Garmin has initiated the release of a new beta software update version 20.15 aimed at enhancing the performance and stability of its high-end wearable devices. This update targets the Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix 8, Fenix E, Tactix 8, and Enduro 3 smartwatches. Users can anticipate a smoother experience thanks to various under-the-hood fixes and improvements, with a significant focus on enriching the feature set for the ‘Pro’ models, particularly concerning their LTE capabilities and the Messenger app integration.
Change Log:
- Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements.
- (Pro Only) Added “LTE Standby” pop up in an activity when LTE is disabled automatically for power savings.
- (Pro Only) Added a spinner to the Messenger conversation list when a message in the conversation is still sending.
- (Pro Only) Added ability to react to Messenger messages with any reaction using the emoji keyboard.
- (Pro Only) Added an activity data field option for LTE signal strength.
- (Pro Only) Added an Image Viewer for pictures received through Messenger For Wearables, which allows users to pan and zoom images.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue where “Unlink” option in Messenger would display when the device is already unlinked.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue where a Messenger notification could push on top of the Preparing Update page.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue where a Messenger voice message could record longer than 30 seconds.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue where a Messenger voice message would not start recording immediately.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue where Messenger Calls would not show disconnected from phone when there is no active subscription.
- (Pro Only) Fixed issue with “Auto LTE Standby” pop up displaying when disabling LTE
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible crash when exiting Messenger app.
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where a Messenger call would not transfer to headphones.
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where Auto LTE would not disable when an internet connection through a paired phone is restored.
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where LTE & Satellite Status could unexpectedly show “Disabled.”
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where LTE quick control would show “Using Phone” when no phone is connected.
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where the cancel button on the “Use Satellite/Keep Trying LTE” prompt would not immediately cancel messages.
- (Pro Only) Fixed possible issue where the Messenger Calls timer does not start at 0:00
- (Pro Only) Improved ability to select the voice message icon when replying to a Messenger message.
- (Pro Only) Improved Messenger Calls when there are no saved contacts to prompt the user to open the Messenger mobile app and add contacts.
- (Pro Only) Improved sizing of the satellite icon on the compass page on the NTN pointer
- (Pro Only) Improved snapping of the NTN satellite bubble in and out of the target circle on the NTN pointer.
- (Pro Only) Removed possible pop-ups which could appear over a SOS conversation thread (touch lock icon, activity stopped border, etc.)
LTE and Power Management Enhancements for Pro Models
A core focus of this beta is refining the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity features, especially on the Pro versions. To optimize battery life, a new “LTE Standby” pop-up will now appear during an activity when the LTE function is automatically disabled for power-saving purposes. Furthermore, users interested in monitoring their connection can now utilize a dedicated activity data field that displays the LTE signal strength. Garmin has also addressed several bugs related to LTE’s automatic power management and status display, ensuring more reliable service. For instance, an issue where the “Auto LTE Standby” pop-up displayed incorrectly when manually disabling LTE has been fixed, and improvements were made to ensure Auto LTE correctly re-enables when the paired phone’s internet connection is restored.
Major Improvements to the Messenger Experience
The Messenger for Wearables app receives a substantial overhaul with several new features and critical fixes, all exclusive to the Pro models. Users can now enjoy a more expressive way to communicate, as the update introduces the ability to react to messages with any emoji using the full emoji keyboard. To enhance media viewing, an Image Viewer has been added, allowing users to pan and zoom on pictures received through the app.
Several previous pain points have been resolved:
- Voice message recording is now more reliable, with instant starts and a fix for messages recording longer than the intended 30-second limit. Selecting the voice message icon for replies has also been improved.
- For Messenger Calls, the system now better handles connectivity, resolving issues like calls not transferring to headphones or the ‘disconnected from phone’ status being inaccurately displayed without an active subscription.
- The overall stability of the Messenger app is improved, addressing a possible crash when exiting and removing potentially disruptive pop-ups (like touch lock or activity stopped border) that could appear over SOS conversation threads.
General Fixes and Navigation Refinements
Beyond the Messenger and LTE updates, this beta includes a host of miscellaneous bug fixes and general improvements to the watch’s operating system. For users interacting with NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite features, the update refines the user interface on the compass page, improving the sizing of the satellite icon and the snapping of the NTN satellite bubble in the pointer display, making satellite targeting more intuitive.
How to Install the Update
If you are already enrolled in the beta program, you can manually trigger the download and installation on your compatible device by following this simple path:
Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
Also Read:Â Garmin Smartwatch Vibration Issue on Android After Recent App Update
