Just a month after its global debut, Garmin is already delivering significant refinements to its latest kid-focused smartwatch. The company has begun rolling out a new stable software update, Version 4.28, for the Garmin Bounce 2, directly addressing several key areas with a focus on improving LTE calling reliability and overall system stability.
This proactive update, which replaces the watch's initial launch software (Version 4.19), underscores Garmin's commitment to supporting its devices post-launch and responding to early user feedback. For parents who have invested in the Bounce 2 for its safety and communication features, this update is a welcome and impactful enhancement.
What’s New in Garmin Bounce 2 Software Version 4.28?
The update is more than just a minor bug squasher; it packs nine distinct changes designed to make the smartwatch experience smoother for both children and their parents. The improvements can be broadly categorized into critical bug fixes, quality-of-life enhancements, and the headline-grabbing LTE calling upgrades.
Enhanced Reliability: Say Goodbye to Crashes
A significant portion of the update is dedicated to ironing out early software kinks that could cause the system to crash. Two fixes, in particular, stand out:
- Fixed Crash When Deleting a Swim Activity: A niche but frustrating bug that could cause the watch to freeze or reboot after a child deleted a recorded swim.
- Fixed Potential Crash on Lap Alert Page: This resolves an issue that occurred when certain data fields were selected, preventing an unexpected crash during activity tracking.
These fixes contribute to a more reliable and predictable user experience, ensuring the watch functions as intended during both play and exercise.
A Smarter, More Usable Watch
Beyond crash prevention, Garmin has introduced several thoughtful improvements:
- Dimmer Screen in Sleep Mode: To prevent disruptive bright lights during bedtime or quiet hours, the update reduces screen brightness when sleep mode is activated.
- Accessible Power Off in School Mode: A practical change for school settings, this allows the power-off page to be accessible even when the watch is locked down in school mode, providing greater control for parents and educators.
- Fixed Hands on Analog Watch Face & Weather Request Frequency: These tweaks fix a minor visual glitch and optimize how often the watch fetches weather data, potentially improving battery life.
The Big One: A Better LTE Calling Experience
For many, the most significant upgrades are those related to LTE connectivity. The Bounce 2's primary function is to keep kids connected safely, and this update directly improves that core feature. Garmin states that Software Version 4.28 introduces multiple enhancements:
- Fix a connectivity issue that could impact the ability to connect a call.
- Improve LTE bar responsiveness.
- Improve user experience if the In-Call page gets popped.
These technical improvements should translate to fewer dropped calls, a more reliable connection indicator, and a smoother interface when receiving or making calls. For parents, this means more peace of mind when trying to reach their child.
The official changelog was shared by Garmin in a forum post on their community site, which you can find for further discussion and details.
How to Download the Update and What’s Next for Garmin
To get this update, parents will need to use the Garmin Jr. app on their connected smartphone. The update process is handled entirely through the app, ensuring a seamless experience without requiring the child to manage the download.
This swift update for the Bounce 2 comes at a time of exciting development for Garmin. While the family-focused lineup gets a polish, the tech world is also abuzz with rumors and leaks about the company's next-generation flagship sports watches. For a glimpse into what might be coming for the high-end market, you can check out this exclusive report on the potential Fenix 8 and other high-end models.
The Garmin Bounce 2 is available now, and with this new update solidifying its performance, it remains a compelling choice for parents seeking a robust, communication-first smartwatch for their children.
Ready to experience the updated Garmin Bounce 2 for yourself? Check out the latest price and availability on Amazon.
Full Changelog for Garmin Bounce 2 Software Version 4.28:
- Decrease screen brightness during sleep mode.
- Fix a connectivity issue that could impact the ability to connect a call.
- Fix crash when deleting a swim activity.
- Fix hands on analog watch face.
- Fix potential crash on lap alert page when certain fields are selected.
- Fix weather request frequency.
- Improve LTE bar responsiveness.
- Improve user experience if the In-Call page gets popped.
- Make power off page accessible in school mode.
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