Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released System Software 23.18 for the Fenix 7 and related smartwatches, including bug fixes.
2. The update introduced enhancements like connecting certain sensors via ANT and BLE+.
3. Garmin returned to the 23.xx beta development to fix overlooked bugs after the initial update.
4. Beta Version 23.24 was released shortly after Beta Version 23.22, aiming for a stable software version.
5. Beta Version 23.28 addressed a specific issue but left some features, like Dive and ECG, still inactive.
Garmin has rolled out a fresh update for the Fenix 7 (currently priced at $399 – renewed on Amazon) and its related smartwatches. To summarize, the company launched System Software 23.18 over a month ago, which included numerous bug fixes.
Update Highlights
As previously mentioned, this update also brought some enhancements, such as the ability to connect certain sensors via ANT and BLE+. At first, Garmin was optimistic that System Software 23.18 would mark the conclusion of the 23.xx beta development phase. However, things haven’t turned out as Garmin expected.
New Beta Releases
Instead, the company quickly returned to 23.xx beta development to address bugs that were overlooked before. They initially released Beta Version 23.22, followed by Beta Version 23.24 just a few days later. Given their release pattern, it seemed like Beta Version 23.24 might be Garmin’s second attempt at transitioning 23.xx development to a stable software version.
Ongoing Issues
However, the launch of Beta Version 23.28 has dashed those hopes. Even though they skipped three intermediate build numbers, Beta Version 23.28 only resolves a problem where IR messages to multiple contacts would not send. Moreover, the Dive and ECG functionalities still remain inactive. Thus, we can reasonably anticipate that Garmin will release another 23.xx beta build before eventually providing a new stable 23.xx update. Sadly, it is still unclear when either of these will happen.
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