Garmin has put out a new beta update for the Edge 1050 (current price $698 on Amazon), which remains the company's top bike computer. For some context, they recently launched what we called a significant update for this device, and we have provided full details in another article.
Changes in the Update
Normally, a beta update of this nature would be what Garmin would later release as a stable update. However, the company has now replaced Public Beta 11.17 with a new version, rolling out to participants in the Beta Program as Public Beta 11.18.
In summary, this latest update brings more modifications than the small change in its build number might imply. Particularly, Public Beta 11.18 introduces remote media controls, enabling Edge 1050 users to set up their shifter buttons for controlling media playback. Additionally, Garmin has added new SRAM gear presets for 13-speed gravel groups.
Terminology and Bug Fixes
The update also changes the term for Shimano STEPS to 'Shimano E-bike' for clarity reasons. Furthermore, Public Beta 11.18 fixes several bugs that were present in the previous version. For instance, Garmin claims to have resolved an issue where the screen would show static or 'snow' when the Edge 1050 was starting up.
Moreover, it should now be possible to use the bell function while audio prompts are playing. Lastly, Garmin thinks it has improved the 'Back to Course' calculation when a u-turn is needed. For more details, check out Garmin's forum post.
Garmin
