Garmin has started a phased rollout of a free feature update for compatible wearables, adding hands-free “OK, Garmin” voice control across selected premium watches. The package also introduces Fall Detection for the Venu 4, enabling the watch to share a user’s real-time location with designated assistance contacts when a fall is detected, subject to Garmin’s safety-feature requirements and a paired phone connection.
The new voice feature can be used to start a timer, begin an activity and perform other actions without touching the watch. A separate Phone Assistant command opens the virtual assistant on the connected smartphone. Garmin lists the Venu X1, Venu 4, D2 Air X15, Forerunner 570 and 970, Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro, tactix 8, quatix 8, and D2 Mach 2 among the supported devices.
Fall Detection has a much narrower initial rollout. Garmin’s compatibility table identifies the Venu 4 as the model receiving the feature. Owners can leave it enabled continuously or limit it to specific activities.
Training additions are reaching a wider range of devices. Quick Workout offers running recommendations based on a chosen duration and intensity, while new Garmin Run Coach plans include lower-volume options and daily run-walk sessions adjusted using recovery and health data. These updates are listed for the Venu X1, Venu 4, vivoactive 6, D2 Air X15, Forerunner 570 and 970, Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, tactix 8, quatix 8, D2 Mach 2, Fenix E and Enduro 3. Quick Workout and Run Coach are marked as existing features, rather than new additions, on the Forerunner 70, 170 and 170 Music.
Other changes target Garmin’s specialist sports devices. Compatible dive computers can now share dive configurations through Garmin Share, while selected watches gain an XC Ski Indoor activity profile. The Edge MTB, Edge 550, Edge 850 and Edge 1050 cycling computers receive Enduro Ride profile improvements, including automatic detection of climbs and descents without manually marking a lap.
Garmin is also adding Live Activity for outdoor workouts on certain models, although that feature requires a Garmin Connect+ subscription. Distribution has already begun and will continue over the coming weeks, with automatic updates available on compatible devices.
