Cheaper Garmin smartwatches receive new software update  

Garmin has returned with a new update for the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170. Unveiled simultaneously on May 12, the two smartwatches combine AMOLED displays with batteries that should exceed two weeks of usage in battery saver mode. The pair are significantly cheaper than the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 too at $249 for the Forerunner 70 and $299 for the Forerunner 170, with a $50 surcharge applied for Wi-Fi connectivity (curr. $319 on Amazon).

Surprisingly, Garmin waited a while before issuing a stable update to either smartwatch. However, the company quickly replaced Software Version 9.17 with Software Version 9.19, which was said to resolve a treadmill calibration issue. By contrast, Software Version 9.17 introduced almost two dozen bug fixes and improvements.

Now, Garmin has added the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 to its Beta Program. For reference, the company has posted a dedicated support page for enrolling a smartwatch to receive beta updates. As far as we can tell, one must download Public Beta Version 18.19 manually by navigating through your smartwatch's main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates'.

According to Garmin, Public Beta Version 1819 introduces 'various' minor bug fixes. Unfortunately, the company has not elaborated further at the time of publication. One can submit bug reports via forum pages dedicated to the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170. Garmin offers Community Discussion forums for the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, too.