Tag: Fenix 7

  • Garmin Adds ECG Support for Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro Watches

    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:

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  • Garmin Fenix 7 & 7 Pro Updates: Over 20 New Features Released

    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:

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  • Garmin Fixes LiveTrack Issues on Fenix 7 and 7 Pro with Update

    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:

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  • New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements

    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.

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    New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements
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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: 7 Key Changes Revealed

    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:

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  • Garmin Launches New Beta After Latest Stable Smartwatch Update

    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

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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: Over a Dozen New Features

    Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: Over a Dozen New Features

    Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update for its Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro models. This update is also expected to be available for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Marq 2, and the Quatix 7 (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon), along with other premium smartwatches. To provide some background, System Software 19.34 is replacing version 18.16, which was released at the beginning of October to fix several lingering bugs.

    Major Software Release

    System Software 19.34 marks the first significant software update for the Fenix 7 and its counterparts since System Software 18.14 was rolled out over two months ago. As expected, this new update introduces a wide range of enhancements, which are detailed in a comprehensive fourteen-line changelog.

    Notable Improvements

    One of the key features added is the ability to back up courses and saved locations, enhancing the functionality of the service considerably. Moreover, System Software 19.34 is reported to enhance map controls and improve the sensitivity of the Fenix 7 and its similar models in automatically detecting when a climbing activity begins.

    In conclusion, this update primarily aims to fix bugs, including one issue where the flashlight might not turn on promptly when using a Connect IQ watch face. Additionally, Fenix 7 users may have experienced issues in earlier updates where pool swim activities were sometimes logged with a distance of zero, which should now be rectified. Here is the complete changelog for System Software 19.34:

    Source: Link

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  • Garmin Launches 19.xx Beta Update for Smartwatches with Better Maps

    Garmin Launches 19.xx Beta Update for Smartwatches with Better Maps

    Garmin has introduced the beta version 19.21 for several of its smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2. This update marks the beginning of the 19.xx beta testing phase, following the stable software version 18.16.

    Update Highlights

    The changelog for beta version 19.21 mentions four key updates. To start with, Garmin claims it has enhanced the map controls for the wearables, but specifics are not provided. Additionally, there are fixes related to pool swim activities that previously recorded a distance of zero, and an issue concerning the loss of elevation data during multisport activities that commenced with swimming. Furthermore, a problem that may have led to a delay in the flashlight activation for certain Connect IQ watch faces has been addressed.

    Installation Instructions

    According to a Garmin team member’s post on the company’s forum, users of the eligible Fenix 7 (currently priced at $4499.99 on Amazon) and other related smartwatch models will not receive beta version 19.21 automatically. Instead, they must navigate to Main Menu > System > Software Update > Check for updates to manually download it. Similar to previous beta releases, this software will turn off the watch’s ECG feature. If you are interested in participating in the Garmin beta program, you can sign up through the Connect app.

    Conclusion

    Garmin is continually working on enhancements for its smartwatch lineup, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and fixes. By engaging in the beta program, users can get a sneak peek at upcoming updates while contributing to the software’s development process.

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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Update Fixes System Crash Bugs

    Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Update Fixes System Crash Bugs

    Garmin has rolled out a fresh stable update for its Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and other smartwatches such as the Tactix 7, which is currently priced at $879.99 for a refurbished model on Amazon. This new Software Version 18.16 comes less than a month after the previous update, Software Version 18.14, was introduced to the same series of smartwatches. Other devices that are part of this lineup include the Enduro 2, Epix 2, MARQ Gen 2, and Quatix 7.

    Update Details

    Interestingly, Software Version 18.16 was released just a day after Garmin provided a similar update through its Beta Program. In a few ways, this latest stable version has fewer modifications than what Garmin previously indicated was in the Beta Version 18.16. Specifically, the company outlines several enhancements for the latest Fenix 7 update, but it’s important to note that the changes may not be as extensive as expected.

    Improvements and Fixes

    In total, the update includes seven bug fixes along with one improvement when compared to Software Version 18.14. Garmin’s forum post states that Software Version 18.16 should now be available to around 50% of eligible smartwatches. If users want to bypass the staggered rollout, they can do so by navigating to System Settings, then Menu, System, Software Update, and selecting ‘Check for Updates’.

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  • Garmin Unveils New Smart Training Plans for Smartwatches

    Garmin Unveils New Smart Training Plans for Smartwatches

    Garmin has made an exciting update to its Garmin Coach feature, which is now accessible on select smartwatches and bike computers. Previously, this tool provided free training programs specifically designed for runners to help them prepare for races or achieve their fitness goals. With the latest update, Garmin introduces the Garmin Cycling Coach, expanding the feature to cyclists.

    Training Plans for Cyclists

    Similar to its predecessor, the Garmin Cycling Coach offers a training plan that adjusts intelligently based on your performance and recovery metrics. Users can monitor their progress, and the tool forecasts future performance by analyzing recent workouts along with details from planned routes, such as distance and elevation. The original feature has been rebranded as Garmin Run Coach, retaining the same functionalities and selection of running coaches as before.

    Potential for Strength Training

    Although not mentioned in the official announcement, the Garmin website hints at the existence of a strength training plan. It remains uncertain if this will become a separate version of Garmin Coach in the future. Both the Garmin Cycling Coach and Garmin Running Coach are compatible with various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 and the Forerunner 165. A full list of compatible devices is provided below. Users can establish a Garmin Coach training plan through Garmin Connect by navigating to More > Training & Planning > Garmin Coach Plans.

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