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| Public Beta Version 19.15 brings over two dozen improvements to the Forerunner 970. |
Garmin has begun rolling out a substantial software update for its popular Forerunner 970 smartwatch (curr. $749 on Amazon), bringing a total of 28 changes compared to recent v18.xx firmware. The Public Beta Version 19.15, currently available on a pre-rollout basis, introduces three new features alongside 18 bug fixes and several improvements.
What's New in Public Beta 19.15
Among the most notable additions, Garmin has included instructions for entering pairing mode for the HRM 200/600 heart rate monitors, adjusted the "Change Sport" function to display favourite activities first with a "More" option, and changed Auto Lap prompts to announce lap numbers during workouts.
The update also modifies the Pulse Ox app so that it only blocks vibrations while taking a reading, rather than suppressing all notifications entirely.
Critical Bug Fixes Address User Complaints
The beta update tackles several significant issues that Forerunner 970 users have reported. Most importantly, it resolves an excessive battery drain issue that could occur while using Alipay—a fix that will be welcome news for users in markets where the payment platform is popular.
Garmin has also addressed multiple reboot scenarios, including a fix for devices restarting when starting a GPS activity with Bluetooth headphones connected, a fix for watch reboots while answering phone calls, and a fix for occasional device resets upon shutdown. The company also resolved a reboot that could occur when processing Garmin Explore data.
Additional Improvements and Refinements
The update includes numerous quality-of-life improvements. Bluetooth headset volume control and synchronisation issues have been corrected, the activity pause menu navigation now allows users to reach Resume through list wrapping, and alert volume no longer unmutes itself after silent mode is activated.
Other fixes address issues preventing removal of the Radar Camera Controls data screen, blank Breathwork Live Activity instructions, spectator message actions not opening, and missing Find My Device alerts on repeated searches. The update also improves the accuracy of swim length and swim stroke type detection, enhances POI search result speed, and keeps showing weather data during outages.
For users who race against themselves using downloaded activities, the virtual partner screen will now display automatically. Additionally, move alerts have been updated with manual snooze options and automatic suppression conditions.
How to Access the Beta Update
As this is a pre-rollout release, users must manually request the update. According to Garmin's official forum post, those interested can navigate through the main menu to Settings, then System, followed by Software Update, before tapping "Check for Updates."
Prospective beta testers should note that enrollment must be completed through a web browser by signing into Garmin Connect—this cannot be done through the mobile app. Garmin's support page provides detailed instructions for joining the Beta Software Program.
It's worth noting that some features, including the ECG app, may not be available while running beta software on the Forerunner 970. Users who rely on these health features may want to wait for the final public release.
Availability
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is currently available for purchase, with the watch retailing for approximately $749. Those interested in the device can check current pricing and availability through various retailers.
The beta update represents Garmin's continued commitment to improving its premium running watch, addressing user feedback and refining the overall experience. With 18 bug fixes addressing everything from battery drain to Bluetooth connectivity, this update should significantly enhance stability and usability for Forerunner 970 owners.
For the complete changelog and to participate in discussions about the beta software, users can visit Garmin's official beta program forums.