Suunto has just started pushing out its new Q2 software update (version 2.56.18) for the Suunto Vertical 2 and Race 2 smartwatches. The update brings a mix of helpful new features and performance tweaks to make the watches easier to use on a daily basis.
Like most major rollouts, Suunto is releasing this software in phases. A few lucky users have already received the prompt to update, while everyone else should see it hit their devices over the next few days.
What is New?
The headline features focus on better navigation and quicker setup. Suunto has added QR codes to the watch screen, which makes pairing the device to your phone much faster. If you love tracking your hikes or climbs, you can now set “ascent” as a specific target before you start an exercise.
The built-in offline maps are also getting a big upgrade. They will now display clear labels for road names, bodies of water, and mountain peaks, making it much easier to find your way without a phone signal. Additionally, there is a brand-new Tide widget for coastal adventurers, support for the Khmer language, and better settings to manage your offline map layers.
Under-the-Hood Improvements
Aside from the new features, Suunto has cleaned up how the watch performs and displays information. Outdoor athletes will notice better distance accuracy and cleaner GPS tracks. The company also fixed a minor design issue by adjusting the text size at the bottom of the screen to make it easier to read while you are moving.
If you like to plan, the watch can now hold up to 200 different routes at once. Finally, SuuntoPlus apps will sync much faster, and the watch will now remember your heart rate broadcast preferences for each specific sport, saving you from resetting it every time you start a workout.
Change Log Summary:
New Features
- QR code pairing for faster and easier watch setup
- Ascent available as a new exercise target
- New offline map labels:
- Road names
- Water
- Mountain peaks
- A new Tide widget
- Khmer language support
- New settings for managing offline map layers
Improvements
- Improved distance accuracy and GPS track quality
- Adjusted text sizing in the bottom “tooth” area for better readability
- Increased the maximum number of routes stored on the watch to 200
- Faster SuuntoPlus synchronization
- The heart rate broadcast setting is now remembered for each sport mode
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