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The latest feature update from Garmin brings several function and software updates for selected smartwatches such as the fēnix 7 Series, Instinct 2 Series or the vívomove series. Either the automatic search for updates is activated in the Garmin devices, in which case the device will report at some point in the near future and request confirmation of installation. It is quicker if you initiate the search for updates manually. Depending on the Wi-Fi bandwidth, the software package will be installed on the smartwatch in a few minutes.
The Garmin update offers these new functions:
Physio TrueUp 2.0
Probably the most important update for users of multiple Garmin devices, such as smartwatches and sat navs, is the new version of Physio TrueUp. From now on, more physiological data - e.g. training status, load, load focus and more - can be synchronised between multiple Garmin devices. In short: now the Garmin Edge bike sat nav also knows that I went jogging yesterday and don't want to or shouldn't be burning off hard intervals today. This creates a more complete picture of training efforts across the synchronised devices. A Garmin device can be selected as the primary training device - i.e. the master.
Sunrise and sunset widget 2.0
Star charts, the position of the sun... For some, these are completely uninteresting, but at least sunrise and sunset times are an important part of their route planning. One new feature of the feature update is a map display that shows the position of the sun in the sky and your own position, including direction of view. Not uninteresting to know whether you will be cycling in the blazing sun throughout the day, for example. There is also a new data window with the current times of sunrise and sunset, as well as a graphical representation of the position of the sun as a curve.
Sleep Score
Good sleep is immensely important for recovery after training. Why do I feel exhausted after 9 hours of slumber but not after 7.5 hours? The sleep score provides information on how the night was - with sleep phases, duration and the resulting score. With the current feature update, users of the vivomove Sport, vivomove Style and vivomove Luxe can also better assess their sleep.
Jet lag guide
Frequent travellers may be pleased to receive assistance from their smartwatch to help them cope with jet lag. Travellers can now enter their travel dates in the calendar of the Garmin Connect smartphone app. Depending on the destination, the widget provides personalised recommendations on sleep patterns, ambient light and activities to help manage the effects of jet lag.
Snow and water sports
For us mountain bikers perhaps only secondarily relevant - but there are supposed to be people who have several hobbies - is the new Ski touring and splitboard apps 2.0. Whereas previously you had to switch manually between ascent and descent, the smartwatch now recognises this automatically. The time taken to ascend and descend is also displayed as the transition time.
From now on, statistics for Water skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing can be recorded. Past journeys can now also be viewed again on the watch or in the app afterwards.
Innovation in the function Sailing expeditionWhen recording several days of sailing activity, the sensors and accessories are switched off to extend the battery life. The GPS position is still recorded once an hour.
Marc Strucken
Editor
