Garmin release major update to several smartwatches with dozens of new features and improvements

Earlier this week, Garmin released Beta Version 18.12 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. As we discussed separately, the new beta update added several new features, including the option of summoning voice controls with the wake work 'Ok, Garmin'.

Now, Garmin has introduced many of these changes to the Venu 4, Venu X1 and the Vivoactive 6 (curr. $299 on Amazon). Also distributed on the company's Beta Program, the update is likely the first of a few v18.xx builds that will be available to beta testers. For instance, Garmin offered four v17.xx beta builds before transitioning stable development to its stable software branch.

Setting that aside, Beta 18.12 introduces almost two dozen changes to the Venu 4, Venu X1 and the Vivoactive 6. Additionally, Garmin has included two specific fixes for the Venu X1 and Venu 4, with another two for just the Venu X1. While many of these changes are bug fixes, Garmin claims to have brought around half a dozen new features to each smartwatch too, including the option of enabling its 'Ok, Garmin' wake word. The full list of changes associated with Beta 18.12 is as follows:

Venu 4, Venu X1 & Vivoactive 6

• Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
• Adds the XC Ski Indoor activity.
• Adds volume context to volume control.
• Allows a tap or swipe to dismiss the workout step preview and workout step complete banners.
• Allows the user to disable the sleep suggestion in the evening report.
• Attempts to download stored heart rate data following a swim only if a heart rate monitor was connected.
• Enables the voice command feature with the "OK, Garmin" wake word.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset during a golf activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset during a strength activity-free workout.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when installing audio prompt software and host software simultaneously.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when powering down.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when using the Saved app.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to edit structured repeat intervals when starting from the morning report.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
• Fixes an issue with treadmill calibration failing to result in more accurate treadmill distance.
• Fixes border lines appearing jagged on certain watch face designs.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Fixes remaining distance not showing on the map page when navigating to a saved location.
• Fixes the Do Not Disturb icon being cropped on certain watch face designs.
• Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
• Fixes tone and vibration settings not always being honored in Do Not Disturb mode.
• Increases the maximum size of course point names.
• Updates weather location more often.

Venu X1 & Venu 4 only

• Fixes map scale being cut off in map split screen.
• Fixes volume level not returning to correct setting after water ejection.

Venu X1 only

• Allows toggling between North Up and Track Up via touch.
• Fixes an issue with scrolling through the hazard list for a golf course.