Garmin has ended a five-month software drought for its rugged Instinct lineup with a critical new patch. The company is now rolling out Beta Version 17.11, marking the first fresh software update for these specific devices since version 17.08 landed nearly half a year ago.
This unexpected release is rolling out to several heavy-duty, solar-compatible models:
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Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S
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Instinct 2X
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Instinct Crossover
A Crucial Bug Fix for Outdoor Fans
- Fixed possible issue where solar charging could be disabled.
The update might be small, but it addresses a major headache for people who rely on the sun to keep their watches alive. According to Garmin’s official change log, version 17.11 has one main job: fixing a frustrating glitch that could completely disable the watch’s solar charging capabilities.
Because the Instinct series is famous for its incredible, near-limitless battery life in the wilderness, having the solar panels accidentally turn off was a big problem for hikers and outdoor athletes. This new software ensures the watches can properly soak up sunlight again.
You Will Need a Computer to Install It
Usually, Garmin sends updates straight to your watch through the smartphone app. This time, things are a bit old-school.
To get this specific fix right now, you have to download the software update file manually from Garmin’s website. Next, you need to plug your watch into a computer using a USB cable. Once connected, you simply transfer the file over to the watch’s internal storage, and the device will handle the installation from there. Make sure you grab the exact file meant for your specific watch model, as each device requires a slightly different download
Also Read:Â Massive Garmin Sale: Newest Watches Receiving Big Discounts Including Fenix, Venu, Enduro, Instinct & More
