Garmin begins testing improved Voice Assistant interactions for Android smartphones on Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 smartwatches

Garmin released new stable updates for the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 (curr. $438 on Amazon) less than a month ago. To recap, Software Version 13.17 replaced v12.12 with a handful of improvements like refined Body Battery accuracy. Additionally, Software Version 13.17 introduced passcode functionality, which Garmin has now added across its other smartwatch series.

Now, the company has pushed ahead with its next stage of software development for the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3. Specifically, Garmin has released v13.18 to its Beta Program, which can be downloaded globally. Please note that while Garmin tends to offer these updates in batches, one can trigger the download of Beta 13.18 manually by heading through the Main menu on your smartwatch, followed by Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

In a forum post, Garmin explains that Beta 13.18 primarily makes two changes from System Version 13.17. On the one hand, the new update resolves an issue that could prevent messages from being dismissed once a repeating timer ends. On the other hand, the update is said to improve Voice Assistant interactions with 'various Android phones'. Unfortunately, Garmin has not provided any other details about the latter change for the time being.