Garmin releases new update for multiple smartwatches with improved battery life estimates

Garmin has returned to its older Forerunner smartwatches with a new software update. To recap, the company issued Software Version 29.05 for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $489 on Amazon) at the end of August. A stable update, Software Version 29.05 focused on addressing outstanding Garmin Connect issues.

Now, Garmin has pivoted to its Beta Program with the release of Public Beta Version 29.52. Principally, the new beta update seeks to improve widget glance performance for all eligible smartwatches. Moreover, Garmin mentions across all associated forum posts that Public Beta Version 29.52 also resolves 'various' bugs.

In the same breath, Public Beta Version 29.52 is said to contain 'various' other improvements too for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. Unfortunately, Garmin has not elaborated further in either regard. Instead, it claims to have fixed the always-on-display estimates in the battery saver menu for the Forerunner 965.

Currently, Garmin reports that it is offering Public Beta Version 29.52 on a 'pre-rollout' basis. As a result, one may need to request the new update manually to transition from v29.05 firmware. By extension, it is unclear at this stage when Garmin will transition v29.52 to its stable software channel.