If you own one of the best Garmin watches, a free software update is heading your way that brings all of the brand’s latest running and triathlon features to models like the Fenix 8 and Venu X1.
The update is rolling out to all users and includes the new features that launched with the Garmin Forerunner 970, including multisport workouts, running tolerance, and running economy measurements.
I’ve tested these features on the Garmin Forerunner 970 as well as on the Fenix 8 and Venu X1 via Garmin’s Public Beta program, and they are well worth adding to your watch as soon as possible.
Which watches are getting the update?
The update includes new features for a wide range of Garmin products, including bike computers and watches.
Here are the devices receiving new features — note that not all of them are receiving all the features released in the update.
- Garmin Fenix 8/E
- Garmin Enduro 3
- Garmin Tactix 8
- Garmin Quatix 8
- Garmin Forerunner 570
- Garmin Forerunner 970
- Garmin Vivoactive 6
- Garmin Edge 1050
There aren’t a lot of new features coming to the Garmin Forerunner 570, Garmin Forerunner 970 or Garmin Vivoactive 6. It’s the Garmin Enduro 3, Fenix 8, and Venu X1 users who benefit most from the update.
What are the best new features?
As a keen runner, my favorite feature arriving with the update is the running tolerance stat that was introduced with the Garmin Forerunner 970.
This looks at your training load and gives a weekly mileage total that takes into account how hard the runs were, not just the distance. So a hard 10km effort will count for 15km, while an easy 10km is just 10km.
This makes it easier to understand how hard you’re working each week, and the feature also suggests how much of this adjusted mileage you can tolerate, so you don’t overdo it.
Other great new features include running economy and step speed loss measurements, which can give some useful insight into your running gait. However, you also need a Garmin HRM600 chest strap paired to the watch to get these stats.
Triathletes get access to Garmin Coach training plans for multisport events, plus multisport daily suggested workouts, and all of the watches included in the update will get Garmin’s Evening Report feature, which rounds up your daily activity and suggests a sleep goal.
How to get the update
Garmin rolls out its software updates automatically, so at some point, you should get a prompt on your device asking if you want to install it. According to Garmin Forums, the update has been rolled out to 50% of devices so far.
If you want to speed up the process, you can go to watch settings/system/software update and click check for updates, and the new software should be found for you to install.
While it’s great to see Garmin watches continue to improve after launch, those who own an older Garmin device look to be out of luck with regards to the new features. This is a shame, especially for owners of past flagship watches like the Garmin Epix Pro and Garmin Fenix 7 Pro.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
More from Tom's Guide
- I test Garmin watches for a living and this accessory improves every single one
- The best Garmin watches to have on your wrist
- Garmin Fenix 8 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 marathon test
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
