Garmin releases major update for latest smartwatches with new features and device crash fixes

The Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 have been around for a while now, having been released in mid-May simultaneously. Since then, Garmin has issued a few updates aimed at resolving bugs that shipped with launch software. However, neither Software Versions 6.17 or 6.18 added any new features or equivalent improvements.

Surprisingly, the pair's first beta update jumps through multiple version numbers to v12 software. In separate blog posts, Garmin outlines that both smartwatches are now eligible to download Beta Version 12.58, provided that they have been enrolled on the company's Beta Program beforehand. Please see Garmin's dedicated support page for enrolling either the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 in its Beta Program.

As for Beta Version 12.58 itself, Garmin claims to have added roughly a dozen new features across a 29-line changelog. Moreover, the new update introduces a host of bug fixes including one that could cause either the Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 (curr. $749 on Amazon) to reboot. Currently, Garmin claims to have issued notifications to download Beta Version 12.58 to all Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 beta testers. If that is not the case on your smartwatch, then you can manually trigger the update's download by navigating through the Main menu, Settings, System and Software Update before tapping Check For Updates. The full Beta Version 12.58 changelog is as follows:

• Adds a bedtime recommendation to evening report.
• Adds a stocks widget.
• Adds new recap messages to the evening report.
• Adds spectator messaging.
• Adds the calculator app.
• Adds track run daily suggested workouts.
• Enables additional motorsports activities.
• Fixes an issue that caused a display glitch on some watch faces when the seconds ring reached zero.
• Fixes an issue that could cause breathing variations to fail to show for some nights.
• Fixes an issue that could cause display artifacts when swiping down to dismiss a full-screen notification.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to stay muted when adjusting the volume during a call or when using the phone assistant.
• Fixes an issue that could cause timing gates to fail to load for unpinned activities.
• Fixes an issue where the phone assistant could fail to respond after receiving a notification.
• Fixes an issue with AutoShot failing to detect shots during a golf activity.
• Fixes an issue with CIQ data fields sometimes failing to save.
• Fixes various issues that could cause the device to reboot.
• Fixes various minor issues related to evening report.
• Fixes various other minor issues.
• Improves breathing variations graph to display data more clearly.
• Improves some instances where the UI could appear to be sluggish.
• Supports a gentle, early alarm, up to 30 minutes, based on your sleep quality.
• Supports an automatic rest timer in strength activities.
• Supports creating custom focus modes.
• Supports power guide for cycling activities.
• Supports starting a race from the morning report.
• Supports the voice notes app.
• Supports viewing timing gate auto laps aggregated by 5 km on Garmin Connect.
• Updates personal records to use elapsed time.
• Updates translations.