Garmin, a leader in fitness wearables, is releasing a significant software update for several of its popular smartwatch models. Owners of the Fenix 8, Forerunner, Instinct 3, Lily 2 Active, and Venu 3 will soon gain access to advanced health, security, and activity-tracking features—all at no additional cost.
Improved Sleep and Health Monitoring
A key addition is the Breathing Variations feature, which leverages Pulse Ox (pulse oximetry) data to provide deeper insights into sleep quality. Unlike basic sleep tracking, this update analyzes overnight oxygen fluctuations, offering a more detailed assessment of respiratory health.
Security also gets a boost with new passcode protection and wrist detection, ensuring data remains secure if a watch is lost or stolen.
Enhanced Tracking for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
For adventurers, Garmin introduces Rucking Activity and Pack Weight—a long-requested feature for hikers and backpackers. Users can now manually input carried weight, ensuring accurate calorie burn and VO2 max calculations. This prevents skewed fitness metrics after heavy-load excursions.
Additionally, the Garmin Trails upgrade allows hikers to filter routes by terrain type, dog-friendliness, and even proximity to scenic features like waterfalls. The improved interface simplifies trail discovery, making outdoor adventures more accessible.
Golfers Gain Premium Features on Venu 3
Golfers using the Venu 3 can now access Garmin’s premium golf tools, including CourseView maps, PlaysLike distance, and Green Contours. However, these features require a Garmin Golf Membership, priced at £8.99/month or £89.99/year.
How to Get the Update
The rollout has already begun. Users can install the update by syncing their watch via Garmin Connect or Garmin Express. No additional fees apply—just connect and enjoy the new capabilities.
With these upgrades, Garmin continues to solidify its reputation as a top choice for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
