Frustrated Forerunner owners can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Garmin has swiftly deployed a critical software update specifically targeting the dreaded "ghost touch" issue plaguing users of its flagship Forerunner 570 and 970 multisport GPS smartwatches.
The problem, which surfaced shortly after the watches' launch, manifested as phantom screen interactions. Users reported watches registering non-existent touches – menus scrolling wildly mid-run, workouts paused or saved accidentally, settings changed by invisible fingers. For athletes relying on precise data and uninterrupted tracking, especially during intense training or races, this was more than a minor annoyance; it was a deal-breaker.
"Imagine trying to hit your target pace in the final mile of a marathon, and your watch suddenly decides to exit the workout and start playing music," shared one exasperated user on the Garmin forums, a sentiment echoed by many others experiencing the same disruptive behavior.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, Garmin's engineering team prioritized a fix. The result is software update version 6.18, now rolling out as a hotfix – a term reserved for urgent patches addressing critical bugs.
What the Hotfix (v6.18) Does:
- Targets Ghost Touches: The primary focus is resolving the underlying cause of the unintended screen registrations, restoring reliable touchscreen functionality.
- Improves Touch Stability: Aims to make the touchscreen respond only to deliberate user interactions, especially important when sweaty or in wet conditions.
- General Stability: Includes minor under-the-hood improvements for overall system performance.
User Confirmation and Relief
Early adopters who have manually installed the update are reporting significant improvements. Posts on the official Garmin forums are shifting from complaints to cautious optimism and confirmation that the ghost touches appear to be banished.
Forerunner 570 Update Details & Discussion: https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-570/416895/forerunner-570---software-version-6-18---100
Forerunner 970 Update Details & Discussion: https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-970/416894/forerunner-970---software-version-6-18---100
How to Get the Update
The update should arrive automatically on connected watches via Garmin Express (when synced with a computer) or wirelessly via the Garmin Connect app on your paired smartphone, provided you have a stable internet connection. Users experiencing the ghost touch issue are strongly encouraged to check for updates immediately.
A Swift Response
The relatively quick turnaround for this hotfix highlights Garmin's responsiveness to significant user experience issues, especially for devices targeting serious athletes. While launch bugs are not uncommon in complex wearables, the disruptive nature of the ghost touch problem demanded urgent attention. The deployment of version 6.18 aims to restore confidence in the Forerunner 570 and 970, allowing users to focus solely on their performance, not phantom screen presses.
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