Garmin is rolling out a significant new beta software update, version 17.05, for a range of its popular smartwatches. This update, which targets the Instinct 2, 2S, 2X, and Crossover models, focuses on enhancing reliability and fixing several long-standing issues to provide a smoother and more accurate user experience.
Addressing Common User Complaints
The new software directly addresses some of the most common issues reported by the user community. For example, the update fixes a persistent bug where the “Wallet Locked” message would display incorrectly, causing confusion for users trying to make contactless payments. This fix ensures that the message appears only when relevant, improving the user interface and functionality of the device’s payment features.
Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the fix for the Open Water activity. Previously, a glitch could cause the distance tracking to show an increase even when the watch was stationary, leading to inaccurate workout data. The new update corrects this flaw, ensuring that your distance metrics are precise and reliable during swims. The update also resolves potential stability issues within the Reference Point app, which is a crucial tool for navigation and location-based tasks, making it more dependable for all users.
Exclusive Fix for the Instinct 2X
The Instinct 2X model, known for its robust features and tactical capabilities, receives a specific fix in this update. A bug that affected the strobe light function during multisport activities has been resolved. This is particularly important for athletes and adventurers who rely on the strobe light for visibility and safety during complex, multi-stage events. The correction ensures the strobe light operates as intended throughout the entire activity.
How to Manually Download the Update
You can download and install this new beta software directly on your device. To get started, navigate to the main menu. From there, go to Settings, then System, and finally Software Update. Once you are in that menu, select Check For Updates to download and install the new version.