Forerunner 265: Garmin offers up new features and bug fixes via latest stable update

Garmin has published Software Version 19.18 for the Forerunner 265 (curr. $419.50 on Amazon), the first stable update for the smartwatch since the end of last month. As the list below shows, Software Version 19.18 brings over a dozen improvements to the Forerunner 265. Arguably, one of the more useful features is the introduction of heart rate (HR) dynamic source switching.

In a forum post, Garmin explains that this feature automatically selects the best heart rate data source, whether that is the Forerunner 265 or a chest heart rate monitor (HRM), to maximise accuracy during running activities. Moreover, Software Version 19.18 adds Find My Phone, a feature that utilises GPS to return you to the last known location of your paired smartphone if it loses connection during an activity. Additionally, it is now possible to use the Garmin Messenger App on the Forerunner 265, which integrates various functionality that Garmin details on a dedicated website.

Furthermore, Software Version 19.18 implements several bug fixes, including one where the Forerunner 265's 'Lock On Road' setting would previously not be honoured. On top of that, the new update should resolve intermittent crashes in Garmin's music control service and when using a Zwift heart rate monitor on iOS. Please see the changelog below and Garmin's forum post for further details about what changes Software Version 19.18 brings to the Forerunner 265.

• Add Find My Phone feature - During an activity, use GPS to navigate to the point where a phone lost connection.
• Add Garmin Messenger App - Adds support for Garmin Messenger with a glance and app.
• Add HR Dynamic Source Switching - Adds heart rate dynamic source switching to select the best heart rate data source (watch or chest HRM) to improve accuracy during running activities.
• Add the Jet Lag Adviser glance.
• Fix "Lock On Road" setting not being honored.
• Fix inconsistent activity profile ordering between Connect and device.
• Fix intermittent crash in music control.
• Fix intermittent jump rope activity upload failure.
• Fix intermittent Zwift heart rate monitor drop out on iOS.
• Fix persistent notification vibration for incoming calls.
• Fix real time settings auto distance unit selection.
• Fix UI haptic feedback.
• Various UI improvements and fixes.