- Garmin has issued a free software update to its venu 3 and Vivoactive 5
- Both devices finally support passwords
- The update also includes HRM 200 -parrings and body battery -enhancements
A new software update for two of the best Garmin watches for daily use finally brings support for password security as well as other significant improvements.
Garmins 13.17 -Software for Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 has rolled out in the last few days. Now at 100% release, the system update brings four changes, including three significant free upgrades.
Together with support for Garmin’s latest Connect IQApps, watch and data fields, the new update adds support to Garmin HRM 200, one of the best heartbeat screens on the market.
There is also a body battery upgrade that brings improved accuracy for users who have multiple devices, bringing you a total body battery score from all your different garmins if you have a dedicated model for driving, diving, golf, etc.
Finally, but no doubt most importantly, Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 now support passwords for extra security.
Garmin finally adds passwords
As a prolonged user of the best Apple Watches, I was shocked to discover Garmins does not have a password feature. Garmin says the “new” feature, imaginatively called ‘password’, helps “protect sensitive data if your watch is ever lost or stolen”, making its previous absence the more confusing. Like the Apple Watch, the feature of automatic detection of the wrist is delivered, so if you take off your clock (or if it is forcibly removed), the password kicks in, requiring a PIN number to regain access.
Garmin also brings this feature to Fenix 8 and Fenix 8, Enduro 3 and Forerunner Range (165, 255, 265, 955 and 965), with the rollout.
Given that a password protects quite important information, including personal health data and text calls, I am surprised to hear that the feature is missing in Garmins for so long. But users who have been looking forward to it can now use it on both Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5. If there is no sign of the update on your device, check Software update Section of your system settings to manually download it.
