Garmin has introduced its initial beta updates, versions 11.81 and 11.82, for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, and Fenix E smartwatches. The change log for the first release is quite detailed, featuring nine new functionalities.
New Features
Among the new features, users can now switch between third-party maps directly in the Map Layers Menu. Additionally, there’s a new data screen to help track the intensity of skiing or snowboarding activities. The update also introduces an Autolap by Position tool, voice command adjustments for display brightness, and Wi-Fi connectivity via Map Manager. Garmin has addressed a user-reported issue related to watch performance in cold water, potentially linked to a new water ejection feature. Furthermore, there are enhancements to the always-on watch face brightness and improvements in power consumption while on the Map page. This update also includes 21 bug fixes that resolve problems related to battery drain, workout cancellations, and the active timer count. The second update, however, contains only four changes, which include a fix for turn-by-turn alerts.
Update Process
For the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch (47mm model priced at $999.99 on Amazon) and similar smartwatches, software version 11.81 will not be automatically delivered to beta testers. Users must navigate to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates to initiate the process. It’s important to remember that the ECG and Dive features are disabled while using beta software.
Garmin continues to enhance its smartwatch experience, ensuring users have the latest tools and fixes at their disposal.
