Garmin has kicked off the current quarter’s updates for their popular Forerunner series (including the 955, 965, 255, 265, and 165 models) with an early beta release (version 20.15). While not a revolutionary update, it brings several noteworthy features and improvements for athletes of all disciplines.
Sharing Made Easy with Garmin Share
One of the most exciting additions is Garmin Share. This new functionality allows users to seamlessly share workouts, courses, and waypoints between compatible Garmin devices. This makes it easier than ever to collaborate with training partners or plan adventures on the go.
Effortless Device Management with Backup and Restore
Upgrading or replacing your Garmin device just got easier. The update introduces a Device Settings Backup and Restore function. This allows you to easily transfer your preferences from your old device to your new one, ensuring a smooth transition without having to manually reconfigure everything.
Enhanced Pool Swimming Experience
Swimmers will rejoice at the improvements made to pool swim workouts. Pace alerts and critical swim speed (CSS) support have been added, providing valuable data points to help you optimize your training. Additionally, the pool swim rest screen and alert tones have been refined for a more streamlined experience. Garmin Connect also benefits from improved pool size selection in real-time settings.
More Accurate Race Time Predictions for Runners
Runners can now expect more reliable race time predictions. The update incorporates your current fitness level and recent efforts into the prediction algorithm, leading to a more personalized and hopefully more accurate estimation of your upcoming race performance.
Seamless Training Plans with Integrated Garmin Run Coach
The integration of Garmin Run Coach into the Garmin Connect app makes personalized training plans more accessible than ever. This streamlined approach allows you to easily browse, select, and manage your training plans directly within the app.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
As with any update, version 20.15 addresses a variety of bugs and stability issues. These include:
- Fixed lock screen vibration during sleep mode
- Resolved map data field text truncation
- Corrected edge case weather data display errors
- Addressed calendar display issues
- Eliminated alert suppression during breathwork activity
Important Beta Considerations
It’s important to remember that this is an early beta version. While it offers exciting new features, there’s a chance you might encounter some instability or unforeseen issues. The rollout has just begun, so it may take a few days for the update to reach your device. As always, it’s highly recommended to back up your data before installing any beta software, especially an early version like this one.
Source: Garmin
