Key Takeaways
1. Garmin continually improves its smartwatches by fixing bugs and adding new features to older models.
2. Users can join a beta program to receive software updates directly on their watches without needing a computer.
3. Beta software for Garmin smartwatches, like the Fenix 6 Pro, is generally stable despite potential bugs.
4. The Fenix 8 Pro has certain features disabled in the beta program for safety and certification reasons.
5. Future updates for the Fenix 8 Pro will likely align with updates for the standard Fenix 8 model.
Garmin has been improving its smartwatches for a long time after they first come out. Besides fixing bugs, the company adds new features to older models that have been around for a while, including those features seen in the newest watches. This is possible because many Garmin smartwatches share similar hardware and software.
Beta Program Access
For those who own a Garmin smartwatch, there’s a chance to join a beta program. Users no longer have to manually install beta software updates using a computer or laptop. Instead, those who sign up for the beta program can conveniently use the OTA update feature right on their watch. Of course, beta versions might still have some bugs and can create other problems, but from what we’ve seen with the Fenix 6 Pro, Garmin’s beta software is usually quite stable.
Limitations on Fenix 8 Pro
Another restriction affects the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (starting at $1,199 on Amazon), which has recently entered the beta program, allowing users to test out the newest smartwatch firmware. However, Garmin still turns off certain features for safety or certification purposes. For example, users of the Fenix 8 Pro who update to the latest beta version will lose access to the ECG or diving functions. Regardless, updates for the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro will likely be released at the same time as those for the standard Garmin Fenix 8 in the future.
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