Garmin is pushing out a significant new beta software update, version 17.12, to a range of its high-performance smartwatches. This update targets the Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 models, bringing a mix of fresh features and crucial bug fixes designed to elevate the user experience for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Key New Features Introduced
This latest beta introduces several exciting functionalities. Users will now find Focus Mode Power Controls, offering more granular management over device power consumption during focused activities. For those who track their workouts diligently, a new Rest Countdown has been added to Strength Activities, providing clearer guidance during rest periods between sets. Health monitoring gets a boost with a Resting Heart Rate Insight integrated into the Heart Rate Widget, offering quick access to important wellness data. Furthermore, a dedicated Temperature Sensor Page has been included, allowing users to monitor environmental temperatures directly from their wrist easily.
Important Bug Fixes and Improvements
Beyond the new features, version 17.12 addresses several persistent issues reported by users. A notable fix resolves the problem where the Garmin Coach Glance wasn’t displaying a second scheduled workout after the completion of the first, ensuring continuous training plan visibility. Annoying Goal Alerts playing before the Post Activity Summary have been corrected, streamlining the end-of-activity review.
The update also tackles a glitch where the Music Volume Page wasn’t updating correctly, improving media control responsiveness. Users who experienced sluggish UI after saving an activity will be pleased to find this performance issue resolved. Aesthetic improvements include a fix for text formatting on the Double Time Watch Face and a correction for wind direction changing unexpectedly when connecting to a Laser Range Finder (LRF). Finally, the Evening Report Greeting Page on MIP Devices has undergone general improvements, resulting in more refined daily summaries.
How to Get the Update
If you’re eager to experience these enhancements, you can manually download the update directly to your compatible Garmin device. Simply navigate through the menus: Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. Keep in mind that as a beta release, there might be minor unforeseen issues, but these updates are crucial for refining the software before a wider public release.
Also Read:Â Garmin Unveils Quatix 8: Premium AMOLED Smartwatch for Boating