Garmin smartwatch beta update improves course planner and fixes bugs

Garmin has rolled out beta version 16.37 for its Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6 smartwatches, bringing notable improvements to the course planner feature and addressing several stability issues that affected users.

The release notes for Garmin beta version 16.37

After a month-long gap since beta version 16.28 introduced notification delay functionality, this latest update focuses primarily on enhancing the course planner tool. While Garmin mentions "enhanced performance" for the feature, specific details about what improvements users can expect remain unclear. The course planner is a valuable tool for runners and cyclists who want to map out routes in advance and navigate them using their smartwatch.

Beyond the course planner improvements, the update also refreshes translation functionality across these devices. This could mean better language support or more accurate translations for users who rely on their Garmin watches in multilingual environments.

Critical bug fixes address stability concerns

The most significant aspect of this update is the resolution of several stability issues that plagued the vivoactive 6 and related models. Garmin has tackled two particularly frustrating problems:

• Crashes occurring when using headphones with the smartwatch
• System failures during HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) activities

These fixes should provide a more reliable experience for users who frequently listen to music or podcasts during workouts, as well as those who incorporate HIIT sessions into their fitness routines.

Additionally, Garmin has resolved an issue where users were only shown one goal alert per day, regardless of how many fitness goals they had set. This fix ensures that all goal notifications will now appear as intended, helping users stay on track with their fitness objectives.

How to access the beta update

Owners of the affected Garmin models who are enrolled in the beta program can download this update through the following path:

Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates

The beta program allows users to test new features and improvements before they're released to the general public, though it's worth noting that beta software can sometimes introduce new, undiscovered issues.

This update continues Garmin's pattern of regular software improvements for its smartwatch lineup, addressing both feature enhancements and critical bug fixes. For users who have experienced the headphone and HIIT-related crashes, this update should provide welcome stability improvements.

For those not in the beta program, it's likely these improvements will make their way to stable releases in the coming weeks, though Garmin hasn't announced a timeline for broader availability.