Audiobooks on the Run (2)

Last week I announced the success with streaming Audible from the Garmin fēnix to AirPods. Unfortunately have been unable to repeat this stunt anymore.

Problem Description

Hi, recently I wanted to play audio (MP3) over Bluetooth (Apple AirPods) when hiking. The music function on its own works fine - the watch is streaming audio to the AirPods just fine. The Hike activity on its own is fine too - I've been using it every day for couple of years. Unfortunately trying to do both audio and activity at the same time does not work. If I start the activity first, then trying the music function either tells me there are no music files on the watch (there are) or (even if it finds the audio files) the "play" button does not start playing. If I start music first (and it is playing), then after starting the activity the "distance" counter does not move (stays at 0.00), only the time counter is moving. After numerous attempts to sort this out (about a dozen of combinations to start both, watch resets, etc.) i managed to do both functions properly only once. And then it just played the first audio file and stopped (rather than starting a next one). It all looks like a software issue with the resources (not enough RAM to do both at the same time). Certainly doing both an activity AND music is expected to work and probably the watch is designed with the goal do be able to do both at the same time. Please advise how to make this work. Or fi the lack of RAM hypothesis is probable, which features could be removed (uninstalled) to make more RAM available for the applications? The software version is 6.00 (627a59a). GPS: 2.70 WiFi: 2.50 CIQ: 3.1.8 BMX: 0.4.3 WHR: 20.03.32 ANT/BLE/BT: 5.04 Sensor Hub: 2.40 ETE: 5.3.3.11 THA: 1.3.0.1 

Submitted to Garmin Support 7 days ago, no reply so far...

At the same time I find it a really good idea to listen to audiobooks during my everyday exercise (well, millions of people do). AirPods (the generation 1 I use) at low volume pass through quite a bit of the ambient sounds, which is very good. Down the Road I will probably opt for something even less blocking, like the Bose Frames Tempo glasses. Just need to figure out if I can fit them with prescription lenses. Which means Bluetooth will stay as the connection between the audio source and my ears.

I still don't want to carry a phone with me (consider this a kind of challenge; also some sort of optimization on what I carry with me on the run - I did try an armband with a phone and did not like it).

I have tried a miniature Bluetooth - equipped MP3 player but the UX was really bad. Fiddly buttons. It was forgetting the Bluetooth connection after the playback was paused for just a few minutes. Volume control was awkward. And then - completely by accident - I realized the Apple Nano (7th Generation) had Bluetooth. Wow. They have a touch screen and considering it s Apple, the UX should be good. And they are really cheap now on eBay. Plus - Audible can synchronize directly to the iPod. I have ordered one 2nd hand. At 1.1 ounces (31 grams) I may just keep it, even if Garmin fails to fix the audio player issue. There are benefits of an audio player being a separate device.