Garmin details new feature updates for numerous Fenix 7 and Forerunner smartwatches

Garmin has now published the full changelog for its latest round of stable updates. To recap, the company quietly started rolling out updates for several smartwatches last week, including the Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. Additionally, the company pushed firmware version 15.74 to the Fenix 7, which it also distributed to the Epix 2 and Quatix 7, among other models.

Based on the compatibility list below, Garmin has or will issue equivalent updates for the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 too. Likewise, several recent cycling computers are eligible for a December 2023 update, although this only adds 'Smart Notification Image' support. Similarly, the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 series have received fewer new features than their Forerunner and Fenix counterparts.

For some reason, Garmin has omitted the Fenix 6 series and its peers from its latest release schedule. However, the company continues to furnish these smartwatches with new beta builds. Hence, it seems that while support remains in place for now, the Fenix 6 series is on different development timelines compared to its successors. According to Garmin, the 'notable features' in its latest update package are as follows:

• Nap Detection: Automatically track or log naps and learn how they may benefit the body and the suggested time and duration they should be.
• Skin Temperature: When wearing the watch to sleep, see how average skin temperature changes over time, which can be related to recent activity, sleep environment, potential illnesses and more.
• Body Battery Energy Monitoring Enhancements: Get even more details and personal insights on how sleep, naps, daily activities and stress specifically impact energy levels – even get a daily summary every evening recapping energy use throughout the day.
• Wrist-based Running Dynamics: Measure crucial running metrics such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time and more to improve running form.
• Wrist-based Running Power: Manage effort and fine-tune training based on the amount of power the body is applying during a run.
• Ski Activity Enhancement: Continuously record an entire activity, even while on a chairlift and during downhill runs, to get a more accurate recording of metrics like heart rate, activity time and elevation.
• Smart Notification Images: Users with a compatible Android smartphone can now view photos they receive directly on their watch screen.
• Face It Improvements: Add even more data to customizable analog or digital watch faces using Face It in the Connect IQ app.
• Dexcom Watch Face Integration: People with all types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes) who use a Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System3 and a compatible Garmin smartwatch can view their glucose levels and trends on their watch face. 

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