Garmin releases first update to new wearable with multiple heart rate monitoring improvements

Just over a month has passed since Garmin released the CIRQA smart band globally (curr. $199 on Amazon). Nonetheless, a CIRQA-branded smart ring has already surfaced in early leaks. In the meantime, Garmin has published its first software update for its inaugral CIRQA-branded device.

Specifically, the company is upgrading Software Version 2.32 to Software Version 2.50. While this release is not subject to any regional restrictions, only 20% of CIRQA Smart Band owners will have received a notification to download Software Version 2.50 via Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile.

Typically, Garmin takes a week or so to fully roll out a new software update. Hence, it could take a few more days for Software Version 2.50 to reach all CIRQA Smart Band devices. In a forum post, the company claims that v2.50 brings undisclosed optical heart rate (OHR) improvements. However, the5krunner speculates that v2.50 aims to improve heart rate accuracy, which can be off by as much as 9-10 BPM in its tests.

It remains to be seen whether the new update addresses the OHR sensor failing to take any readings after charging. For the time being, Garmin has not added the CIRQA Smart Band to its Beta Program. Hence, all updates will ship through the company's stable software distribution channel. Please see our launch article for more details about Garmin's first Whoop rival.