- Garmin has launched its first quarter public beta
- Includes software updates for Forerunner, Venu and other popular Garmins.
- Strength workouts are now included in existing training plans and there is also a Body Battery update
Garmin just released its Q1 public software beta for the best Garmin watches on the market, giving enrolled users a host of new software updates to start the year.
The Garmin public beta program offers enrolled users automatic software updates containing features not yet available to the public, for testing and feedback purposes.
The Q1 release is no different and is an interesting look at the free software updates other Garmin users can expect later this year. While not all updates are available for all models, there is at least one update for every major device, including the premium Fenix and Epix models, the Forerunner range, and everyday models like the Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Lily 2.
The headline for the first quarter is an update to strength training, which is now included in existing running and cycling programs, rather than just standalone plans. It means runners and cyclists training for a specific goal can incorporate strength and conditioning into their training, with options for full gym access or bodyweight-only workouts. Here’s the full breakdown.
Garmin Q1 Beta Update
There are five major updates in the Garmin Q1 beta cycle. As mentioned, the strength workouts built into Garmin Coach running and cycling plans are the biggest improvement to Coach. They will be available on the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Enduro 3, Forerunners 255/265/955/965 and Edge 540/840/1040/1050/Explore 2 ranges of cycle computers.
The Q1 beta also adds training run score improvements to the Garmin Fenix 8, Enduro 3, Fenix 7, Pro, Epix, Enduro 3, Tactix 7, and Quatix 7.
Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 users also benefit from a new updated keyboard that promises simpler and more efficient typing, including alphabet layout and QWERTY symbols, autocorrect, predictive shots and switching between different keyboard layouts.
Finally, Garmin Body Battery now supports TrueUp, meaning your Garmin Body Battery score will be based on data collected from multiple activity trackers. Metrics taken into account now include calories, floors, intensity minutes, steps, and distance traveled.
This is great news for dedicated Garmin owners with more than one watch, perhaps a dedicated running watch and an off-road watch. This feature is available on all Garmin smartwatches available to sign up for the beta: all of the aforementioned models, plus the Venu 3, Garmin Vivoactive 5, and Garmin Forerunner 165. You can see the breakdown below.
You can sign up for Garmin’s public beta on the company’s website; Enrolled devices should get the Q1 public beta automatically as a software update.
