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| Garmin's latest update for the Forerunner 970 should improve the user experience when exercising. |
Garmin is keeping its pace steady with another public beta release for two of its most beloved multisport watches. Just weeks after pushing out Beta Version 17.16 with over 25 changes, the company has now started rolling out Beta Version 17.19 for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. And while the latest update brings “only” 11 fixes and features, it tackles some surprisingly annoying issues that real-world users have been grumbling about.
If you own either of these watches, you know Garmin doesn’t mess around when it comes to refining the user experience. The Forerunner series has long been a favorite among triathletes, marathoners, and trail runners, but no software is perfect. That’s where these public beta builds come in – they let eager testers try out improvements before a wider stable release.
Let’s break down everything that’s new in Beta Version 17.19, from life-saving timer responsiveness to a clever LiveTrack tweak that’s been years overdue.
First, a Quick Note on Pricing (Because We Know You’re Curious)
Before diving into the update, here’s a timely heads-up for anyone still on the fence: the Garmin Forerunner 970 is currently sitting at $749 on Amazon – that’s a pretty standard price for this feature-packed triathlon beast, but if you’ve been waiting for a slight dip or just want to grab it from a reliable retailer, check the current price on Amazon here. The Forerunner 570, being the more budget-friendly option, can often be found with seasonal discounts, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Now, back to the software.
What Exactly Is New in Beta Version 17.19?
Garmin’s official changelog (posted on their community forums) lists exactly 11 modifications. They range from “finally fixed that annoying bug” to “wait, that wasn’t a feature before?” Let’s go through the highlights.
1. Timer Responsiveness Gets a Welcome Boost
If you’ve ever stood at the start line of a track workout or a race, frantically jabbing the start button while your watch hesitated… this one’s for you. Garmin claims to have improved responsiveness when starting the timer. In beta testing, users report that the lag – which was sometimes a half-second or more on older firmware – feels nearly instantaneous now. For interval training, that’s a game-changer.
2. Fewer Random Reboots
One of the more frustrating hidden gremlins in previous firmware was the occasional spontaneous reboot. Garmin says it has fixed various issues that could cause the device to reset, especially when running older software. No specific triggers were named, but if you’ve ever watched your watch go black mid-run, this update should bring some relief.
3. LiveTrack Finally Works Per Activity (Not Per Device)
Here’s a feature tweak that will make a lot of people happy. Previously, enabling LiveTrack – Garmin’s real-time location sharing for safety – was an all-or-nothing device setting. You either had it on for every outdoor activity, or you turned it off completely. With Beta 17.19, LiveTrack can now be enabled automatically on a per-activity-type basis. That means you can set it only for weekday night runs or long weekend trail adventures, while leaving it off for a casual walk to the coffee shop. Small change, huge usability win.
4. Support for Approach CT1 Club Sensors
Garmin’s Approach CT1 club sensors (which attach to golf clubs to track swing data and shot distances) now work with the Forerunner 570 and 970. This is a bit unexpected – the Forerunner line isn’t primarily a golf watch – but many triathletes also play golf recreationally. Now you can leave your dedicated golf GPS at home and use your Forerunner to capture every drive and putt. It’s a nice cross-pollination of Garmin’s ecosystems.
5. Trail Runners Rejoice: No More Fake Track Detection
If you’ve ever run on a soft, grassy trail next to a running track, your watch might have mistakenly assumed you were doing laps on a 400m oval. That was annoying. Beta 17.19 prevents automatic track detection during trail run activities, so your trail run stays a trail run. Simple, but welcome.
6. Key Button Fix for Indoor Climbing & Bouldering
Climbers using the Forerunner for indoor sessions reported that sometimes the back and down keys would become unresponsive during bouldering activities. That issue should now be resolved. No more frantic tapping or forced restarts mid-session.
7. Navigation Arrow Returns
A bug that could cause the turn arrow to go missing when following a course has been squashed. For anyone who relies on their Forerunner for navigating a new route, that arrow is kind of essential.
8. Incoming Call Acceptance Fixed
Some users found that they could not accept an incoming call on the watch – a problem if you’re mid-run and your phone is buried in a vest. Garmin says this is now fixed. Bluetooth calling should work as expected again.
9. Swim Workout Vibrations
Swimmers: the send-off time vibration during swim workouts wasn’t happening for some users. That’s been corrected, so you’ll feel that subtle buzz telling you to push off the wall.
10. Mute Settings Per Call
Previously, muting a call on your watch would persist across future calls. Now the mute setting only persists for the current phone call. Hang up, and the next call comes in unmuted – which is far more intuitive.
11. Other Minor Bug Fixes
Garmin also threw in the usual “fixes other minor bugs” line, which is always comforting even when unspecified.
How to Get Beta Version 17.19 (And Should You?)
These public beta builds are available now for both the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970. To install, you’ll need to enroll your device in Garmin’s beta program via the official forums. Be aware that beta software can sometimes introduce new bugs (though Version 17.19 seems particularly stable based on early chatter).
- Forerunner 570 Beta Discussion & Download: Garmin Forums Link
- Forerunner 970 Beta Discussion & Download: Garmin Forums Link
If you’re not comfortable with beta software, don’t worry – these fixes will likely roll into a stable public update within a few weeks, assuming no major showstoppers appear.
Final Take: Small Update, Big Quality-of-Life Wins
While Beta 17.19 lacks the sheer volume of changes from Version 17.16, it’s arguably more focused. Responsiveness, stability, and per-activity LiveTrack are the kinds of improvements you feel every single day. And the Approach CT1 support is a neat bonus for golfers.
So if you’re a Forerunner 570 or 970 owner, go ahead and grab the beta – or just wait a little longer for the official release. Either way, Garmin is proving once again that it listens to its community. And for anyone still shopping, remember you can see the latest Forerunner 970 deal on Amazon before the price potentially moves.
Happy running (and swimming, biking, climbing, golfing… you get the idea).