes Record Bug: A specific bug that caused incorrect multiplier values to appear in the Most Daily Active Minutes record has been resolved. This fix ensures that activity tracking data is accurate and reliable.

General Bug Fixes: As with most software updates, Garmin has included "various" other bug fixes and improvements, though specific details weren't provided. These typically include performance optimizations, stability improvements, and minor feature enhancements.

How to Update

Bounce 2 owners can check for and install the update through the Garmin Jr. app on their smartphones. The update process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete, though Garmin recommends ensuring the watch has sufficient battery life before beginning the update.

Why This Update Matters

For parents who have invested in the Bounce 2 LTE smartwatch for their children, this update represents a significant improvement in both functionality and reliability. The addition of new activity animations and alarm sounds enhances the core experience of the device, while the bug fixes address some of the technical issues that may have been frustrating users.

The jump from version 5.12 to 16.23 is particularly notable, as it suggests this update includes substantial changes to the underlying software architecture. This could potentially improve performance, battery life, or compatibility with future features.

About the Garmin Bounce 2

The Bounce 2 is part of Garmin's lineup of children's smartwatches, featuring LTE connectivity for communication features, activity tracking, and parental controls. The device is designed to be durable and kid-friendly while providing parents with peace of mind through location tracking and communication capabilities.

This update demonstrates Garmin's continued commitment to supporting its devices post-purchase, ensuring that customers receive ongoing improvements and new features even after the initial sale. For families who have chosen the Bounce 2 as their children's first smartwatch, this update helps ensure the device remains current and continues to meet their needs over time.