Garmin smartwatches get new beta update after battery issue reported

A new beta update has arrived for users of the Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3s and vivoactive 5 smartwatches. The version 17.02 update arrives a few weeks after the company rolled out stable software version 17.01.

The change log for beta version 17.02 is identical to that of version 17.01. It lists a resolution for a pairing-related problem for the Garmin Messenger app, and it also indicates that a bug linked to the EasyCard icon has been fixed. Based on these release notes, it is unclear how this beta release varies from its stable predecessor.

However, it could be that it tackles several problems flagged by users in the Garmin forum. There appears to be a battery drain issue, with one user suggesting that their smartwatch’s battery is now draining 50% faster. This is an ongoing problem, also reported with software version 16.07. Aside from this, it has been suggested that some users have also been missing sleep, respiration and body battery data after the 17.01 update. Other issues are said to include the ECG app and various buttons not working as expected. Garmin has not officially confirmed if beta version 17.02 addresses any of these bugs.

Beta version 17.02 is now available to download for users of the Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3s and vivoactive 5 smartwatches (Slate Gray curr. $199 at Amazon). To install this update, go to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update on your wearable.