Garmin treating select devices with useful new features

Garmin users are getting some treats this week as the company announced a batch of fresh software updates, which will be rolling out to select smartwatches and cycling computers. The update brings several practical additions that should make training more effective for athletes using compatible devices.

The company confirmed that devices like the Fenix 8, Venu X1, Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, and Enduro 3 smartwatches will receive these enhancements, along with the Edge 1050 cycling computer. However, as is typical with Garmin’s update strategy, older models won’t be getting the new goodies.

Among the standout additions is something called “Running tolerance,” which helps runners understand how each workout impacts their body while suggesting weekly mileage limits. This pairs nicely with the new Garmin Triathlon Coach training plans that automatically adjust daily workouts based on your performance metrics and recovery data.

For track enthusiasts, there’s now support for track-specific daily workout suggestions. All those tempo runs, threshold sessions, and VO2 max workouts now come formatted for the track with pace targets that actually make sense for oval running. It’s one of those changes that seems obvious once you see it.

Two features require the separately sold HRM 600 heart rate monitor: Running economy measurement and Step speed loss tracking. The first analyzes how efficiently you use energy across multiple runs, while the second shows how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground. Both could provide valuable insights for serious runners willing to invest in the additional hardware.

The Evening Report feature might be the most universally useful addition. Before bed, it reminds you how much sleep you need and previews tomorrow’s workout, weather, and calendar events. There’s also a Smart wake alarm that uses gentle vibrations to wake you at what it determines is the optimal time for better rest.

Cyclists using the Edge 1050 get their own set of improvements. Timing gates let you set checkpoints throughout trails to track split times in real-time. The Forksight mode now shows more detailed information about upcoming trail forks, including remaining distance and elevation profiles. New ride profiles for enduro and downhill cycling automatically track ascent, descent, and lap times while filtering out chairlift rides that would mess up your stats.

The updates also bring 5 Hz GPS recording for more detailed trail mapping during descents when using the specialized ride profiles.

These free software updates started rolling out to compatible devices this week. Users can enable automatic updates through Garmin Connect or manually update using Garmin Express.

The announcement comes at an interesting time for Garmin, given recent user frustrations over various technical issues. Earlier this year, users dealt with blue triangle bugs that froze devices during GPS activities and persistent watch face crashes that left many users annoyed with their premium devices.

What’s generating the most discussion among Garmin users isn’t necessarily the features themselves, but rather which devices are getting left out. Reddit users expressed frustration that recent models like the Forerunner 965 and Epix Gen 2 won’t receive these updates despite being expensive, relatively new devices. Some users who purchased their watches just months ago are discovering they’re already considered “legacy” devices in Garmin’s update cycle.

For users with supported devices, these updates represent genuine improvements to the training experience. The Evening Report and track workout features alone could prove valuable for many athletes.

The updates are free and should appear automatically for compatible devices connected to Garmin Connect over the coming days.