Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Stable Update Boosts Battery Life for High-End Smartwatches

    Garmin Stable Update Boosts Battery Life for High-End Smartwatches

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin released System Software 22.38 as a stable update for Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, and Enduro 3.
    – This update fixes a battery drain bug on Tactix 8 watches from the previous v22.35 version.
    – v22.38 resolves LiveTrack activation failures after ending an LTE call.
    – Golf activities crashing and dive depth resetting to 0 after hitting maximum depth are also fixed.
    – Only 20% of eligible smartwatches have received the update notification so far.

    System Software 22.38 Ships with Bug Fixes

    A few weeks have passed since Garmin announced a new stable update to the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro and other smartwatches like the Enduro 3. Offered as System Software 22.35, the update contained dozens of changes, including over half a dozen new features.

    Beta to Stable Transition

    Initially, v22.35 was supposed to be Garmin’s final v22.xx update. However, Garmin quickly issued Beta Version 22.37 to address multiple bugs found after the rollout of Software Version 22.35. Now, the company has transitioned this update to its stable software development branch with the release of System Software 22.38.

    Four Core Issues Resolved

    According to Garmin, System Software 22.38 fixes four overarching issues. For instance, v22.38 should resolve a battery drain bug that affected Tactix 8 smartwatches running System Software 22.35. Moreover, the new stable update is said to fix LiveTrack failing to activate during an activity after finishing an LTE-based call.

    On top of that, golf activities should no longer crash after updating to System Software 22.38. The same update fixes a possible issue where dive depth would automatically ascend to 0 after hitting maximum depth on older firmware. Garmin warns that only 20% of eligible smartwatches have recieved a notification to download System Software 22.38. Hence, it could take a few days for the new stable update to reach your smartwatch even if it is eligible.

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  • Garmin Fenix Gets Alcohol Tracking with Alcogram App

    Key Takeaway

    – Alcogram estimates blood alcohol concentration using user’s Garmin profile data (gender, height, age, weight) for improved accuracy.
    – The app runs directly on the smartwatch, allowing logging of drinks without needing a smartphone.
    – A graph visualizes estimated blood alcohol level over time, including projected progression.
    – Past consumption history is stored to help users monitor drinking habits.
    – The values provided are only approximations; when in doubt, always avoid driving or cycling.

    New Garmin App Tracks Your Booze Intake

    A fresh app for Garmin smartwatches, name of Alcogram, is built to monitor alcohol intake. However, you should be careful when it come to guessing your blood alcohol concentration: As the developer clearly states, the numbers given are just rough guesses. If you’ve got any doubts, it’s always safer to skip driving or riding a bike.

    How The App Works Better Then Simple Guesses

    To get more precise results compared to simple rules of thumb, Alcogram pulls data from your Garmin profile, like gender, height, age, and body weight – all factors that effect how alcohol is processed. The app runs directly on the watch itself, making it convinient to use without pulling out your phone. You can log different drinks on the watch, either by picking preset options or entering custom drinks with specific alcohol percentages.

    Visualizing Your Alcohol Curve Over Time

    A neat graph shows the estimated blood alcohol level across the hours, including how it might change in the future. The app also stores a history of past drinking sesions, which helps you keep an eye on your habits. Alcogram works with lots of different Garmin watches, including several Fenix models.

    Whats Compatible and Final Thought

    It’s real easy to use right from your wrist, so you can check you’re levels anytime. But remember, these are only estimates, not medical facts. So stay safe out there and don’t rely on it too much.

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  • Garmin Mid-Range Smartwatches Get Major Update

    Garmin Mid-Range Smartwatches Get Major Update

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin released stable Software Version 28.05 for Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965.
    – The update includes 7 to 10 changes depending on the model, with the 955 and 965 receiving the most.
    – All models benefit from activity and workout improvements.
    – The rollout has reached about 20% of eligible devices and will expand in coming days.

    New Update lands for Older Garmin Watches

    Garmin has finalised a new stable update for five of its older mid-range smartwatches. To recap, almost four months have passed since the company issued Software Version 27.09 to the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $599 on Amazon). In the intervening period, Garmin delivered a solitary v28.xx beta update called Beta Version 28.03.

    Mostly Same Features Across Models

    Nonetheless, it has now pushed ahead with the release of Software Version 28.05 globally. According to Garmin, Software Version 28.05 comes with up to 10 changes. However, this is only true for the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. By contrast, the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 benefit from 8 changes, with the Forerunner 165 dropping further to 7 changes from Software Version 27.09. However, all are said to have recieved activity and workout improvements.

    Currently, Garmin reports that Software Version 28.05 should have reached around 20% of eligible smartwatches. This percentage should change in the coming days, though. The changelogs for Software Version 28.05 are as follows:

    All Forerunner x55 and x65 smartwatches:

    • Fixed an issue where the watch could crash during activity sync
    • Improved heart rate accuracy during high-intensity intervals
    • Resolved a bug where sleep data was not syncing to Garmin Connect
    • Added support for new cycling power meter profiles
    • General system stability improvements
    • Updated translations for multiple languages
    • Fixed a rare issue with the altimeter calibration

    Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific

    • Improved mapping tile loading speed
    • Added new climb pro data fields
    • Fixed an issue where satIQ mode could drain battery faster than expected

    Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific: All four models recieve a fix for race predictor algorithems that were showing incorrect times for some users. Along with this, the update patched a problem with the touchscreen not responding after swimming in salt water.

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    • Garmin’s Data: Insights for Runners of All Levels

      Garmin’s Data: Insights for Runners of All Levels

      Key Takeaway

      – 40% of runners log 9.6–16.1 km/week; only 3% exceed 50 km/week
      – Average pace varies by age: 20–29 year-old males at 5:49 min/km, over 70s at 6:48 min/km
      – Higher running volume correlates with lower resting heart rate (55 bpm for 50+ km/week vs. 62 for non-runners)
      – Hybrid athletes (combining strength and endurance training) increased by 23% year-over-year
      – Data skews toward higher-performing athletes as it only reflects Garmin device users

      New Reports From Garmin Have Landed

      Garmin has just released two reports detailing user behavior in running and cycling. One notable aspect is that this data does not represent all runners and cyclists, but only those who use Garmin devices. Compared to the general population, we suspect (although we cannot prove this) that the statistics are skewed toward higher-performing athletes. While Garmin certainly caters to absolute beginners with products such as the new Forerunner models, users who utilize Garmin Connect or track their activity at all are likely, on average, to be somewhat more athletic.

      Running Statistics Breakdown

      The running statistics show that 40% of all runners surveyed run an average of between 9.6 and 16.1 kilometers (5.9 and 10 miles) per week. Another 28% run up to 32 kilometers (20 miles) per week, which is fairly typical mileage for training for a half marathon. Only 3% of runners run more than 50 kilometers (31 miles). Depending on one’s training level, the age-dependent breakdown of average speed (pace) might be interesting, and perhaps a little demotivating.

      • Male runners between the ages of 20 and 29 cover a kilometer (0.62 miles) in an average of 5.49 minutes.
      • This figure includes all runs, even those who intentionaly run more slowly.
      • Runners over 70 years old average 6:48 min/km.
      • On average, runners in Ireland, Portugal and Italy are particularly fast.

      Heart Rate And Hybrid Athletes

      The statistics also quite clearly demonstrate the expected correlation between resting heart rate and training status or endurance performance, which is expressed here as running volume. The average resting heart rate of non-runners is 62 beats per minute, dropping to 59 beats per minute with infrequent or casual running. Users who run more than 50 kilometers per week average 55 beats per minute. Another interesting aspect is that the proportion of hybrid athletes, or at least those who combine strength and endurance training, has increased by 23% compared to the previous year.

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    • Garmin Emergency Features vs Apple: Life-Saving Costs Compared

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin now offers a reduced-cost emergency satellite call for $7.99 via paused subscriptions, plus a $39.99 activation fee.
      – This change targets average smartwatch users (e.g., Fenix 8 Pro), not just serious outdoor adventurers with inReach handhelds.
      – Garmin appears stingy compared to Apple, which offers free satellite emergency communication for two years with no announced paywall.
      – The pricing may lead to reputational damage and long-term costs, as the choice of smartwatch can be life-or-death in emergencies.

      A necessary change?

      I fully expected this, and now it has happened: Garmin has reduced the cost of inReach in one specific scenario, likely the one most relevant to broad user groups. It is now possible to place at least an emergency call at an effective price of $7.99 by pausing the inReach subscription, and not only with various inReach devices, but also with Garmin smartwatches that support satellite communication. An initial activation fee of $39.99 also applies.

      Potentially problematic for the brand

      The move is not really surprising, but it probably will not protect Garmin from a potential marketing disaster and could end up costing the company more than lost inReach revenue at a lower level. This only partial change to the pricing structure seems problematic for two reasons. First, with the Fenix 8 Pro models, Garmin is targeting average users much more directly than it does with its inReach handhelds, even if those users are interested in sports. Put casually: Anyone who buys an inReach handheld is planning serious outdoor adventures and ideally also knows that such a subscription can be vital for survival.

      A different kind of customer

      That may not always be the case for customers who buy the Fenix 8 Pro or Quatix 8 Pro. Still, even a short hike in a dead zone, or a professional but ultimately not well-organized diving trip, can quickly turn into a fatal horror trip, or into the kind of story told well into old age about a successful helicopter rescue after what ultimately turned out to be a not-so-dramatic broken leg. It’s a bit of a gamble, requiring users to be very proactive about there subscription setup.

      Comparing to Apple

      Garmin looks particularly stingy compared with Apple: Satellite communication is free for the first two years after purchase, and there is no information yet for the period after that. Looking at the situation with iPhones as well, I strongly assume that Apple will at least not put basic emergency communication behind a paywall. This may sound somewhat naive, but in such cases, which are not exactly rare, the choice of smartwatch can quite literally decide between life and death, even if the smartwatch itself technically supports satellite communication.

      Long-term reputational risk

      Beyond the individual tragedy, this could also cause significant reputational damage for the otherwise very successful company and ultimately become much more expensive for Garmin in the long term. Average consumers might not understand why they need to pay extra for a life saving feature, especially when a rival offers it for free. It remains to be seen if Garmin will adjust there polices further, but for now the reaction from the market and potential buyers seems mixed at best.

      • Pricing specifics: $7.99 effective price per month for emergency call capability
      • Additional cost: $39.99 initial activation fee
      • Requires pausing the inReach subscription after activation
      • Works with Garmin inReach devices and select smartwatches (Fenix 8 Pro, Quatix 8 Pro)
      • Apple offers free satellite communication for first two years
      • No pricing information from Apple for period after two years
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    • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

      Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & Others Get Free Satellite SOS

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin now allows SOS functions on “suspended” inReach subscriptions, saving activation fees.
      – Pausing a subscription for up to 12 months enables year-round SOS access with just one $7.99 payment per year.
      – Other features (check-in messages, photo/voice transfer, LiveTrack) still require a paid subscription.
      – Voice calls and text messages via mobile network need at least the cheapest “Enabled” subscription.
      – The SOS-only feature on paused plans requires a firmware update and is limited to specific Garmin products.

      New SOS Access on Garmin Devices

      While smartphones like the Apple iPhone 17 ($759 on Amazon) have been offering free satellite SOS features for years, users of a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, a Quatix 8 Pro or even a dedicated inReach satellite communication device have to take out a paid subscription to be able to use this function. This is now changing, at least partially, as users with a “suspended” inReach subscription can now also access the SOS functions.

      Subscription Pause Changes

      Until now, pausing a subscription was mainly practical in order to save the activation fee of $39.99 if the subscription was to be continued at some point. A subscription can be paused for a maximum of twelve months at a time and is then automatically reactivated. The new arrangement means that it is effectively possible to pay $7.99 once a year for the cheapest inReach subscription and use Garmin inReach emergency call features all year round. However, as this requires a firmware update, emergency calls are only available on the following products during a paused subscription:

      • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
      • Garmin Quatix 8 Pro
      • Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
      • Garmin inReach Mini 2

      Remaining Features Still Paid

      All other inReach features, such as sending check-in messages to friends, transferring photos and voice messages via the satellite network, and LiveTrack location requests are still only available if a paid subscription has been taken out. Voice calls, text messages and voice messages via the mobile network also require at least the cheapest “Enablded” subscription


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    • Garmin Update Adds Health History & Recovery Mode

      Garmin Update Adds Health History & Recovery Mode

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin released the May 2026 Smartwatch and Cycling Computer Feature Update.
      – The update adds Gear Tracking and Bosch eBike smart system support on Edge devices (e.g., Edge 550, Edge 1050).
      – Premium golf features have already rolled out to Fenix E and Fenix 8 series via System Software 22.35.
      – More device updates are planned over the coming weeks, with no specific timeline provided.

      Garmin’s Recent Activity and New Updates

      Garmin has had a busy few months, with multiple product announcements and software updates having occured since its previous Feature Update. For instance, the company updated its Forerunner smartwatch series in mid-May with the release of the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 (curr. $299 on Amazon). They also quietly improved the battery life on some older models but didnt announce this widely.

      Focus on Cycling Computers

      Now, it has returned with the May 2026 Smartwatch and Cycling Computer Feature Update. For some reason, Garmin has focused on the latter in its official announcement. Currently, it has only showcased added Gear Tracking and Bosch eBike smart system on Edge devices like the Edge 550 or Edge 1050. The Edge 550 is priced at $399.99 and the Edge 1050 is priced at $599.99. However, the May 2026 update is also said to include the following changes: new navigation alerts for dangerous turns, better integration with Di2 shifting, and improved climbpro profiles.

      • Gear Tracking now supports chain and cassette wear monitoring
      • Bosch eBike smart system compatibility for real-time battery and assist data
      • Automatic crash detection and live tracking improvements

      Rollout Status and Premium Features

      According to Garmin, these new features have already begun rolling out in some cases. For instance, the ‘premium golf features’ described in the comparison chart above appear to have already been expanded on the Fenix E and Fenix 8 series with the release of System Software 22.35. These golf features include improved hazard overlays and green contour maps, avaliable only on the higher-end models. The Fenix E starts at $799.99 while the Fenix 8 series ranges from $999.99 to $1,499.99 depending on size and materials.

      Upcoming Device Updates

      Garmin claims it will continue to update devices over the coming weeks. Unfortunately, it has not yet given any timescale for doing so. This is frustrating for users who rely on consistent firmware schedules. Please see the images above and below for more details, as well as Garmin’s official announcement. The company is expected to push these updates to other compatible models like the Venu 3 and Instinct 3 series in the near future.


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    • Garmin OTA Update Adds Features and Bug Fixes for Smartwatches

      Garmin OTA Update Adds Features and Bug Fixes for Smartwatches

      Key Takeaway

      – Beta-only rollout (Garmin Beta Program) with OTA updates, and notable feature changes including a Dive and ECG disablement in this release.
      – New golf “glance” feature and a man-overboard navigation option that guides to the saved overboard point.
      – Bug fixes, including addressing resets seen in 21.39 during app installs, activity recording, or evening reports.

      Overview of the New Garmin Software Version

      Garmin has rolled out a fresh software version for several models, starting at $750 on Amazon for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, and extending to the Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, Quatix 8, and Fenix E. This update is planned to cascade across the entire series, regardless of the watch size, as a beta release visible to participants in Garmin’s Beta Program. It’s delivered as an over-the-air download and, notably, it will disable the Dive and ECG features in this iteration. The update is labeled as 22.35, following the prior 21.29, and the changelog lists 38 distinct entries, indicating a substantial set of changes and fixes.

      New Features and Safety Enhancements

      Among the fresh additions are a new “glance” function aimed at golf performance, which may provide quick, on-screen insights during rounds. A notable safety-oriented navigation option has been introduced that can guide users back to the location where someone fell overboard, a feature that becomes particularly valuable for boating activities. For this capability to function, the man-overboard point must be saved by a supported device, a step that can be completed swiftly in emergencies. These enhancements appear alongside ongoing efforts to expand the platform’s utility in sport and safety contexts.

      Bug Fixes and Reliability Improvements

      Garmin emphasizes that numerous bugs have been addressed in this update. A key example cited is that version 21.39 previously caused device resets in various scenarios, such as when installing new apps via the Garmin Connect Mobile app, or even during routine activity recording or when viewing the evening report. The new release aims to mitigate these resets and improve overall stability, which could result in a more dependable experience for users who rely on frequent app installations and daily logging.

      Notes on Availability and Beta Status

      Because this is a beta release, access is limited to Garmin’s Beta Program participants and is distributed as an over-the-air download. Users should be mindful that the Dive and ECG features are disabled in this version, which could affect certain usage scenarios for divers or health monitoring. As with all beta software, potential testers should anticipate iterative updates and closely monitor release notes for further refinements.

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    • Garmin Update Restores Solar Charging for Smartwatches Battery Life

      Garmin Update Restores Solar Charging for Smartwatches Battery Life

      Key Takeaway

      – Garmin releases a manual beta update (no OTA) for multiple Instinct 2 family watches, requiring a PC to install via a ZIP file.
      – The update addresses a single bug: an issue that could prevent solar charging (software version 17.11).
      – Solar charging together with low power consumption remains a key advantage, potentially enabling very long battery life depending on GNSS usage.

      Long-time readers may recall this: While Garmin has been offering beta software versions for its smartwatches for quite some time, they haven’t delivered via convenient over-the-air (OTA) updates even before the beta program existed. Instead, users had to connect their Garmin smartwatch to a computer as a mass storage device and then transfer a ZIP file to the watch, after which the installation would run automatically. Though not particularly complicated, this semi-manual update method does require access to a PC.

      Garmin has now rolled out a new beta software version as a manual update for the following Instinct models: the Garmin Instinct 2, Instinct 2 Solar, (available on Amazon) Instinct 2S, Instinct 2S Solar, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover. A separate file is available for each watch. The changelog is extremely short, covering just a single bug fix for an issue that could prevent solar charging.

      Despite including only one change, this update to software version 17.11 may be significant. The solar-charging capability, coupled with low power consumption, is likely a key selling point of the solar-enabled Instinct 2 models, allowing them to achieve virtually unlimited battery life depending on usage – provided users aren’t constantly tracking activities while using GNSS mode at full capacity.

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    • Garmin Smartwatches: Improved Volume in New Beta Updates

      Garmin Smartwatches: Improved Volume in New Beta Updates

      Key Takeaway

      – Improved responsiveness of the touchscreen volume slider in beta 17.30/17.31.
      – Nutrition Glance now logs both minute and hour of meal times; translations updated.
      – Bug fixes: prevents unexpected resets for FR570, FR970, Venu X1, Venu 4, and vivoactive 6; separate fix for multisport workouts causing freezes/resets on FR570, FR970, Venu X1, Venu 4.

      Garmin has released updates that bring new beta versions to several watches, including the Forerunner 970, Venu 4, Forerunner 570, Venu X1, and vivoactive 6. These beta releases aim to improve how the devices respond when you move the volume slider on the touchscreen. The changes also touch the Nutrition Glance, now letting you log both the hour and the minute of your meal time, and Garmin mentions updated translations across these wearables, though they do not specify which languages were amended.

      Varied stylistic note

      With the beta versions 17.30 and 17.31, users can expect better responsiveness as you adjust the volume via the touchscreen slider. The update also expands the Nutrition Glance’s functionality by recording minute-level precision for meal times, a small but handy tweak for daily tracking. Translation updates are acknowledged, yet the exact languages updated remain unspecified, leaving some curiosity about global support. These tweaks show Garmin’s ongoing attention to user experience for diverse markets.

      Technical specifics

      The beta notes indicate a bug fix intended to prevent unexpected resets on several models under 17.30/17.31. In addition, a separate fix targets multisport workouts on Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Venu 4, and Venu X1, addressing a potential freeze or reset during use. The current distribution status claims around half of eligible devices have received the beta, with installation possible via Settings > Check for Updates. Prices cited in context include curr. $649.99 for the Forerunner 970 at retailers, though this is not a guaranteed price in the update itself.

      How to get it

      User guidance notes that the beta software can be manually downloaded through the system’s update pathway when you select the “Check for Updates” option. As this is a beta, some users might experience fluctuations in performance, so caution is advised for those who rely on the watches during critical activities. The process is designed to be straightforward, yet it’s best to ensure data backups and familiarity with the update flow before proceeding. Garmin’s engineering teams continue to test these builds prior to wider rollout.

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