Tag: Fenix 7

March 13, 2025
Garmin March Update: New Features for Smartwatches and Bike Computers
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released stable updates for the Fenix 7, Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 smartwatches.
2. The Q1 2025 update includes improved functionality and new features for fitness and outdoor devices.
3. Free software updates will roll out over the coming weeks, and users can enable automatic updates.
4. Key upgrades include passcode support and keyboard enhancements, but not for Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro models.
5. Older Garmin smartwatches now have better workout execution scores and Body Battery Trueup functionality.
Garmin has been consistently providing stable updates for its range of smartwatches recently. Notably, the Fenix 7 and Fenix 8 models have received new stable updates in the past week, along with related models such as the Fenix E and Enduro 3, currently priced at $899.99 on Amazon.
Summary of Updates
In its latest feature update, Garmin has outlined all the changes made to its currently supported smartwatches. According to a press release, the company describes its Q1 2025 update in this way:
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance our products and offer better features for current users, we are thrilled to unveil our upcoming feature update for smartwatches and cycling computers. This update brings improved functionality and new features to many of our fitness and outdoor devices.
Update Availability
The free software updates have started to roll out and will continue throughout the next weeks. Users can update their smartwatch or cycling computer by turning on automatic updates from their devices.
Garmin also clarifies that the new update includes five main upgrades, such as passcode support and enhancements to the keyboard. However, these features are not available on the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, nor do they include strength workouts for Garmin Cycling and Garmin Run coaches. Older Garmin smartwatches have received better workout execution scores and Body Battery Trueup functionality. Interestingly, the comparison table included below is identical to one that leaked nearly two months ago. Check out the graphics below for additional details.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin, smartwatch updates
March 6, 2025
Garmin Updates Older Flagship Smartwatches with Essential Bug Fixes
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has completed the beta phase for Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and Tactix 7 smartwatches.
2. System Software 20.16 introduced over 20 updates but also some new bugs.
3. A major issue was the failure of external heart rate sensors to connect automatically during activities.
4. System Software 20.22 has been released to fix these bugs and is rolling out globally.
5. Around 30% of eligible smartwatches are expected to receive the update notification by now.
Garmin has wrapped up the latest beta phase for its Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, along with other smartwatches like the Tactix 7, which currently costs $1,149 on Amazon. Just to remind you, the company rolled out System Software 20.16 less than a month ago, which included over 20 updates to its software.
New Bugs Found
Unfortunately, this recent update also brought along some new bugs that weren’t in the previous stable versions. In light of this, Garmin re-entered its public Beta Program, promising to address these issues swiftly. One of the main problems was that external heart rate sensors were not connecting automatically when activities were started.
Fixes in the Latest Update
Now, System Software 20.22 is said to resolve this bug and more, and it started rolling out globally just yesterday. As is typical, not all Enduro 2, Epix 2, Fenix 7, or Tactix 7 smartwatches will receive the update at the same time. Garmin has indicated that around 30% of eligible smartwatches should have gotten a notification to download System Software 20.22 by this point. You can find the complete changelog for this new stable update below.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin, System Software 20.22
February 28, 2025
Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Fix Sensor Pairing Issues Before Update
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is no longer focusing on software updates for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro models.
2. Attention has shifted to newer models like the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8, which receive regular updates.
3. Recent updates for the Fenix 7 series included System Software 20.16, but it introduced bugs affecting external sensor connections.
4. Garmin is working on fixing the issues with a Beta Version 20.21, which has reached some public testers.
5. The ECG feature remains disabled in the new beta version, indicating more updates may be needed before a stable release.
The Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon) are now considered older models of smartwatches. Because of this, Garmin is no longer focusing on their software updates. Instead, attention has shifted to the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8, which receive many bug fixes, new features, and other enhancements on a monthly basis.
Recent Changes in the Fenix 7 Series
In the last few weeks, there have been a lot of changes regarding the Fenix 7 series, although they may not be what Garmin was expecting. The company recently wrapped up its latest round of beta testing before releasing System Software 20.16 to its stable software branch.
Issues with System Software 20.16
The launch of System Software 20.16 also aligned with the increase of ECG compatibility across Europe and the UK. Nevertheless, there were reports of a bug that came with the update, which caused problems with external sensors not connecting automatically during activities like using heart rate monitors (HRMs).
Now, Garmin is working to fix this problem, and they are distributing Beta Version 20.21 to address it. The company claims that this update has already reached half of the public beta testers. However, Garmin has decided to keep the ECG feature disabled in this new beta version. This suggests that there might be at least one more beta update before they release a stable version. Just for reference, the complete changelog for System Software 20.16 should include the updates introduced with Beta Version 20.19 as well.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin, System Software 20.16
February 24, 2025
Garmin Fenix 7 HRM Connection Issues After Recent Update
Key Takeaways
1. System Software 20.16 was released for Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, marking a significant update after several months.
2. The update includes expanded ECG support for Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro in Europe and the UK.
3. Several bugs were identified in System Software 20.16, prompting the release of Beta Version 20.19 to address them.
4. Garmin is investigating a connection issue with external sensors that persists in Beta Version 20.19.
5. More beta updates are expected before a new stable version of System Software 20.16 is released.
Last week, System Software 20.16 was released for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro (currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon), marking the first significant update for these models in several months. Notably, this rollout of System Software 20.16 also aligned with the expansion of ECG support for the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro in Europe and the UK.
Bugs in the Update
It appears that System Software 20.16 was delivered with several bugs that Garmin is addressing in its Beta Program. As a result, the company has launched Beta Version 20.19, which it states has reached all compatible Enduro 2, Epix 2, Fenix 7, Quatix 7, and Marq Gen 2 smartwatches. In a brief changelog, Garmin notes that the latest update aims to resolve crashes that happen not just during jump rope sessions but also ‘during lengthy activities’.
Ongoing Investigations
Furthermore, Garmin is looking into a problem that stops external sensors like heart rate monitors (HRMs) from automatically connecting when an activity is chosen and launched. Beta testers have reported that this flaw came with System Software 20.16 and continues with Beta Version 20.19. Therefore, there is a good possibility that the latter will be succeeded by more beta updates before a new version of System Software 20.16 is released. For more information, you can check Garmin’s specific bug report page.
Source:
Link
Tags: ECG Support, Fenix 7, System Software 20.16
February 21, 2025
Garmin Adds ECG Support for Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro Watches
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin launched the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 smartwatches, replacing the Fenix 7 series.
2. The Fenix 8 is priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon.
3. The Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro received a stable software update called System Software 20.16.
4. ECG support has expanded to the EU for the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, but not officially in the UK.
5. Updating to Software Version 14.68 or higher activates the ECG feature in the EU.
Garmin has launched the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 smartwatches, which replaced the Fenix 7 series last year, with the Fenix 8 being priced at curr. $1,099.99 on Amazon. Even though these new models came out a few months ago, Garmin is still adding new features to its older flagship models.
New Software Update
This week, the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches received a stable software update called System Software 20.16. This update brings CIQ System 8 and addresses several existing bugs. As noted by Gadgets & Wearables, this same update also adds electrocardiogram (ECG) support for the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro in additional markets.
Expanded ECG Availability
Previously, Garmin limited ECG features to North America and parts of Southeast Asia, but now it has expanded availability throughout the European Union (EU). It’s important to mention that this support does not officially cover the United Kingdom.
Reports from Gadgets & Wearables indicate that ECG now functions on both the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro in the UK, but results may vary for users. You don’t actually need to update to System Software 20.16 to access ECG in the EU; instead, simply updating to a build with Software Version 14.68 or higher will activate the ECG feature. Here is the complete list of countries where ECG should work:
Source:
Link
Tags: ECG Support, Epix 2 Pro, Fenix 7
February 17, 2025
Garmin Fenix 7 & 7 Pro Updates: Over 20 New Features Released
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released System Software 20.16 for the Fenix 7 series, Enduro 2, and Tactix 7, ending the v20.xx beta phase.
2. This is the first stable update since December, with the previous significant update being version 19.34.
3. System Software 20.16 includes support for CIQ System 8 and various bug fixes, particularly five that address crash issues.
4. Approximately 20% of eligible smartwatches have received the update, with users able to manually check for updates.
5. All versions of System Software 20.16 include the same list of changes and improvements.
Garmin has started to release new stable updates for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro (curr. $549.99 on Amazon), as well as for the Enduro 2 and Tactix 7, among other compatible devices. This update, System Software 20.16, signifies the conclusion of the v20.xx beta phase that kicked off with Beta Version 20.10 in January.
New Features and Fixes
The System Software 20.16 is the first stable update for the Fenix 7 series and its counterparts since December, when Garmin provided System Software 19.41. Notably, System Software 19.34 was the last significant stable update for the Fenix 7 series, with following updates mainly aimed at fixing specific bugs instead of adding new functionalities.
Update Availability
Consequently, System Software 20.16 comes packed with a variety of changes, including support for CIQ System 8. Additionally, this update includes numerous bug fixes, with five specifically addressing crash issues. Currently, Garmin states that about 20% of the smartwatches eligible should have received System Software 20.16. Users can manually initiate the update by going to Menu, then System, followed by Software Update, and tapping ‘Check for Updates’ on their Enduro 2, Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro or Tactix 7 smartwatch. For reference, all versions of System Software 20.16 should include the same list of changes, outlined as follows:
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin, System Software 20.16
January 27, 2025
Garmin Fixes LiveTrack Issues on Fenix 7 and 7 Pro with Update
Garmin recently released a stable update for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, which is currently priced at $688.99 on Amazon. This update, labeled System Software 19.41, didn’t bring many new features to the Fenix 7 series and its counterparts. Instead, it primarily aimed to fix a bug that caused the Connect IQ app to crash.
Ongoing Issues
There are still several unresolved bugs, which Garmin has been addressing through its Beta Program this month. The latest Beta Version 20.13 is available for manual download or through Garmin’s over-the-air (OTA) service. Unfortunately, there are not many official enhancements to report, with the only mentioned fix addressing a LiveTrack crash issue.
Future Updates
Garmin hasn’t given any clues about when we might see the next stable update. The release of Beta Version 20.13, with the ECG and Dive features disabled, indicates that this is likely not the final beta in this development cycle. Currently, the v20.xx builds introduce the following changes from System Software 19.41:
Source:
Link
Tags: Beta Version 20.13, Fenix 7, Garmin
January 20, 2025
New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements
Garmin has been actively releasing new beta updates for its range of smartwatches and cycling computers. Recently, they have rolled out updated firmware for the Fenix 7 series and all currently supported Forerunner smartwatches.
Upcoming Changes in Q1 2025
Various sources have acquired an overview of Garmin’s intended stable updates for Q1 2025, which are expected to be released later this quarter. It’s important to mention that the accompanying image has not been verified yet. Therefore, we can’t ensure it’s free from alterations or photoshopping, even though it aligns with the design of previous Garmin feature launches.
New Features on the Horizon
The new features noted seem to align with what Garmin has been trialing in its recent beta versions. For example, Strength Workouts will be integrated into Garmin’s Run and Cycling Coach suites. Based on the image shown below, Strength Workouts are likely to be available for all recent Edge cycling computers, most Forerunner smartwatches, and the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon), but will not be available for the Fenix 7 series or its Enduro, Marq, Quatix, and Tactix models.
Garmin is also expected to introduce Body Battery TrueUp, which syncs body battery data to a single Garmin account for use across various devices. In addition, the Q1 2025 update will bring passcodes; however, this feature will not be available for the Enduro 2, Fenix 7, and other similar devices. When enabled, the passcode feature locks the smartwatch with a custom PIN if it detects that it is no longer being worn. Unfortunately, it’s not clear when these new features will actually be released, other than sometime this quarter. For more information, please refer to the graphic below.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Forerunner, Garmin
January 20, 2025
Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: 7 Key Changes Revealed
Garmin’s Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches are still relatively new. Yet, with the launch of the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon) last year, it seems that these models, along with the Epix 2, Enduro 2, Marq 2, and Quatix 7, won’t be getting many new features. A recent leak indicates that these smartwatches will likely not receive the new features that Garmin plans to roll out in its Q1 2025 update.
Changes in Update Strategy
Garmin’s recent beta updates show a notable shift in their strategy. Normally, the initial beta versions in a new update cycle are aimed at adding new features, as seen in previous updates and with the Fenix 8 series. However, the second and third beta updates after the launch of System Software 19.41 have mostly been focused on fixing existing bugs instead.
Beta Version Improvements
For example, Beta Version 20.11 reportedly included “various bug fixes,” but it didn’t specify which issues were addressed. Now, a new version has come out that brings five additional improvements, all of which are also bug fixes. Despite this, Beta Version 20.12 is expected to enhance the user experience in multiple areas, including workouts, using the onboard maps service, or connecting headphones. The comprehensive list of improvements and changes this time is as follows:
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Fenix 8, Garmin updates
December 5, 2024
Garmin Launches New Beta After Latest Stable Smartwatch Update
Garmin has begun to launch a new beta update for its smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7x, Fenix 7s, Epix, Enduro 2, and Marq Gen 2. The announcement for beta version 19.38 was made on the company’s online forum, where it was highlighted that this update does not impact Pro models such as the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon).
Details on the Update
This beta update comes after the stable version 19.34, which was released a few weeks ago. The new update introduces six bug fixes for the aforementioned smartwatches. Among the fixes is a correction for a problem where the workout schedules on the device did not align with those in Garmin Connect. Additionally, issues with incorrect weekly totals and unexpected shutdowns when saving an activity have been addressed. Garmin has also resolved the absence of pan/zoom icons on maps and missing translations for workout names. Lastly, a bug that caused sleep tracking to restart after it had been turned off has also been fixed.
How to Download
To download the update, users should navigate to Menu -> System -> Software Update -> Check For Updates. It is currently unknown when beta version 19.38 will become available to all users of the non-Pro Fenix 7 and other related smartwatches. Furthermore, it is still uncertain when the initial beta update for the next testing cycle, version 20.xx, will be released.
Source: Link
Tags: Beta Update 19.38, Fenix 7, Garmin