Garmin Forerunner 255 : 4 New Smart Features Will Make Life Easier

ByOlsen Ia

The new Garmin Forerunner 255 is the latest fitness tracker from the company, and it builds on the success of the Forerunner 245. The Forerunner 255 has 11 smart features, all of which have been carried over from its predecessor.

However, there are 4 new features that will make the user experience even better. These new features are focused on making the device more intuitive and easier to use. In this article, we will take a look at these 4 new features and explain what benefits they will bring to users.

11 Smart Features Carried Over to The Garmin Forerunner 255

If you are a current owner of a Garmin Forerunner 245, and wondered, if Garmin was going to discard one of your favourite features. Rest assured this is not the case. Garmin have decided to carry over the existing 11 smart features from the Garmin Forerunner 245 to it’s new next generation watch, the Forerunner 255.

At the time when the Garmin Forerunner 245 was released back in 2019, the smart features weren’t too bad. It did what it needed to do, but didn’t quite hit the mark. I mean it did for some, but it didn’t for other’s.

I mean this is purely my own opinion, but like I say it did the job. Fast forward to 2022 Garmin have decided to keep the smart features the same, but and decided to add in some new features which I will make the user experience a little better.

Here is a list of the features that will be carried over to the new Garmin Forerunner 255

  • Connectivity Bluetooth
  • Connect IQ (This is where you download custom watch faces, widgets etc)
  • Smart notifications
  • Text response (Applicable to android users only)
  • Calendar
  • Weather
  • Controls music from your smart phone
  • Find your phone
  • Virb remote
  • Smart phone capability (Applicable to android and iPhone only)
  • Pairs with Garmin Connect Mobile

As you can see this list isn’t too bad from the Garmin Forerunner 245. It did the job as previously said. However I do think the Garmin Forerunner 255 now has taken a course correction. Meaning it’s no longer a watch just for runners but a watch that will be suited for multisport.

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The 4 New Smart Features are A Welcome Change to The Garmin Forerunner 255

Yes, the following new smart features are a welcome change to the new Garmin Forerunner 255. However the addition has been consistent with Garmin’s next generation watch’s released in 2022.

And to be fair Garmin have released a lot of next generation fitness trackers, watch’s in 2022. The ones I am talking about are the Garmin watch’s that are on the lower scale of the price range.

You look at the Garmin Vivosmart 5 released earlier in the year. It’s jam packed with features for a low price watch. Garmin have carried on this momentum and did the same with the Garmin Forerunner 255.

Without further a due here are the 4 new smart features

  • Garmin pay
  • Real time settings sync with Garmin connect mobile
  • Battery saver
  • On device Connect IQ Store

The 4 new features will make life more easier for the user. The key is that the user can now access and change settings on the go without having to carry their phone around with them.

It can be a nuisance for many and from my experience If I can leave my phone at home I would do so. Go out and focus on your activity without the hassle of being careful and damaging your phone. So yeah the new features are definitely a handy addition.

Garmin Pay is a Very Handy Smart Feature to Be Added to The Garmin Forerunner 255

Garmin Pay now available to Garmin Forerunner 255

I’m sure many of us have been in the situation where we have forgotten our wallet and can’t buy that post run coffee or energy drink. Well those days are now over as you can just use your Garmin watch to make contactless payments.

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This is a feature that has been available on many other fitness trackers, but it’s good to see Garmin have finally added it to their watch. I know some may say that they don’t need it as they never forget their wallet. But for those who do, this will be a godsend.

What are The Benefits of Garmin Pay?

The benefits of Garmin Pay are that you can make payments without your phone or wallet. You can just use your watch to make the payment. This is good if you want to go for a run and don’t want to take your phone or wallet with you.

I know I have been in situations where I have gone for a run and wanted to buy a coffee afterwards, but I have forgotten my wallet. So this feature would have come in handy.

The real time settings are normally reserved for the premium or high end Garmin Watch’s. Im talking about the Garmin Fenix, or Epix type watch’s.

With the Garmin Vivosmart 5 just recently released earlier in the year. Garmin have been consistent and made sure this feature is accessible.

Battery Saver Feature is Another Handy Smart Feature For The Garmin Forerunner 255

The battery saver feature is a great new addition for the Forerunner 255. It’s not a groundbreaking new feature, but it’s one that will be appreciated by many users. When enabled, the battery saver mode will disable certain features of the watch to extend the battery life.

For example, disabling Bluetooth or reducing the screen brightness. This is perfect for when you’re out on a long run and don’t want to worry about the watch dying on you.

The battery life of the new Garmin Forerunner 255 is very impressive and to have this feature will really be of value for the users, especially those who are using it for long runs or hikes.

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The only downside of the battery saver feature is that it’s confusing to use. What I mean by confusing is that it’s confusing to set up. From what I can gather it’s a handy feature but no clear instructions on how to properly set it up.

Everyone’s preference is never the same. From what I can gather Garmin gives access to the user and customise allow them to change the settings. From a user experience it’s never fun to set your own settings. Especially if you are not sure what to do. It would be nice to have beginner options, that are premade. Without the hassle of changing settings.

On Device Connection IQ is a Good Addition to the Garmin Forerunner 255

The on device connection IQ is a good addition to the Garmin Forerunner 255. This means that you can now connect your watch to your smartphone without having to go through the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

This is a great feature as it will save time for those who want to quickly connect their watch to their phone. It’s also a handy feature for those who don’t have the Garmin Connect Mobile app installed on their phone.

The on device connection IQ is a great new addition and one that will be appreciated by many users.

Final Conclusion

The Forerunner 245 was a great fitness watch, but the new Forerunner 255 is even better. It has all of the features that made the Forerunner 245 so great, plus four new smart features that will improve the user experience.

Smart features in any Smart watch or fitness tracker is an important function to have. It’s the little things that make the user experience that much better. And with the new Garmin Forerunner 255, it has taken another step in the right direction.

Hope you enjoyed learning from this article. Stay tuned for more interesting articles of the Garmin Forerunner 255. Thank you!!