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| The beta version 15.33 update is now available for the Garmin Forerunner 570 (pictured) and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. |
Hold onto your smartwatches, Garmin enthusiasts. If you're part of the company's beta testing circle, your Forerunner 570 or high-end Forerunner 970 is in line for another new software taste. Just days after the previous beta release, Garmin has rolled out beta version 15.33, continuing a swift patch cycle aimed at polishing the experience for these popular running watches.
What's New in Beta 15.33? The Mystery Update.
If you were hoping for a long list of flashy new features, you might be disappointed—at least on paper. The official change log for this update is famously brief, mirroring its immediate predecessor. Garmin states the release brings “various bug fixes and improvements.” The company has not elaborated further, leaving the community to speculate and discover the specific tweaks under the hood.
This sparse communication is standard for minor beta revisions, but it often follows user-reported issues from previous builds. The focus appears to be on stability, suggesting Garmin is honing in on final refinements for a future public release.
Connecting the Dots: A Potential Fix for a Glitching Backlight?
While not officially confirmed, a clue to one potentially resolved issue comes directly from the Garmin Forum community. Following the last beta (version 15.30), a user of the Forerunner 970 reported that the device's backlight was still behaving erratically.
The user's post in the community discussion section highlighted the ongoing problem, which seemingly persisted through an update. It's plausible that the newly released 15.33 beta directly addresses this nagging glitch. Beta testers who experienced the backlight issue will want to install this update and see if their screens are now behaving correctly.
You can review that specific discussion and the official announcement threads for both watches on the Garmin forums:
- Official Announcement for Forerunner 570 Beta 15.33
- Official Announcement for Forerunner 970 Beta 15.33
- User Report on Erratic Backlight in Beta 15.30
How to Get the Beta 15.33 Update on Your Garmin Watch
Ready to test the latest software? If you're already enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program, the process is straightforward. On your Forerunner 570 or Forerunner 970 (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon), simply navigate through the following path:
Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
Your watch should then connect to Garmin Express via your paired smartphone and fetch the new beta software. As always with beta releases, it's wise to ensure your watch is adequately charged and that you consider the potential for unforeseen bugs before installing.
The Bottom Line for Runners
This quick-fire update from Garmin signals an active development phase for the Forerunner 570 and 970 platforms. The rapid succession of beta versions indicates the company is actively responding to feedback and squashing bugs. For serious runners relying on these watches for precise metrics, these incremental improvements are crucial for a seamless training experience.
If you're not in the beta program but are curious about the Forerunner 970, you can check out its current pricing and details at Amazon. For beta testers, your mission is clear: download, test, and report back to help shape the stable release for everyone.
Are you a beta tester? Have you noticed any specific fixes or new issues with version 15.33? Share your findings in the comments below.