Garmin releases update to Forerunner 170 smartwatch with new battery drain fix

A few weeks have passed since Garmin last released a new beta update to the Forerunner 170 (curr. $319 on Amazon). Specifically, the company began offering Public Beta Version 18.29 for the Forerunner 170 at the start of September. Since then, it has launched both System Software 18.29 and System Software 18.32 for Forerunner 170 owners running stable software.

Now, Garmin has transitioned beta development to Public Beta Version 19.15. In a forum post, Garmin clarifies that it is offering this new update on a 'pre-rollout basis'. As a result, one must request the update manually, provided their Forerunner 170 is already enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program. Please see Garmin's dedicated support page for more details about doing so.

According to the company's forum post, Public Beta Version 19.15 makes seventeen changes. At this stage, it is unclear whether these changes are from v18.29 or v18.32, though. Setting that aside, the new update is said to fix a battery drain issue that could occur when using Alipay. On top of that, the new update promises to overcome inconsistent Bluetooth headset volume synchronisation. The full changelog for Public Beta Version 19.15 is as follows:

• Adds instructions for entering pairing mode for HRM 200/600.
• Changes Auto Lap prompts to announce lap numbers during workouts.
• Changes Pulse Ox App to only block vibrations while taking a reading.
• Fixes activity pause menu navigation so Resume can be reached by list wrapping.
• Fixes alert volume unmuting itself after silent mode is turned on.
• Fixes an issue preventing removal of the Radar Camera Controls data screen.
• Fixes an issue that could cause Breathwork Live Activity instructions to appear blank.
• Fixes battery drain issue that could happen while using Alipay
• Fixes inconsistent Bluetooth headset volume control and volume synchronisation.
• Fixes list becoming stuck when entering Pinyin.
• Fixes missing Find My Device alerts on repeated searches.
• Fixes notifications appearing during high-intensity workout intervals by delaying delivery.
• Fixes the watch not immediately moving a stock up/down in its list when rearranging stocks.
• Improves accuracy of swim length and swim stroke type detection.
• Keeps showing weather data when hitting outages.
• Updates activity discard behaviour for activities longer than 30 seconds.
• Updates move alerts by adding manual snooze options and automatic suppression conditions.