Fall detection is a common feature in almost all wearables right now, except on some Garmin watches. For some reason, this potentially life-saving feature is only available during certain activities. That's changing now, as Garmin's latest software update fixes this oversight. Plus, it adds several new features to its smartwatches and fitness trackers.

If you own a Garmin Venu 4, the latest v17.25 update adds fall detection to the watch. Whenever the device detects a fall, it will automatically send the user's live location to the pre-specified emergency contacts. Do note that the watch must be paired with your smartphone for the message to go through.

You can have fall detection enabled for all day or for only specific activities.

Other handy new features include hands-free voice control, enabling you to start a timer, activity tracking, and even turn on the flashlight. All you need to do is say, "Okay, Garmin." Even better, you can directly access the voice assistant on your phone through your Garmin smartwatch by saying "phone assistant."

For quick workout tracking, you can now simply enter a desired time and intensity level, and your Garmin smartwatch will suggest a running workout based on your fitness level.

That’s a handy option when you want to run but don’t have a training session planned. Instead of scrolling through workouts to find one that fits your schedule, you can tell the watch how much time and energy you have that day.

The screenshot below shows which features are coming to which Garmin devices.

Your Garmin gains a more flexible training plan

Run Coach plans are expanding beyond the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 and will now be available on the Venu, Vivoactive 6, and Fenix 8 lineup. These plans take your recovery and health metrics into account, which can help if a fixed schedule doesn’t work for you.

The update adds an Indoor XC Ski activity profile, too, with support for compatible indoor ski trainers.

For Garmin's Edge cycling computer, the Enduro profile will now automatically detect and switch between climbs and descents modes. This will save riders from the hassle of manually switching between the two modes as the terrain changes.

The software update is already rolling out and should be automatically installed on your Garmin watch if you have automatic updates and syncing with Garmin Connect enabled.