Garmin has just released a significant stable software update, version 15.31, for a selection of its high-end smartwatches, including the Fenix 8 series, Fenix E, Enduro 3, and the tactical powerhouse, Tactix 8. This update introduces a host of new features designed to enhance user experience and expand the capabilities of these already impressive devices.
Enhanced Tracking and Activity Options
This update brings exciting new ways to monitor your activities. Notably, Breathing Variations Support has been added, offering deeper insights into your respiratory patterns. For those who enjoy load-bearing activities, the new Rucking activity is a welcome addition. Furthermore, both the Rucking and Run/Walk/Hike activity types now boast the ability to track Pack Weight, providing valuable data for training and performance analysis.
For strength training enthusiasts, Rep Counting Enhancements promise more accurate and reliable tracking of your sets and repetitions. Tactix 8 users gain access to a dedicated Stage Timer App, likely catering to specific tactical or training scenarios.
New Tools and Information at Your Fingertips
Garmin continues to improve the information readily available to users. The Tips App offers guidance and advice directly on your wrist. Convenience is also enhanced with the ability to directly open the Floors Climbed and Pulse Ox Apps from the Morning Report. During navigation, a new Arrival Alert will keep you informed as you approach your destination. Motorsport enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of an Auto Pause Setting for their activities.
Deeper integration with the Garmin Connect app is evident with the Deep-Link Option to view more detailed Daily Suggested Workout (DSW) settings. Golfers will benefit from Golf Notifications that now wake the display, ensuring important information is easily visible. The activity list is now more organized with a dedicated Multisport Category. A brand-new Dedicated Sunrise/Sunset Data Screen is available within activities, providing crucial environmental information at a glance. For those venturing on nautical expeditions, a detailed Sail Expedition Point Details Page has been added. Personalization is further enhanced with a new Setting for Notification Vibration Pattern. Wake sports enthusiasts now have a ‘View Run’ Option.
Voice Control Expansion
The power of voice commands is further integrated into the Tactix 8 with support for Applied Ballistics and Flying Apps. Additionally, voice control now extends to Jumpmaster, Plan Dive, Reference Point, and Trolling Motor functionalities. Security is also addressed with the addition of Wrist Detect Support for Passcode when OHR is Disabled.
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
This substantial update also addresses a wide array of previously reported issues, ensuring a more stable and reliable user experience. Key fixes include:
- Resolved an issue where “Update Available” was not appearing in the Map Manager.
- Addressed instances of Activities Missing from the History App.
- Ensured Activity Alerts are no longer Blocked when the Device is Locked.
- Fixed a bug causing AirPods to skip music tracks.
- Corrected the Altitude Acclimation Chart to display the correct elevation and fixed the Altitude Acclimation Glance Units.
- Addressed issues with Arabic Characters on the Keyboard.
- Ensured Audio Prompts report the correct Pace value.
- Fixed Average HR Text Truncation in Indoor Climb.
- Corrected Bouldering and Indoor Climb Activities to show the correct data pages.
- Improved Cardio Workout Page Transitions.
- Prevented CIQ Watch Faces from Displaying Sensitive Data when the Device is Locked.
- Fixed Color Invert when Resting in Strength Activity.
- Corrected Distance-Only Target Data to accurately show time ahead/behind.
- Prevented Duplicate Saved Locations When Selecting a Point on the Map.
- Fixed an issue where an Empty Map was Covering Last Sport Text.
- Improved Final Point Acquisition Failure Handling in Expedition Mode.
- Ensured the Find My Watch Feature is no longer Blocked when the Device is Locked.
- Corrected the Fish Activity Saved Location Icon.
- Addressed Inconsistent Touch Lock Behavior.
- Fixed an Infinite Side Menu Bug.
- Resolved an issue where calls could not be answered/declined via touch.
- Fixed an issue where Find My Watch wasn’t playing tones.
- Addressed an issue where indoor walk could not be opened from voice commands.
- Fixed an issue with extra lines around watch face hands on Deep Sea watch face.
- Corrected an issue with golf plays like icons on MIP devices.
- Fixed an issue with the average skin temperature feature on Tactix 8.
- Ensured Lap Alert/Lap Summary Screens are Showing During DSW.
- Improved the Layout for the Sensor Multi-Components List.
- Fixed the Manual Watch Time in Regatta Timer.
- Addressed a Map Layer Toggle Issue in an Activity.
- Ensured the Map Track Color Setting is Applying to All Map Layers.
- Fixed the Map-Only Touch Setting.
- Corrected Missing Data Page Labels for Sail Race Regatta Timer.
- Fixed the Missing Sail Expedition Page.
- Ensured Navigation Alerts are no longer Getting Blocked when Navigating to Waypoints.
- Prevented the Navigation Route from Being Displayed after Navigation Dismissed.
- Fixed an issue where Navigation was Running in Incompatible Activities after a Change Sport.
- Addressed an issue where users were not being able to check for updates over WiFi when battery saver is enabled.
- Corrected Notification Timeout Setting Syncing Incorrectly.
- Prevented Palm Touches from Accidentally Closing Morning Report.
- Fixed an issue where Passcode was Blocking Wi-Fi Sync Pages.
- Improved Passcode Handling in the Phone App.
- Fixed Pencil Icon Touch Behavior in Watch Face Editor.
- Ensured Pool Swim Pace Alerts are now Muting.
- Addressed a possible crash when syncing with Garmin Connect Mobile.
- Fixed a possible crash when using WiFi.
- Resolved a possible device lockup when changing the passcode.
- Fixed a possible issue where “Red” was translated as “Green” in the flashlight app.
- Addressed a possible issue where editing a workout with audio notes would not have audio notes after syncing with Garmin Connect.
- Fixed a possible issue where the TracBack option wasn’t an available routing option.
- Addressed a Potential Crash in Strength Activity.
- Fixed a Potential Crash on the Course Details Page.
- Resolved a Potential Crash on the End of Fishing Timer.
- Fixed a Potential Crash when Navigating.
- Addressed a Potential Crash when Trying to Accept Calibration Offset Value.
- Fixed a potential issue causing average and maximum depths to be missing from the dive summary.
- Addressed a Potential Out of Memory Issue on the Map Page.
- Fixed a potential shutdown overnight.
- Ensured Power Related Audio Prompts are no longer Announced When a Paired Power Meter is Not Connected.
- Corrected the PulseOx Value in the Glance.
- Fixed Regatta Timer Countdown Audio.
- Improved Scaling on the Activity Summary Cycling Power Graph.
- Prevented Segment Approaching Notifications from Blocking Activity Pausing.
- Fixed a Sensor Calibration Failure Infinite Loop.
- Ensured the Start Key Shortcut is no longer Being Changed After Using the Dial Pad.
- Fixed Tide Alerts Ignoring the Do Not Disturb Setting.
- Corrected Tides App Showing Empty Location Names.
- Ensured the Timer is Updating on the Watch Face.
- Prevented Touch Screen Editing of Data Fields when the Timer is Running.
- Fixed Trolling Motor Exit Through Hotkey.
- Improved Watchface Data Accessibility when the Device is Locked.
- Fixed Watchface Shortcut Misbehaving in an Activity.
- Ensured Water Ejection Starts After the Activity is Complete.
- Fixed Workout Step Details Text Truncation.
Interface and Feature Enhancements
Beyond bug fixes and new activity tracking, this update also brings improvements to the user interface and existing features. The DSW Presentation in the Calendar App has been improved for better clarity. The Garmin Coach design on race day has been updated for a more streamlined experience. Finally, the Body Battery Summary Graph now displays 24 hours of data, providing a more comprehensive overview of your energy levels.
This substantial software update demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to continually improving its premium smartwatch offerings, delivering a wealth of new features and crucial bug fixes to enhance the user experience for Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 owners.
Also Read: Garmin Fenix 8 hit lowest price ever on Amazon ($200 discount)
