- Garmin has released an update for its smartwatches and cycling computers
- Garmin watches get 3D maps and better health metrics
- Cycling computers, meanwhile, received a wide range of new features
Garmin has just released a huge update for some of its best smartwatches, including the Vivoactive 6, Forerunner 570, and Venu X1, as well as several cycling computers like the Edge 540 and 1050. That makes it a wide-ranging upgrade that should affect a broad array of users.
What exactly does it cover? Well, Garmin says the new features “can help customers monitor their overall well-being and take their bike rides to the next level.” They cover both free and premium features, so there should be something for everyone.
For smartwatches, there is a new “health status” feature that gives you long-term insight into how your well-being is holding up. Garmin says this includes metrics such as “heart rate, HRV, respiration, skin temperature and Pulse Ox while sleeping.”
With health status, you can quickly see whether these stats are trending away from their usual range – if they are, that could hint that your body is more stressed than usual, which might be related to illness, physical activity, or something else. This information can be viewed on your Garmin smartwatch or in the Garmin Connect app.
The update also includes a fresh premium feature: 3D maps in Garmin Connect. Instead of relying on plain old 2D map views, you can now enjoy 3D topographic maps for activity routes, courses, and trails. That should give you a clearer view of your surroundings while browsing your logged activities, custom courses, and individual trails in Garmin Trails. Note that you’ll need a paid Garmin Connect+ plan for the 3D maps feature.
Cycling computer updates
There’s also a range of free features for users of Garmin’s cycling computers. That includes smart prompts that remind you to rehydrate and refuel during an ongoing power guide or workout. Each prompt is based on your current fitness and course difficulty, as well as heat and humidity levels.
Cycling computers now get a real-time weather overlay, too, plus gear ratio analysis and GroupRide data comparisons that evaluate your stats against those of other riders. And when you’re riding with a power meter, you’ll see recommended power targets based on stamina and wind power. These targets consider altitude acclimation when you’re cycling in the mountains, too.
All in all, these additions could help improve your experience with Garmin’s best smartwatches and cycling computers. And with most of them being free, you shouldn’t need to fork out to use the majority of them, either.
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alexblake.techradar@gmail.com (Alex Blake)
