Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Resolves GPS Bug with Latest Smartwatch Update

    Garmin Resolves GPS Bug with Latest Smartwatch Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released software version 5.10 for the Approach S62 smartwatch, over a year after version 5.00.
    2. The update includes two key bug fixes: one for missing golf course layouts and another for GPS Extended Prediction Orbit files.
    3. The GPS connection time is improved, typically reducing it to less than 30 seconds.
    4. The update is now available to all Approach S62 users, priced at $469.90 on Amazon.
    5. Users can access the update through Garmin Connect, Garmin Golf apps, or Garmin Express on computers.

    A fresh update has been released for the Garmin Approach S62 smartwatch: software version 5.10. This update comes more than a year after the last one, version 5.00, which introduced support for PulseOx Spot Checks in the Garmin Connect Manager and improved the smartwatch’s GPS capabilities.

    Bug Fixes Included

    With software version 5.10, the Approach S62 now includes two important bug fixes. One fix addresses an issue with the golf course list where certain course layouts were unintentionally left out. Another fix is related to the GPS Extended Prediction Orbit (EPO) files, which help speed up GPS connection times, usually bringing them down to less than 30 seconds. The change log indicates that a problem causing an incorrect status display has also been fixed.

    Update Availability

    According to a Garmin representative on their forum, this stable update is now accessible to all Approach S62 users (currently priced at $469.90 on Amazon). To get this update, users can visit either the Garmin Connect or Garmin Golf applications on their smartphones, or use Garmin Express on their computers.

     

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Update Adds Support for More Courses

    Garmin Smartwatch Update Adds Support for More Courses

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released a new stable update (version 7.15) for the Approach S44 and S50 golf smartwatches.
    2. The update increases the number of golf courses displayed simultaneously in the course list.
    3. The Round Summary screen has been redesigned to match the look of the S70 smartwatch.
    4. Several bugs have been fixed, including score recording reminders and issues with distance measurements.
    5. The translation feature has been improved, and the update is available through the Garmin Golf app or Garmin Express.

    Garmin has put out a new stable update for its Approach S44 and Approach S50 golf smartwatches. This follows the earlier updates 6.58 and 6.59 from a few months prior, which improved the Breathing Variations tool’s interface.

    Improvements in Version 7.15

    The latest software version 7.15 includes various enhancements for these smartwatches. One notable change is the increase in the number of golf courses displayed at once in the course list, although Garmin hasn’t specified the exact figure. Additionally, the Round Summary screen has been revamped to resemble the one found on the S70 smartwatch.

    Bug Fixes and Enhancements

    This stable version for the Approach S44 and S50 also addresses multiple issues. For instance, a glitch that prevented the device from vibrating to remind users to record their scores has been fixed. Garmin has also resolved some bugs related to the distances in the previous shots list, as well as a potential crash that could occur when starting the device.

    Moreover, the translation feature of the smartwatch has seen improvements, although Garmin has not elaborated on these specifics. The software version 7.15 is currently accessible to all users of the Approach S44 and Approach S50, which are priced at $399.99 on Amazon Marketplace. You can download the update through the Garmin Golf app or via Garmin Express.

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  • Garmin Updates Fenix 7 with New Stable Beta Build Insights

    Garmin Updates Fenix 7 with New Stable Beta Build Insights

    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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  • Garmin Unveils New Features for Smartwatch Ahead of Stable Update

    Garmin Unveils New Features for Smartwatch Ahead of Stable Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The company is rolling out a significant stable update through its Beta Program, moving to Beta 15.10 after nearly a month of development.
    2. Beta 15.10 is currently available only through manual installation on the Venu X1.
    3. Users can access the update by navigating through the Main menu to Settings, System, and Software Update.
    4. The new update introduces three new watch faces and a feature to monitor health data and wellness.
    5. Beta 15.10 allows the Venu X1 to be turned off without a passcode and includes several bug fixes.

    The firm has been quite engaged in rolling out a significant stable update through its Beta Program. Indeed, the beta version 15.xx has been in development for nearly a month now, following the release of Beta 15.05 at the end of September.

    Moving to Beta 15.10

    Currently, the company has progressed to Beta 15.10, which seems to be available only through manual installation for now. To do this, users need to go through the Main menu, then Settings, followed by System, and finally Software Update on their Venu X1 that is part of the Beta Program, before clicking on ‘Check For Updates’.

    New Features and Fixes

    After downloading and installing Beta 15.10, the Venu X1 will unlock three new watch faces. Garmin also mentions that there’s now a feature to monitor changes in health data and overall wellness. Furthermore, the Venu X1 can now be turned off without requiring a passcode beforehand. Additionally, Garmin has stated that Beta 15.10 includes several bug fixes:

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  • Oakley Meta Vanguard Smart Glasses with Garmin and Limited AR

    Oakley Meta Vanguard Smart Glasses with Garmin and Limited AR

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses are now available for purchase starting at $499, including retailers like Amazon and opticians.
    2. Users can utilize voice commands to access workout metrics, and the glasses feature automatic recording during key workout moments.
    3. The glasses enhance reality mainly through sound but do not provide a visual overlay for information display.
    4. Equipped with a 12MP camera and a 122-degree field of view, the glasses are resistant to sweat and water.
    5. They offer a battery life of 9 hours, with an additional 36 hours provided by the charging case.

    We have previously shared news about the Oakley Meta Vanguard, and now it is finally for sale in stores and is listed as available at several retailers, including Amazon, with prices beginning at $499. You can also find these glasses at some opticians. Moreover, Garmin has released detailed information about the features of the Oakley Meta Vanguard as it becomes more widely accessible. These smart glasses are a collaboration between Garmin and Oakley Meta, specifically designed for athletes.

    Voice Commands for Convenience

    Users can take advantage of voice commands to access various details, such as their current pace, speed, or heart rate. The company highlights the automatic recording feature that activates with smart triggers, particularly during peak workout moments or when achieving a new personal best. Although the Oakley Meta Vanguard lacks a traditional display, they are still capable of delivering visual information. There is a status LED that uses light to signal whether users are within their target zone, like the desired heart rate.

    Augmented Reality Features

    By certain definitions, the Oakley Meta Vanguard could be considered AR glasses since they enhance the perception of reality, mainly through sound without interacting with the surroundings. However, it is important to note that the Vanguard does not provide a visual overlay for displaying information.

    Specifications and Performance

    The Oakley Meta Vanguard comes equipped with a 12MP camera that has a 122-degree field of view, and the glasses are fairly resistant to sweat and water. Additionally, the open-ear speakers can be utilized for voice output as well as music playback. There’s also a touchpad and an action button included. The manufacturer claims a battery life of 9 hours, and the charging case offers an extra 36 hours of use.

    Oakley Meta Vanguard Smart Glasses with Garmin and Limited AR

     

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  • Garmin D2 Air X15: New Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED Display

    Garmin D2 Air X15: New Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched the D2 Air X15 smartwatch, specifically designed for pilots, replacing the D2 Air X10.
    2. The D2 Air X15 features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels and offers up to 10 days of battery life.
    3. The design includes a 45 mm casing, weighs 56 g, and is made with a stainless steel bezel and Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
    4. Key pilot-centric features include a built-in LED flashlight and the Garmin Pilot app, providing essential flight data and navigation insights.
    5. The D2 Air X15 is available in Slate and Silver finishes with a price of $649.99, incorporating additional features from the Venu 4 series.

    Garmin has rolled out an updated version of its mid-tier smartwatch series, introducing a new model tailored specifically for pilots. The model in question is the D2 Air X15, which had been anticipated with rumors circulating about it a month ago. Coincidentally, the D2 Air X15 launches together with the D2 Mach 2, which we have discussed in another article.

    New Features and Replacement

    To put it simply, the D2 Air X15 takes the place of the D2 Air X10 (currently priced at $549 on Amazon). For a bit of background, Garmin designed the earlier model around the Venu 2 Plus. In a notable shift, the D2 Air X15 bypasses the Venu 3 series completely and moves directly to the Venu 4, which was released in September.

    Specifications and Design

    The D2 Air X15 features a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen that offers a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, with a battery life lasting up to 10 days. Enclosed within a 45 mm casing, the smartwatch has a weight of 56 g when paired with Garmin’s standard band and is compatible with 22 mm Quick Release bands. Additionally, it is equipped with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display cover, a stainless steel bezel, and a housing that merges fibre-reinforced polymer with stainless steel.

    Pilot-Centric Features

    Moreover, the D2 Air X15 includes a built-in LED flashlight along with the Garmin Pilot app, which delivers essential flight data, navigation insights, and a morning report tailored for aviators, among other pilot-oriented functionalities. Garmin also incorporates additional features from the Venu 4, such as voice command support and the Messenger app service. The D2 Air X15 comes in Slate and Silver finishes, accompanied by a Black Silicone Band, priced at $649.99. For further information, check Garmin’s official website.

    Garmin D2 Air X15: New Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED DisplayGarmin D2 Air X15: New Mid-Range Smartwatch with AMOLED Display

     

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  • Garmin Launches Major Update for High-End Smartwatches

    Garmin Launches Major Update for High-End Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released its first update for the Fenix 8 series and similar models, known as Beta Version 20.13.
    2. The update includes over 50 modifications for Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Tactix 8 smartwatches, improving user experience.
    3. About 20% of Beta Program participants can access the update, with more users expected to receive it soon.
    4. Fenix 8 Pro models are currently not eligible for Beta Version 20.13.
    5. The update includes eight bug fixes, including a fix for crashes related to Active Focus Mode display settings.

    Garmin has rolled out its first update for the Fenix 8 series and similar models, following the addition of the Fenix 8 Pro to its Beta Program just last week. To summarize, the company has been testing version 20.xx builds in its Beta Program for nearly a month. During this period, it has implemented more than 50 modifications for users of Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Tactix 8 smartwatches, as well as for those with the standard Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon).

    New Beta Update Available

    Now, Garmin has advanced to Beta Version 20.13, which can be downloaded as an over-the-air (OTA) update for participants in the Beta Program who own the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8 watches. As of now, Garmin says that this update has been offered to about 20% of enrolled users, though this number is expected to grow in the coming days. Alternatively, users can manually check for Beta Version 20.13 by navigating to Settings, System, Software Update, and then selecting ‘Check for Updates’.

    Important Access Information

    It’s important to highlight that Fenix 8 Pro models are not allowed to access Beta Version 20.13. This might change before Garmin releases another beta update, however. In any case, Beta Version 20.13 includes eight fixes for bugs, one of which addresses an issue that caused crashes when modifying settings for Active Focus Mode display. The complete changelog for Beta Version 20.13 is as follows, which brings the total development for version 20.xx to over 60 updates by our estimation:

     

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Receives Second Beta Update

    Garmin Smartwatch Receives Second Beta Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released beta version 15.10 for the Venu 4 smartwatch, following the initial beta version 15.08.
    2. The change log for beta version 15.10 is the same as version 15.08, with no confirmed additional bug fixes at this time.
    3. Key features from beta version 15.08 include the ability to power off the smartwatch without a passcode and reduced sound for starting voice notes.
    4. The previous update also fixed issues with silent speakers, device reboots during calls, and notification count errors.
    5. To install the update, users should go to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

    Garmin is launching a new beta update for the Venu 4 smartwatch. This marks the second beta release for this device, which debuted in September 2025. The initial update, beta version 15.08, was made available in early October 2025.

    Latest Beta Version Released

    A Garmin representative shared in a recent forum post that beta version 15.10 is now accessible for Venu 4 smartwatch users (current price: $559.99 on Amazon). Interestingly, the change log linked to this announcement is the same as that for the previous beta release, version 15.08. As of now, it’s uncertain if there are any additional bug fixes in this latest version that haven’t been mentioned.

    Features from Previous Update

    To recap the features introduced with beta version 15.08, users of the Garmin Venu 4 can now power off the smartwatch without needing to input the device passcode. Also, the sound that plays when starting a voice note has been reduced. Various bug fixes have also been included, addressing issues such as a silent speaker or the device rebooting during phone calls. Garmin has also resolved problems related to the notification count displayed on the watch, the timing in the Evening Report, and crashes triggered by receiving multiple smart notifications. The full change log is provided below.

    How to Install the Update

    If you belong to the Garmin Venu 4 Beta Program and want to download the version 15.10 update, navigate to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

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    Garmin Smartwatch Receives Second Beta Update

     

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  • Garmin Resolves Passcode Issue in Latest Smartwatch Update

    Garmin Resolves Passcode Issue in Latest Smartwatch Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released a beta update (version 5.06) for the Lily 2 Active smartwatch.
    2. The update includes bug fixes for the passcode feature and strength activity metrics.
    3. Calendar-related issues have been addressed, though no specific details were provided.
    4. The update corrects the ANATEL e-label for telecommunications devices in Brazil.
    5. Users can download the update via Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

    Garmin has rolled out a new beta update for the Lily 2 Active smartwatch. The software version 5.06 comes a few months after the previous 5.05 update, which addressed problems related to step tracking, stress notifications, and weather information displayed on the watch.

    Software Improvements

    The Lily 2 Active software version 5.06 introduces various bug fixes to the smartwatch, which was launched in 2024. This stable update resolves an issue associated with the device’s passcode feature. In certain situations, users were unable to reset the device after entering the wrong password too many times. Additionally, a problem concerning the strength activity, where the status and metrics weren’t converted properly, has been fixed. Garmin has also worked on several calendar-related issues with the watch, although no further specifics were given.

    Important Notes

    The last point in the software version 5.06 change log mentions that Garmin has corrected the ANATEL e-label, a certification required for telecommunications devices sold in Brazil. In a recent update on the Garmin forum, a company representative confirmed that this update is now accessible to all users of the Lily 2 Active smartwatch (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon). Users can download and install the update through Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

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    Garmin Resolves Passcode Issue in Latest Smartwatch Update

     

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  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Beta Program: Early Access to Features and Updates

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Beta Program: Early Access to Features and Updates

    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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