Suunto Run gets its first update with new training & privacy tools

Suunto has released its first firmware update for the new Suunto Run. Version 3.19.16 is now rolling out and brings a mix of training, usability and privacy upgrades.

A better training experience

A noteworthy addition is a pop-up feature that shows large numbers and labels during workouts. It’s triggered when a data field changes, which makes it easier to glance at key stats like heart rate or pace mid-session.

For cyclists, Suunto has added support for power sensors. Power data is central to serious bike training, so it’s good to see this support added early in the Suunto Run’s software cycle.

Another addition is the ability to turn off the screen by placing your hand over it. This should help save battery in long races or during night-time sessions where even a dim backlight might be distracting.

Suunto Run is also getting a device password option. This secures the watch against unwanted access, which is especially useful if you tend to leave your watch syncing or charging in public gyms or shared spaces.

Also new is a post-treadmill calibration option. Once the workout is done, you can manually adjust the total distance, helping fine-tune pace calculations and totals logged into the Suunto app.

Smarter use of heart rate belts

Suunto has added R-R interval data recording for users wearing a heart rate belt. That’s the kind of data typically used for heart rate variability analysis, and in this case it supports ZoneSense in the Suunto app. The company hasn’t gone into detail about how this works yet, but it likely offers more granularity around training zones, readiness or recovery.

Another welcome tool is the ability to compete against your past efforts. The watch can now load a previously recorded activity and turn it into a target for your next session.

Stability polish across the board

Performance-wise, this is a typical first firmware pass, with the usual set of smoothing, streamlining and UI fixes. Suunto says the operating system now runs faster and feels smoother, and vibration alerts during activity are more responsive.

Screen brightness has been tweaked in certain conditions, though Suunto hasn’t said exactly where. Plus, data fields have also been resized to avoid overlaps during exercise. This likely ties into the new pop-up system, keeping everything clean and readable.

Here is the full change-log:

NEW FEATURES:

• New pop-up feature with data indicator name and large numbers during exercise
• New support for cycling power sensors
• New feature to turn off the screen with your hand
• New device password feature to ensure device privacy and security
• New distance calibration after treadmill exercise
• R-R data recording with HR belt – ZoneSense analysis in the Suunto app
• Compete against your own activities

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Smoother and faster operating system
• Updated recovery rate algorithm to automatically update in the app based on the watch
• Improved vibration during an activity
• Optimized activity data field size to avoid overlaps
• Improved screen brightness in some scenarios
• Improved overall system stability

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