Garmin Beta brings swimming & meditation features to Forerunner range
Garmin has released a new public beta firmware (version 21.14) for the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965. The update brings a few new swimming features, along with some other bits and pieces.
You need to be a member of Garmin’s Beta programme to be able to install this as it is still in Beta. Plus you need to initiate installation from the settings page on your watch. But you probably know that by now.
What’s new?
So what has changed?
For starters, swim workout functionality has been improved and it now includes pace alerts and critical swim speed support. The update also refines the pool swim rest screen and its associated alert tones, making for a more streamlined swimming experience.
Another addition is the new Meditation activity, reflecting the growing emphasis on mental wellness. Complementing this is the introduction of a Moon Phase glance, adding to the watches’ environmental awareness features.
Training metrics receive some love with automated applications of both Lactate Threshold and Functional Threshold Power estimates after relevant training sessions. Unfortunately, no improvements to race predictions – which in our mind are inaccurate much of the time.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Beyond that, the update addresses several bug fixes that users have reported. A noteworthy resolution targets the occasional heart rate spikes that occurred after saving activities. Android users will find relief in the fix for smart notification images that previously failed to load. The update also resolves an issue where silent mode timers were inadvertently producing sounds.
Navigation sees improvements, particularly in the consistency of turn icons across different sport profiles. While not officially documented in the change-log, users have reported additional changes to map controls and settings.
Change-log (Public Beta Version 21.14)
The change-log is identical for the Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955 & 965.
- Improvements to support pool swim workout with pace alerts and critical swim speed.
- Improvements to the pool swim rest screen and alert tones.
- Adds the Meditation activity.
- Adds the Moon Phase glance.
- Lactate Threshold estimates are applied automatically after training with heart rate.
- Function Threshold Power estimates are applied automatically after training with power.
- Fixed an issue where some types of daily suggested workouts do not show estimated training effect.
- Fixed an issue where when the timer is set to silent mode, it still makes a sound.
- Fixed an issue where Android smart notification images sometimes fail to load.
- Fixed an issue where heart rate randomly spikes after activity is saved.
- Fixed an issue where Navigation using map only adds turn icon for some sports profiles.
- Updated Mobile Translations.
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