Garmin has recently introduced a series of beta builds for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265. These releases come approximately two months after the deployment of Beta Version 16.17, marking a commitment to continuous refinement and enhancement in the world of wearable technology.
While Garmin has been diligently sharing beta builds for various smartwatches, the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 have seen substantial improvements with over ten enhancements from their previous version, v16.17. For those curious about the specifics, here’s a breakdown of the significant updates introduced to both of these remarkable smartwatches:
Embedded Images in Smart Notifications: Garmin has empowered the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 with the ability to display embedded images in smart notifications, enriching the user experience.
Naps and Personalized Sleep Insights: The latest beta build brings the delightful addition of naps and personalized sleep insights, ensuring users stay well-rested and informed about their sleep patterns.
Enhanced Functionality for Body Battery: Users can now expect an enriched body battery experience, with new functionalities designed to offer even greater insights into their energy levels and well-being.
Red Shift: The inclusion of ‘red shift’ broadens the scope of features, possibly hinting at a dynamic range of color settings or visual enhancements.
Inline Skating: Fitness enthusiasts engaged in inline skating can now enjoy dedicated tracking features tailored to their specific activity.
Large Font Mode: A convenient ‘large font mode’ option ensures that readability and user comfort remain paramount, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
Up Ahead Voice Prompts: The addition of ‘up ahead voice prompts’ enhances navigation and provides timely guidance to users, making their journeys even more seamless.
Fixes and Enhancements: Garmin has diligently addressed course point limitations, Spotify-related music issues (for Music version users), and introduced various user interface (UI) improvements and fixes, ensuring a smoother overall experience.
Sensor Hub Firmware Update: An essential sensor hub firmware update has been incorporated to ensure the reliability and accuracy of sensor data.
Moreover, the Forerunner 265 has received two additional bug fixes to further enhance its performance. One of these fixes addresses an issue that could cause workouts to be missing from some activity profiles, while the other targets a bug that could reset the device when scrolling through the calendar glance.
According to information shared on Garmin’s forum, Beta Version 17.18 is designated as a Release Candidate build for both the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265. This implies that the update is on the cusp of becoming a stable release, soon to be available for users not enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program. As always, this transition to a stable release will be subject to public beta testing and any critical issues that may arise.
