Garmin has launched the first major beta software update for its recently released Venu 4 smartwatch line, marking the beginning of the v15.xx firmware cycle. The update, labeled Beta 15.08, introduces improvements to passcode management and addresses several persistent bugs, the company said in a forum post.
The Venu 4, which debuted less than a month ago and currently retails for about $549 on Amazon, had previously only received minor stability patches under the v14.xx builds. The latest stable release, Software Version 14.12, resolved early post-launch issues such as system crashes and notification inconsistencies.
The new Beta 15.08 update can be accessed through the smartwatch’s main menu by navigating to Settings > System > Software update for devices enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program. According to Garmin, users should note that the beta temporarily disables electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality, which will be re-enabled once the software nears its stable release.
A Garmin spokesperson said in the post that the new firmware “addresses key stability and performance issues reported by users” and aims to enhance the overall user experience before the next stable rollout.
Among the fixes, Beta 15.08 allows users to power down the device without re-entering a passcode, resolves an error that caused the watch to reboot when multiple notifications arrived simultaneously, and adjusts audio issues affecting voice notes and speaker playback. The update also refines the timing of the evening report and reduces an audible click at the start of voice recordings.
Garmin has not yet provided a timeline for when the v15.xx software will transition to a stable public release.
Source: Garmin