Garmin releases unexpected new beta update for mid-range smartwatches

Garmin has issued another beta update, version 15.30, for the Venu 4 smartwatch. It was thought that the stable version 15.16 update would be the final release in this 15.xx cycle. As a reminder, the previous software brought bug fixes linked to the watch’s speaker, the Evening Report and smart notifications.

The release notes for the new beta version 15.30 update simply state that there are “various bug fixes and improvements”. Given the lack of detail provided in the forum post, it is unclear precisely what issues have been resolved. Recently, several users have reported the Venu 4 crashing or freezing in the Bug Reports section of the forum. These are thought to be linked to the device passcode and the Spotify app.

Another Garmin Venu 4 smartwatch user noted that they are experiencing interruptions to the audio when listening to content on Bluetooth headphones while working out. However, this is reported to only be an issue for a few minutes, somehow resolving itself after this point. Each of these problems has been marked as “Under review” by the Garmin team.

If you wish to install the beta version 15.30 update for the Garmin Venu 4 smartwatch, go to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. It is also worth noting that the 45 mm Silver with Citron Silicone band version of this wearable is currently reduced to $499.99 at Amazon US (RRP $549.99), its lowest price to date.