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Garmin delivers new update for mid-range smartwatch with over a dozen new features and bug fixes

The Forerunner 265 has received its first stable software update this season. (Image source: Garmin)
The Forerunner 265 has received its first stable software update this season. (Image source: Garmin)
Garmin has released a new update for one of its current Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out now globally, the stable update introduces various new features, improvements and bug fixes to eligible smartwatches, including support for Garmin Share.

Garmin has had a rather busy summer thus far. To recap, the company recently presented the Fenix 8, which debuted alongside the cheaper Fenix E and Enduro 3. Nonetheless, it has still found time to bring new features to its existing Forerunner portfolio through a series of software updates.

Until now, the Forerunner 265 has only been eligible for bug fixes and other changes this season if enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program. However, the company has now decided to bring the smartwatch onto System Software 20.26, which it introduced almost a week ago to bet testers as Public Beta 20.26. Incidentally, System Software 20.26 is the culmination of four v20.xx beta builds that Garmin issued publicly. As such, System Software 20.26 makes various changes to the Forerunner 265 (curr. $349.99 on Amazon) compared to its predecessor that Garmin started shipping in late May.

Specifically, the company notes that System Software 20.26 should contain fourteen improvements from System Software 19.18. As it stands, Garmin believes that it should have offered the new update to at least 50% of Forerunner 265 smartwatches that are set to receive stable updates. If your unit meets that criteria but remains on System Software 19.18 or earlier, then you can trigger the download of System Software 20.26 manually by heading to Menu on the smartwatch itself followed by System, Software Update and then tapping 'Check for Updates'. For reference, the new update should feature the following new features, improvements and bug fixes:

  • Adds Garmin Share, share your workouts, courses, and waypoints between compatible Garmin devices.
  • Added Device Settings Backup and Restore.
  • Improvements to support pool swim workouts with pace alerts and critical swim speed.
  • Improvements to the pool swim rest screen and alert tones.
  • Improvements to race time predictions based on fitness level and recent efforts.
  • Integrates the Garmin Run Coach feature into Garmin Connect app.
  • Fixed lock screen vibration during sleep mode.
  • Fixed map data field text truncation.
  • Fixed edge case weather data display errors.
  • Fixed calendar display issues.
  • Fixed pool size selection in Garmin Connect real time settings.
  • Fixed alert suppression during breathwork activity.
  • Fixed various language translation errors.
  • Fixed various bugs and UI improvements.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 09 > Garmin delivers new update for mid-range smartwatch with over a dozen new features and bug fixes
Alex Alderson, 2024-09-10 (Update: 2024-09-10)