New Garmin smartwatch update improves indoor run accuracy

Garmin has announced the release of a new firmware update. Specifically, the Instinct 3 (on Amazon) is being updated to firmware version 14.17. This is a stable release and should therefore be available to all users, regardless of beta program participation. However, if the update has not yet reached your device, there is no cause for concern: the rollout is being carried out in stages, meaning it will be distributed to additional users over time. Currently, it is available to around 20 percent of eligible devices.

The changelog is very brief and includes only a single entry. Compared to version 14.15, the new firmware is intended to fix issues related to treadmill calibration. According to Garmin, a bug—now resolved—previously prevented the calibration from improving the match between the distance estimated by the watch and the actual distance covered.

The feature itself is worth a closer look. Treadmills can measure distance very accurately due to their design, while a smartwatch, in the absence of GPS data, must rely on estimates based largely on step detection and motion data. Calibration should therefore help bring the watch’s distance estimates closer to real-world values. This is particularly useful for older treadmills or gym equipment, as modern machines often support direct synchronization with platforms such as Google Fit.