If you have a Garmin watch strapped to your wrist that you use to record your runs, hikes, walks and yoga sessions, it may have just got what the firm is describing as “its biggest software update yet” that looks set to give you even more reason to stay away from an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.

A huge number of Garmin smartwatches have been sent the new free update this week including the Venu X1, vívoactive 6, fēnix 8 Pro, Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, which are some of the more premium products in Garmin’s range.

“Garmin is excited to announce its biggest software update yet, as it continues to bring its newest and market leading features to existing customers,” Garmin said in an email sent to Express.co.uk.

“The new update, for select smartwatches, can help users as they work to improve their health and fitness, know their bodies better and get even more out of their smartwatch.”

The new features include ‘enhanced gear tracking’, which is a way, for example, to log the total use of a pair of running trainers so you know when it might be time to replace them, something built into competing services such as Nike Run Club.

A new course planner is designed to help Garmin wearers prepare for a race by planning the course out beforehand, even being able to put in cut-off times, rest plans and aid stations. Extra accessibility features are also implemented on some models to have the time and other data spoken aloud, as well as additional display options to help with different forms of colour blindness.

For the sports fans there is even a new sports scores feature that lets you follow your favourite teams to get live data, schedules and standings on your watch for the first time.

“These free software updates have started to roll out to compatible devices,” Garmin said. “Customers can update their smartwatch by enabling automatic updates from their device and syncing with Garmin Connect or by using Garmin Express.”

Garmin Fitness Coach is also landing on several of the watches, which can give you a personalised plan based on more metrics such as your fitness, activity history and other information. Throw in the new Sleep Alignment tool that figures out how well aligned you are with your circadian rhythm, and your existing watch just got even smarter. Data fiends rejoice.

You can view a full breakdown of the exact features which watches are getting here.

The full list of watches and Garmin cycling devices receiving at least one new feature from this big software update are:

• Venu X1
• Venu 4
• vívoactive 6
• Forerunner 570
• Forerunner 970
• Edge MTB
• Edge 540
• Edge 840
• Edge 1040
• Edge 550
• Edge 850
• Edge 1050
• fēnix 8
• fēnix 8 Pro
• fēnix E
• Enduro 3
• tactix 8
• Quatix 8
• Quatix 8 Pro
• D2 Mach 2