Garmin not interested in Venu 3 software development?

PRK91 6 months ago

Had a post request in Beta forums to add more features to the watch and now I am unable to reply to any of those posts or add new comments? Are all the sections locked from future comments?

Link to the post: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/venu-3-series/venu-3-series---public-beta-bug-report/i/venu-3-series---11-xx-bug-reports/more-features-to-the-450-watch-please

Former Member I do not know whom to contact, but if this message can reach the development team, it would be awesome. It's almost going to be a year since I got this watch and there has NOT BEEN A SINGLE UPDATE that is really worthy enough (with the exception of adding Running Dynamics). It is a 450$ watch, kindly treat it like one. I am a Garmin lover and I know there are a lot of differences between FR series and Venu, but when you price them identically, I did not expect Garmin to abandon one and give all features to the other watch. Wait, the FR 165, which is cheaper than Venu 3 is getting more features, which is totally like a slap on the face of all Venu 3 buyers. Also sent the feature request form to Garmin but no use so far.

Requesting every user to give your voice to Garmin to request more features for this watch.

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0 7190374 6 months ago

PRK91 said:
I do not know whom to contact

For requests, you should submit it here - Share Ideas | Garmin vs. submitting a case (something not working) - https://support.garmin.com. If enough people request the same thing, then something might be done. But I wouldn't hold your breath, as Garmin often uses marketing separation between different models. If your request is to make it more like a Forerunner with the latest features on a Forerunner watch that was released this year, that is going to be a tough sell. Although, I've requested features in the past and some eventually did become a reality.

0 Al P 6 months ago in reply to 7190374

I agree with this. Also out of curiosity what new features has the FR 165 gotten?

0 PRK91 6 months ago in reply to 7190374

I have shared my ideas 2 times so far. Maybe should request everyone in this forum to submit it.

0 PRK91 6 months ago in reply to PRK91

1) unlimited data pages vs only 4 on Venu 3 (also needed on Venu 3).

2) daily suggested workouts, Courses feature (something that the Venu 3 should have), Training effect.

It basically has most of basic running functionalities of FR 265, removing some items like Training Load or Recovery analysis. So that in itself is a huge thing. DCR has summarized the key main differences between FR165 and FR265 (image below). Venu 3 on the other hand has none of these, and it is 450$, but FR165 is 299$, this kind of separation is tough to digest when you pay 450$.

You can read DCR's full review here: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/02/garmin-forerunner-165-depth-review.html

And we got a new beta, which again adds no new functionality to the watch. :(

0 4373914 6 months ago

Well ... Garmin has a (very bad) habit of giving up improving the Venu series very rapidly. I no longer advise anyone to buy any Venu, as updates are very sparse and new features never appear. This is by very far the most frustrating product line you can find at Garmin as the price for value get ridiculous very fast. I made the mistake twice, as I was expecting Venu 3 to finally receive some love. Didn't happen. Let's consider the Venu 3 is end of life already.

0 Vizi 6 months ago

Venu watches are intentionally limited by software, thus they will not receive any important new functions. It is Garmin policy. Same applies to most of their other watches. Software development for Venu 3 is practically over.

0 4373914 6 months ago in reply to Vizi

I can compare with 2 other Garmin models. The Venu 3 is, by very far, the one receiving the less love ...

0 PRK91 6 months ago in reply to 4373914

True. Garmin should treat the watch as a 450$ watch, but it is being treated as a 200$ watch.

0 FlowState 6 months ago in reply to PRK91

PRK91 said:
1) unlimited data pages vs only 4 on Venu 3 (also needed on Venu 3).

Sorry for the nitpick, but even high-end watches like FR955 don’t have unlimited data pages, they have up to 10 custom data pages (special-purpose pages like Map, Clock, Stamina, HR Gauge, Compass, etc, don’t count against the limit). (DCR never gives the exact number in this case — he always says something like “practically unlimited” — bc he obviously feels like 10 is more than anyone will ever need, but I’ve def run up against the limit).

0 PRK91 6 months ago in reply to FlowState

And Venu 3 offers only 4 (3 data screens and 1 HR gauge). I get your point, but this is too much of a software differentiation, especially when FR265 and Venu 3 are identically priced.