Garmin is rolling out free software updates that give some of its best running watches new skills, including improved VO2 reporting.
As detailed on Garmin's blog, the download is available for the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 245 Music, Forerunner 745, and Forerunner 945 models. Moreover, as long as the watch is connected to the Garmin Connect app, updates will be installed automatically.
The biggest new feature is the improved VO2 Max, which has been upgraded to handle tricky terrain. VO2 Max can now also be recorded during trail run activities as well as on the road. The Intensity Minutes feature has also been improved for ease of use, allowing runners to see when and how intensity minutes were earned.
In addition, there are several entirely new features. One of these is the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) option, which is available on all four watches. This allows you to measure the intensity of your workout and upload the results to Garmin Connect for easy tracking of your progress.
Meanwhile, Forerunner 245 and 245 Music will add a Daily Suggested Workouts feature. As the name implies, these watches will suggest running and cycling workouts based on insights from your data, including fitness level and recovery time.
Finally, the Forerunner 745 and 945 models will receive several additional updates. More advanced sleep tracking and scoring is one of them, which should help users better assess the quality of their sleep; Ultrarun activities will add a rest timer for aid stations, available for activities such as Pilates and cardio On-screen workouts will be added. In addition, these two models can now better assess "fitness age," which takes into account actual age, activity level, resting heart rate, and BMI.
These latest updates are available now and will likely make the best Garmin watches even better.
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