Garmin is rolling out software version 12.02 to the original Bounce kids smartwatch, delivering voice message transcription and a handful of refinements aimed at a smoother, more reliable experience. The update arrives about four months after version 11.04 and expands a feature that debuted on the newer Bounce 2.
What’s new in software version 12.02
– Voice message transcription: Voice messages can now be converted to text through the Garmin Jr. app, making it easier for kids and parents to read messages when listening isn’t practical, such as in noisy environments.
– Location-related improvements: Garmin notes optimizations to location tools on the Bounce, though it hasn’t detailed exactly where users will notice the changes.
– Bug fixes and stability enhancements: General under-the-hood tweaks to keep the watch running smoothly.
Availability and rollout
A company representative has indicated that version 12.02 is currently available to about 40% of Bounce users, with the wider rollout to follow. There’s no confirmed timeline for when every device will receive the update.
How to update
The new software is automatically downloaded to the Garmin Jr. app. You should receive a notification when the update is ready; from there, you can push it to the Bounce smartwatch over Bluetooth.
Why it matters
Voice message transcription makes day-to-day communication more accessible for families and brings a convenient feature from the Bounce 2 to the original Bounce. The location optimizations, along with stability and bug fixes, should further improve reliability for parents who depend on location tools and messaging to stay connected with their kids.
Keep an eye on the Garmin Jr. app for the update prompt and install it when available to get the latest features and improvements.
