Garmin releases major update to multiple smartwatches with over a dozen new features and improvements

Less than a week has passed since Garmin released Beta 18.29 and Beta Version 18.29 to several of its current mid-range smartwatches. As we discussed at the time, the update was one of multiple v18.xx beta builds that the company had distributed to the Forerunner 70, Forerunner 170, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, Venu X1 and Vivoactive 6 in recent weeks (curr. $299 on Amazon).

Now, it has finalised beta development for three of these smartwatches. For the time being, Garmin has introduced its first stable 18.xx update to the Venu 4, Venu X1 and the Vivoactive 6. Erroneously, the company distributes the update to the Venu 4 as Software Version 18.30, despite referring to it as Software Version 18.29 in its associated forum post and for other models.

Setting revision numbers aside, Garmin's stable v18.xx update introduces over a dozen changes to the Venu 4, Venu X1 and the Vivoactive 6 from Software Version 17.39. For instance, the trio have received the XC Ski Indoor activity and a suggested quick running workout. Moreover, Garmin has included over half a dozen bug fixes. The changelogs between Software Version 17.39 and Software Version 18.29 or Software Version 18.30 are as follows:

All smartwatches

• Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
• Adds the XC Ski Indoor 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 result in pace/speed dropouts, especially during interval training.
• Fixes an issue where the training days shown on the watch might not match the days shown in the Garmin Coach plan.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
• Fixes an issue with selecting rest days for daily suggested or Garmin Coach plan workouts.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
• Reduces false unlocks when using the touch lock feature.
• Updates translations.

Venu 4 & Venu X1

• Adds context to volume control.
• Enables the voice command feature with the "OK Garmin" wake word.
• Fixes an issue that could cause music volume to increase after an alarm sounds.
• Fixes volume level not returning to correct setting after water ejection.
• Improves the flashlight shortcut to cycle through the on, off, and strobe modes during an activity.

Venu 4 specific

• When a fall is detected, the device sends a message and location to assistance contacts.