Garmin releases confusing new update for mid-range smartwatch before future stable rollout
Garmin has issued another beta update for the Vivoactive 6 following its launch earlier this year (curr. $299 on Amazon). To recap, the company issued Beta 12.59 to the smartwatch about two weeks ago. While the update's changelog spoke of five new features being added, many of these were introduced earlier in Garmin's current beta cycle.
Now, beta development has jumped multiple software revisions to Beta 12.63, which one must download manually on a Vivoactive 6. Provided that you have already enrolled your Vivoactive 6 in Garmin's Beta Program, then you should be able to trigger the Beta 12.63's manual installation by tapping 'Check for Updates' after navigating through the Main Menu, Settings, System and Software Update on the smartwatch itself.
As far as we can tell, the only major change between Beta 12.59 and Beta 12.63 are updated Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) translations, which have now reached v2.80. At this stage, it is unclear when Garmin will begin offering v12.xx updates for the Vivoactive 6 on its stable software channel. In the meantime, the following changes exist between Software Version 10.14 and Beta 12.63:
- Adds an evening report to summarise your day before your sleep time.
- Adds automatic rest timer for the Strength activity.
- Adds support for the Rucking activity.
- Adds the calculator app.
- Adds the Tips app.
- GCM Translations - 2.80
- Supports creating custom focus modes.
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