Garmin packs over 25 improvements in new update for mid-range smartwatches

Garmin has started a new round of development for its Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches (curr. $749 on Amazon). To recap, the company brought the pair on to Software Version 16.37 towards the end of March. This time, it has transitioned both smartwatches to Beta Version 17.16, albeit with a major caveat.

Specifically, the company is only offering Beta Version 17.16 on a pre-rollout basis. Thus, one must request the update manually by navigating through the Main Menu on the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 before selecting Settings, System, Software Update and Check for Updates. Please note that your smartwatch must be enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program beforehand.

Beta Version 17.16 introduces 28 changes for the Forerunner 570, of which 21 are bug fixes. Meanwhile, the Forerunner 970 has gained 5 additional improvements. Both smartwatches have received support for a silent mode that is accessible via a button shortcut or the control loop, though. Moreover, the update allows Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 owners to access the Battery Manager app using a voice command. The changelogs for Garmin's two mid-range smartwatches are as follows:

Forerunner 970 changelog

• Adds navigation option to last Man Overboard point.
• Adds QR codes to Outdoor Maps+ layers descriptions to learn more about the layers.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the screen to incorrectly respond to touch after taking an ECG reading.
• Fixes navigation ending when losing GPS signal or deviating from the course.
• Fixes Outdoor Maps+ downloads not resuming after being interrupted.

Forerunner 570 & Forerunner 970 changelog

• Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.
• Adds support for opening the battery manager app using a voice command.
• Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.
• Fixes a issue that could cause the device to reset when using WhatsApp on an iPhone.
• Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.
• Fixes an issue that could cause excessive battery drain after using the phone assistant or accepting a phone call on the watch.
• Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.
• Fixes an issue that could cause some activities to be missing as factors affecting the body battery.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to fail to mount as a mass storage device after connecting to an inReach device.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to receive auto lap alerts during a golf activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when deleting a workout.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.
• Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.
• Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.
• Fixes an issue where ending a call on the device could fail to end the call on the phone.
• Fixes an issue where special characters are missing from some keyboards.
• Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.
• Fixes an issue with sports scores being blank if a team with no upcoming games is added.
• Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
• Fixes being able to access voice command, music, and voice notes apps during an active call.
• Fixes double number entry when long pressing a button on the pinpad.
• Fixes nap alarm not stopping when exiting the page by palming.
• Fixes other minor bugs.
• Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.
• Increases the length of time that goal animations are displayed.
• Updates the outer ring on the fish forecast app to match the user's time format setting.
• Updates the phone shortcut to open the phone app rather than the phone settings menu.
• Updates translations.