Garmin improves Body Battery metric in new smartwatch beta update

The Garmin Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 smartwatches are receiving a new beta update, version 13.17. It is the third release in the 13.xx testing cycle, which began in January with version 13.07. This earlier update brought improvements to the Garmin Run Coach and Garmin Cycling Coach and added connection type information for paired sensors.

Beta version 13.17 adds support for the new HRM 200 (curr. $149.99 at Amazon). The heart rate monitor, which launched in January, can now be paired to the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 wearables, allowing data syncing. The release notes also indicate that the accuracy of the Body Battery metric, which helps users monitor their energy levels, has been improved for users with multiple devices. Finally, Garmin states that these smartwatches now support the latest Connect IQ watch faces and app, which should include the new ComingUp to-do list app.

All beta testers of the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 smartwatches can now download version 13.17 by going to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update. Owners of the Venu 3 should note that, as usual, the ECG app is disabled during beta testing. It is unclear when a stable version of software 13.xx will be available for these smartwatches.