Garmin voice control update reduces smartwatch battery life

A recent software update for select Garmin smartwatches, which introduced hands-free voice commands via the phrase ‘OK Garmin’, is significantly impacting device longevity. Users have reported that enabling this feature reduces battery life by approximately 35% to 50%.

The issue has been particularly noted on high-end models such as the Fenix 8, with some users reporting that battery life has dropped to half of its previous capacity. While the problem can be mitigated by disabling the voice activation feature, the decline in performance affects one of Garmin’s major software rollouts intended to bring its wearables closer to the functionality of modern smartwatches.