Garmin delivers almost two dozen improvements to new smartwatches in major update release

Garmin has been updating plenty of devices lately, including the high-end Fenix 8 series. At the same time, the company has issued a lengthy update to the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 (curr. $299 on Amazon). For reference, the two smartwatches arrived simultaneously in mid-May for $249 and $299, respectively.

The first stable update for the pair, Software Version 9.17 contains almost two dozen changes for each smartwatch. As the changelog below shows, almost all of these are bug fixes. Nonetheless, Software Version 9.17 brings a few new features to the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170, including the option of activating silent mode by a button shortcut or a control loop.

On top of that, Garmin claims to have addressed multiple instances that could cause the Forerunner 70 or Forerunner 170 to reset unexpectedly. Battery estimates when switching between power modes for activities should be more accurate after updating to Software Version 9.17. The full changelog for each smartwatch is as follows:

Software Version 9.17

• Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.
• Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.
• Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.
• Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when adding apps via Garmin Connect Mobile.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when recording an activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when viewing the evening report.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.
• Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.
• Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.
• Fixes an issue that could result in not being able to accept an incoming call on the watch.
• Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.
• Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
• Fixes battery estimates when switching power modes for activities.
• Fixes other minor bugs.
• Fixes send off time not vibrating during swim workouts.
• Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.
• Fixes weather app not updating when you enter the app.
• Improves responsiveness when starting the timer.
• Prevents automatic track detection during trail run activities.
• Updates translations.

Forerunner 70 specific

• Fixes an issue where passcode can fail to authenticate.

Forerunner 170 specific

• Fixes a possible issue where the back and down key would not work for indoor climb and bouldering activities.