Garmin fixes various UI and system bugs with new update for current entry-level Forerunner smartwatch

The Forerunner 265 has moved up to Beta Version 18.20, only the second beta update issued in Garmin's 18.xx software cycle. For some reason, the company elected against releasing Beta Version 18.12 with which it furnished the Forerunner 255, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. Nonetheless, the Forerunner 265 is now on the same development schedule as its Forerunner counterparts.

Seemingly, all Forerunner 265 owners will soon receive the update that Garmin is currently distributing through its Beta Program. In a forum post, the company explains that Beta Version 18.20 is a Release Candidate, adding:

Release Candidate" means that this exact software version is planned to “Go Live” as a public update as long as no critical issues are observed. All copies of version 18.20 will be identical, so there are no differences in functionality whether you install version 18.20  as a Public Release Candidate or wait for the update to be a Live public update.

Please note that v18.20 will arrive for non Beta Program participants not only with the changes found in Beta Version 18.20, but also those introduced with Beta Version 18.15. Additionally, it is worth noting that Beta Version 18.20 can be downloaded immediately by tapping 'Check for Updates' within System Software, a System Settings sub-menu, rather than waiting for Garmin to finish its phased rollout process. The full changelog for v18.20 should be as follows when it reaches stable status:

• Addressed potential issues with optical heart rate performance in cold weather.
• Adds Auto Activity Detect transition for multisport profiles.
• Adds database of 400m running tracks all over the world.
• Adds Jump Rope activity profile.
• Adds Lap Undo.
• Adds Sleep Coach glance.
• Fixed backlight brightness level when using real time settings.
• Fixed backlight gesture not working in do not disturb mode.
• Fixed crash when swiping left to dismiss certain smart home notifications.
• Fixed freeze/crash associated with trying to update weather info on invalid location data.
• Fixed intermittent touch screen firmware not updating.
• Fixed slow notification updates on watch face notification data field.
• Fixed strength profile set weight now remembered in structured workout.
• Fixed text clipping issues in activity summary page.
• Fixed touch screen settings when in sleep mode.
• Fixed truncated text on map navigation data fields.
• Fixed various sport profile settings bugs.
• Fixed various UI and system bugs.
• Improved headset compatibility.
• Improved turn point course navigation.
• Various bug fixes and improvements.

Purchase the Garmin Forerunner 265 (Black/Powder Grey) on Amazon