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| The Vivoactive 6 is one of two Garmin smartwatches eligible to receive Beta 15.31 globally. |
If you’re a proud owner of a Garmin Venu X1 or a Vivoactive 6—currently a steal at $249 on Amazon—there’s some fresh, albeit quiet, activity on the software front. The fitness tech giant has begun pushing a new beta update to these popular smartwatches, continuing its cycle of refinements following a significant stable release just last month.
Last update, users received Software Version 15.16, a substantial package that replaced the older v14.12 on both the Venu X1, Vivoactive 6, and the newer Venu 4. That update was the result of extensive beta testing and brought a host of bug fixes and general improvements. Now, Garmin is back in testing mode with Beta 15.31.
A Manual Update for the Enthusiasts
This new build isn’t arriving over-the-air automatically. Interested users must manually trigger the download. The process is straightforward but requires you to be enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program. Here’s how to get it:
- Navigate to the Main Menu on your watch.
- Go to Settings, then System, and select Software Update.
- Finally, tap ‘Check for Updates’ to begin the installation of Beta 15.31.
It’s a clear move aimed at engaged users who don’t mind running pre-release software to help Garmin polish the final product. For official announcements and to follow community discussion, you can find the details on Garmin’s forums: Venu X1 Beta 15.31 Forum Post and Vivoactive 6 Beta 15.31 Forum Post.
What’s in the Update? Garmin Plays It Coy
The burning question for most is: what does Beta 15.31 actually fix or improve? For now, Garmin is being characteristically vague. The official channel notes only that this beta contains “various” bug fixes and unspecified improvements.
This leaves the community reading between the lines. The update likely addresses minor, lingering issues from Version 15.16 or introduces under-the-hood optimizations for battery life, sensor accuracy, or UI smoothness. Without detailed release notes, it’s a waiting game to see what users discover and report back on the forums.
What’s Next for Your Watch?
As with any beta, it’s important to remember that this software may not be as stable as a public release. Garmin has not yet indicated a timeline for when the changes in Beta 15.31 will be rolled into a new, stable update for all users. This beta phase allows them to gather real-world data and ensure everything is running perfectly before a wider deployment.
For Venu X1 and Vivoactive 6 owners, it’s reassuring to see Garmin’s commitment to post-launch support, continuously refining the user experience. If you’re considering joining the Garmin ecosystem, the Vivoactive 6 remains a fantastic, feature-rich option at its current price point.
Disclaimer: Beta software may contain instabilities. Installing it is at your own risk. Always ensure your watch is backed up and you understand the potential for minor hiccups.
You can check the latest price for the Garmin Vivoactive 6 on Amazon here.