Garmin has released new beta software for its Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches, addressing several bugs and refining key features. The latest updates, version 15.13 for the Forerunner 570 and 15.12 for the Forerunner 970, include identical change logs and succeed the 15.09 beta released in mid-October.
The update focuses on improving reliability and user experience across various functions. Garmin said it has resolved issues with activity voice alerts that previously played at incorrect frequencies, as well as a problem where the incident detection alarm was triggered through headphones instead of the device’s built-in speaker. The update also fixes a running-related bug that caused watches to incorrectly lock onto nearby tracks.
For the Forerunner 970, the beta introduces an additional fix for the flashlight strobe effect, which had not been functioning correctly during activities. The company has also removed an older shortcut for sleep mode, replacing it with a new “Sleep Focus Mode.” Garmin stated that translation updates have also been included, though details were not disclosed.
“This beta release continues our efforts to enhance performance and reliability across the Forerunner lineup,” Garmin said in a forum post announcing the rollout. “We appreciate user feedback through the beta program as we refine future software versions.”
The update, now available to members of Garmin’s beta testing program, can be downloaded through the company’s Connect IQ platform. Garmin has not yet provided a release date for the stable version of the 15.xx firmware, which will eventually be rolled out to all Forerunner 570 and 970 users.
Source: Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970