Garmin Forerunner 165 receives beta update 20.21

Forerunner Beta

Garmin is rolling out a new beta update, version 20.21, for its Forerunner 165 smartwatch. This update includes a range of new features, improvements, and bug fixes. The release notes highlight the addition of Garmin Share, a tool enabling quick transfer of information between Garmin devices, and a Device Settings Backup and Restore tool.

Various enhancements have been made to the pool swim activity, and several issues have been addressed, including truncated data on maps, calendar display problems, and language translation errors. As of now, it remains unclear whether there are any additional features or bug fixes in version 20.21 that distinguish it from the previous version 20.15. According to a forum post by a Garmin team member, only 20% of Forerunner 165 users have received the beta update so far.

For those looking to download the update manually, the path is Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. The release date for a stable version of the 20.xx software has yet to be announced. Garmin has announced a new stable update for its Descent G1 dive computer and smartwatch, introducing a range of new features and improvements.

The update’s changelog highlights several key additions:

– Morning Report: This new feature provides a daily summary of important information such as body battery status, calendar events, and weather updates. – Training Readiness: A new tool designed to help users adjust their workouts based on expected energy levels. – Heart Rate Improvements: The traditional Heart Rate Zone has been replaced with a linear Heart Rate display on post-dive summary pages and charts.

In addition to the new features, the update addresses several issues:

– Compatibility problems with CIQ Watch faces, the Battery Saver watch face, and the Sight ‘N Go hotkey. – Bugs related to the activity summary page, the bouldering rest timer, and the strength activity timer. According to a recent forum post by a Garmin team member, the update is rolling out in phases and has currently reached approximately 20% of users.

The timeline for the rollout to all units remains uncertain. For more detailed information, users can refer to the complete changelog on Garmin’s official website or forums. This update underscores Garmin’s commitment to enhancing user experience with continuous improvements and feature additions.

Garmin Share tool added

Garmin has released a new update for the Forerunner 965, bringing a host of new features and bug fixes. This update, Beta Version 20.21, addresses various issues from the previous Beta Version 20.15, which had received criticism from users.

Key improvements and fixes in Beta Version 20.21 include:

– Added Device Settings Backup and Restore. – Enhanced support for pool swim workouts with pace alerts and critical swim speed. – Improved pool swim rest screen and alert tones.

– Enhanced race time predictions based on fitness level and recent efforts. – Integration of the Garmin Run Coach feature into the Garmin Connect app. – Fixed lock screen vibration during sleep mode.

– Resolved map data field text truncation. – Corrected edge case weather data display errors. – Fixed calendar display issues.

– Improved pool size selection in Garmin Connect real-time settings. – Suppressed unnecessary alerts during breathwork activities. – Fixed various language translation errors.

– Addressed several bugs and made UI improvements. Despite these updates, some features like Garmin Share are missing, even though they were listed in the previous month’s changelog. Garmin has not acknowledged the existence of Beta Version 20.15 in its forum post for Version 20.21, suggesting that this version may serve as a corrective update rather than a direct successor.

The update aims to enhance the user experience by providing more reliable and comprehensive functionality, addressing the issues raised by users in the earlier beta version.