Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Enhances Sleep Mode in High-End Smartwatch with Update

    Garmin Enhances Sleep Mode in High-End Smartwatch with Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Fenix 8 Pro and Beta Version 20.15 for its smartwatch series, including Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8.
    2. The Beta Version 20.18 update is being rolled out globally as an over-the-air (OTA) update to eligible devices.
    3. Garmin has reported that 50% of eligible devices have already received the Beta Version 20.18 update.
    4. This update fixes a potential system crash when exiting Sleep mode but has disabled features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG.
    5. More beta updates are expected before Garmin moves towards a stable software release, with no clear timeline provided for future stable versions.

    Earlier this week, Garmin introduced the Fenix 8 Pro (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon) into its Beta Program with the launch of Beta Version 20.15. At that time, we noted that the beta primarily concentrated on Garmin’s new Fenix 8 series smartwatch, though it was also made available for the standard Fenix E, Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Tactix 8 models.

    Update to Beta Version 20.18

    Now, the company has upgraded these smartwatches to Beta Version 20.18, which is being released globally as an over-the-air (OTA) update. In a post on their forum, Garmin mentions that the new beta has already been provided to 50% of devices that are eligible. If your smartwatch enrolled in the Beta Program hasn’t received it yet, simply go to Menu, System, Software Update, and choose ‘Check for Updates’ to manually download Beta Version 20.18.

    Fixes and Feature Changes

    Garmin states that this new beta addresses a possible system crash that might happen when manually exiting Sleep mode. However, the company also cautions that features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG have been disabled in Beta Version 20.18. Consequently, more beta updates are anticipated before Garmin shifts the 20.xx development toward a stable software release. Unfortunately, there is no clear information provided by Garmin regarding future rollout plans for stable versions at this time.

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  • Garmin Fenix Pro Software Update: New Features and Improvements

    Garmin Fenix Pro Software Update: New Features and Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is launching a beta firmware update (version 20.15) for the Fenix 8 Pro series, with some features currently disabled.
    2. New features include a program for viewing and zooming received images on the watch and a new data field for LTE connection strength.
    3. Users can respond to Messenger messages using emojis and receive separate alerts for LTE standby.
    4. Bug fixes include allowing longer voice messages (over 30 seconds) in Messenger and resolving crashes when exiting the app.
    5. Diving and air sports functionalities remain disabled until a stable software version is released.

    Garmin is launching a new software version for the Fenix 8 Pro series. The firmware update, version 20.15, is still in beta, which means some features are not working yet. For instance, users will find that they cannot perform electrocardiograms, and the diving and air sports functionalities are disabled until a stable software version is made available.

    New Features and Changes

    The changelog reveals 24 updates, introducing fresh features like a program for showing received images that can now be zoomed directly on the watch. Additionally, a new data field has been added for activities, which allows users to view the LTE connection strength. Another notable change is the separate alert for LTE standby. Users can now respond to Messenger messages using emojis.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The update also includes various bug fixes, primarily focusing on Messenger. For instance, users can now send voice messages that are longer than 30 seconds, and it should no longer lead to crashes when exiting the Messenger app on the Fenix 8 Pro.

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  • Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

    Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched beta update 15.12 for Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches.
    2. The update includes bug fixes for activity voice alerts, incident detection alarms, and device resets.
    3. A specific fix for the Forerunner 970 addresses the flashlight strobe effect issue.
    4. Users are encouraged to switch to the new Sleep Focus Mode after the removal of an older sleep mode shortcut.
    5. Beta version 15.12 is available to all users in the beta program, with no timeline for a stable release.

    Garmin has launched a new beta update for its Forerunner 570 and 970 smartwatches. This is beta version 15.12, which comes after the mid-October release of beta version 15.09. The previous update added a hotkey for the calculator and an automatic button lock feature for climbing activities.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The latest beta version 15.12 brings several bug fixes to the Forerunner 570 and 970 models. The company has resolved an issue with activity voice alerts that could play at incorrect frequencies. Additionally, there was a problem where the incident detection alarm would sound through headphones instead of the watch’s speakers; this has now been fixed. Moreover, a bug affecting runners that caused the watch to lock onto a nearby track has also been addressed. Other issues that could lead to unexpected device resets or a blank screen have been eliminated as well.

    Specific Fixes for Forerunner 970

    Specifically for the Forerunner 970, there was a bug related to the flashlight strobe effect, which was not functioning as it should have during use. Garmin has also removed an older sleep mode shortcut, and users are encouraged to switch to the new Sleep Focus Mode instead. Furthermore, there are updates regarding translations for the smartwatches, although no specific information has been shared.

    In a post on the Garmin Forum, a brand representative has confirmed that the beta version 15.12 is now accessible to all Forerunner 570 and 970 users (currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon) who are part of the beta program. It remains unclear when a stable version of the 15.xx software will be rolled out to all users of these devices.

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    Garmin Updates Smartwatch: Sleep Mode Shortcut Removed

     

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  • Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

    Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Users are frustrated with changes to notifications after the Garmin Connect app update (version 5.18) on October 8th.
    2. The update linked Android’s Do Not Disturb mode to Garmin smartwatches, affecting notification vibrations.
    3. Many users noticed that their watches stopped vibrating for incoming notifications, even though messages still appeared.
    4. The issue impacts all Garmin smartwatch models, including the popular vivoactive 6, priced at $299.99.
    5. Garmin’s support team acknowledged the problem and plans to reverse the Do Not Disturb change in a future app update, though the timing is unknown.

    Garmin smartwatch users are voicing their annoyance over a recent unscheduled modification regarding notifications from Android smartphones. This problem emerged with the Garmin Connect app version 5.18, which was released on October 8th on the Google Play Store.

    Notification Changes

    Shortly after the update, many users began to discuss the alterations in smart notifications on their smartwatches on the Garmin Forum. Normally, when an Android phone sends notifications to a Garmin device, the watch would vibrate—provided the settings were adjusted correctly. This would occur even if the smartphone was in Do Not Disturb mode.

    Issues with Vibration

    Post the 5.18 app update, the Do Not Disturb feature from Android smartphones was automatically transferred to Garmin smartwatches. This is why some users noticed that their watches weren’t vibrating for incoming notifications, even though they could still see messages as usual in the notifications center. It seems this change impacted all models, including the popular vivoactive 6, which is currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon.

    Response from Garmin

    One user shared a reply from Garmin’s product support team (see screenshot below). The representative acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the change regarding the Do Not Disturb setting would be reversed in a future update for the Garmin Connect app for Android. However, the timing of this update remains uncertain.

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    Garmin Users Report Notification Issues After Connect App Update

     

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  • 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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