Garmin has begun rolling out a new software update for several of its mid-range smartwatches, including the Venu 3, Venu 3S and Vivoactive 5, as it continues to refine older models despite ongoing user complaints about battery performance.
The update, known as Beta 17.01, introduces several bug fixes and improvements over the previous v16.xx software series. According to Garmin, the new build adds refreshed Garmin Connect Mobile translations, now version 2.30, while resolving pairing issues with the Garmin Messenger app and a separate problem affecting the EasyCard icon.
See also: Garmin Reportedly Developing New Smartwatch Crown Using Hall Effect Sensor
The company has not released a stable public update since September, when it deployed version 16.05 to address heart-rate tracking bugs. That release was quickly followed by version 16.07, but the arrival of v17.01 marks the most significant revision in months. Garmin has not indicated when the new firmware will move from beta to stable status, though previous patterns suggest the official rollout could follow soon.
User reports on Garmin’s community forums continue to highlight battery drain issues following the v16.xx updates. Despite the ongoing complaints, the company appears to be prioritizing stability and translation improvements with the latest beta.
See also: Garmin Plans Updates to Premium Connect+ Service
Garmin said users enrolled in its Beta Program can access the new update by navigating to “Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update” and selecting “Check for Updates.” A company representative described the release as “part of our continued commitment to maintaining device performance and user experience.”
Source: Garmin