Tag: Garmin

April 7, 2025
Garmin Launches Stable Update with Auto Activity Start Enhancements
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released firmware version 2.29 for the vivomove Trend hybrid smartwatch, six months after version 2.27.
2. The update introduces a new vibration feature that alerts users at the start of an auto activity for running or walking.
3. Improvements to system stability are included, though specific details were not provided.
4. No reported issues from users with the new update so far.
5. Version 2.29 is available to at least 50% of users, with full rollout timing still unclear; it can be downloaded via Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Garmin has announced a new software update for the vivomove Trend hybrid smartwatch. The latest firmware version, 2.29, is a stable release that comes about six months after the previous version, 2.27. The earlier update fixed a problem related to distance when using Connected GPS.
New Features and Improvements
The change log for firmware version 2.29 lists two main changes. The first is a new vibration feature that activates at the beginning of an auto activity. The Auto Activity Start function allows the smartwatch to automatically track your running or walking workout when it senses continuous movement. The second change includes improvements to system stability, but Garmin hasn’t shared any specific details about these enhancements. So far, no users of the vivomove Trend have reported any issues with this update.
Update Availability
In a post on the Garmin forum, the company mentioned that firmware version 2.29 should be accessible to at least 50% of vivomove Trend smartwatch users (curr. from $236.52 at Amazon). It’s not clear when the full rollout of this update will happen. Users can download this update through either Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
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Tags: Garmin
April 7, 2025
Garmin Updates Flagship Smartwatches with New Features and Fixes
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released Beta Version 15.19 for its premium smartwatches, including Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8.
2. The update includes nine new improvements, featuring the Stage Timer app for the Tactix 8 series.
3. Users can now modify vibration patterns for Call Notifications with this update.
4. Beta Version 15.19 fixes issues related to the Strength Activity’s performance.
5. Users must manually download the update by checking for updates in the smartwatch’s system menu.
Hardly any time has gone by since Garmin rolled out a big update for its premium smartwatches. Just to refresh your memory, last week the company launched Beta Version 15.18 for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and now the Tactix 8 smartwatches, which included more than a dozen fixes and enhancements.
New Features in Beta Version 15.19
However, Garmin hasn’t slowed down and has now introduced Beta Version 15.19. As its name implies, this version remains part of Garmin’s Beta Program and offers nine new improvements, including the Stage Timer app specifically for the Tactix 8 series. Moreover, this update comes with a feature that allows users to modify the vibration patterns for Call Notifications.
Bug Fixes and Update Instructions
Beta Version 15.19 is also reported to fix issues that were affecting the Strength Activity’s performance. It’s important to mention that Garmin is not automatically sending this new beta update to the smartwatches enrolled in the program. Users have to manually download it by going to Menu, System, and then Software Update on an Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8 (currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon) before clicking on ‘Check for Updates’. Below is the complete list of changes between Beta Versions 15.18 and 15.19:
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Tags: Enduro 3, Garmin, Tactix 8
April 1, 2025
Garmin Vivoactive 6 Launches at $299 with Bright AMOLED Display
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has launched the Vivoactive 6, the successor to the Vivoactive 5, priced at $299.99.
2. The Vivoactive 6 features a more vibrant AMOLED display, maintaining a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels and supporting Always On Display.
3. It offers a battery life of up to 11 days and increased built-in storage, along with new features like Red Shift and Daily Suggested Workouts.
4. The Vivoactive 6 lacks passcode support and is compatible only with 20 mm watch bands.
5. The watch will be available for order starting April 4 and comes in four different colors.
Companies usually avoid launching new products on April 1 for obvious reasons. However, Garmin has chosen to unveil the successor of the Vivoactive 5 (currently priced at $214 on Amazon), which was released just a bit over 18 months ago.
Display Enhancements
Garmin says that the Vivoactive 6 boasts a more vibrant AMOLED screen compared to the previous model. Nevertheless, they haven’t provided detailed information on this aspect. What they did confirm is that the 1.2-inch display maintains a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and features Always On Display capability.
Battery Life and Features
Similar to its forerunner, the Vivoactive 6 offers a battery life of up to 11 days. This time, Garmin has upped the built-in storage capacity, and it now supports BeiDou and QZSS location services. Additionally, the Vivoactive 6 is equipped with a built-in gyroscope, which was not present in the Vivoactive 5. New features include Red Shift, more activity profiles, Daily Suggested Workouts, and a Smart Wake Alarm designed to wake you ‘gently’ at the ‘best time’ according to your sleep data.
Missing Features
Interestingly, the Vivoactive 6 does not include passcode support, which Garmin had rolled out to several smartwatches this year, including the Vivoactive 5. It’s also worth noting that the new Vivoactive is only compatible with 20 mm watch bands. The standard watch bands are made to fit wrist sizes ranging from 125 mm to 190 mm in circumference. The Vivoactive 6 will be up for order starting April 4 for a price of $299.99 and will come in four different colors. For a complete list of differences between the Vivoactive 5 and Vivoactive 6, check out Garmin’s product comparison page.
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Tags: Garmin, Smartwatch, Vivoactive 6
April 1, 2025
Garmin Vivoactive 6 Specs and Pricing Ahead of Launch Rumors
Key Takeaways
1. The Vivoactive 6 will have a 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, similar to the Vivoactive 5.
2. It is expected to be thinner than the Vivoactive 5, measuring 10.9 mm.
3. The smartwatch will feature 8 GB of internal storage and support BeiDou and QZSS location services.
4. New features will include Garmin Share, animated workouts, and additional running metrics.
5. The anticipated price is around €329 (~$355) in Europe and about $300 in North America.
Hardly any time has gone by since a Reddit user disclosed some early information about the Vivoactive 6 and a possible new Forerunner smartwatch. Yet, new details about the Vivoactive 6 have come to light just ahead of its expected launch in less than a month.
Display and Specs
The Vivoactive 6 is expected to feature an AMOLED display with a diagonal measurement of 1.2 inches and a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels with a density of 325 PPI. In simpler terms, the screen on Garmin’s next Vivoactive will be identical in size and resolution to the one on the Vivoactive 5 (currently priced at $179.95 for refurbished units on Amazon). Unfortunately, it is still unclear if the display will be larger this time around.
Design and Features
Reportedly, the Vivoactive 6 will be a bit thinner than the previous model, measuring at 10.9 mm. This new smartwatch is anticipated to come with 8 GB of internal storage and will support BeiDou and QZSS location services. Additionally, Fitness Tracker Test has noted that the Vivoactive 6 will include features like Garmin Share, animated workouts, and running metrics, which were lacking in its predecessor. The website also mentions that the Vivoactive 6 will be priced at €329 (~$355) in Europe, while it is expected to cost around $300 in North America.
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Tags: Garmin, Smartwatch, Vivoactive 6
March 31, 2025
Garmin Updates Older Flagship Smartwatches After Nearly a Year
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released System Software 28.02 for the Fenix 6 and Fenix 6 Pro smartwatches.
2. The update is available worldwide and follows nearly a year after System Software 27.00.
3. System Software 28.02 includes only eight changes, with no new features introduced.
4. The primary focus of the update is on fixing bugs rather than adding new functionalities.
5. The update may also be available for other models like Enduro, Marq, and Tactix Delta, but notifications for availability may take time.
Garmin has begun to release a new stable update for the Fenix 6 and Fenix 6 Pro (currently priced at $369.99 – renewed on Amazon), which is now accessible worldwide. To give some background, it’s been nearly a year since the company launched System Software 27.00 for these smartwatches.
Previous Updates
As we mentioned last May, System Software 27.00 fixed numerous bugs while also introducing a handful of new features. However, the latest update, System Software 28.02, brings significantly fewer modifications. In a post on a forum, Garmin mentions that this new update has only eight changes compared to System Software 27.00. Furthermore, none of the updates can be classified as new features.
Focus on Bug Fixes
Garmin has once again concentrated on addressing bugs. It’s important to highlight that System Software 28.02 should also be available for download on the Enduro, Marq, and Tactix Delta smartwatches. Do keep in mind that it may take some time for Garmin to send out notifications to all eligible smartwatches regarding the availability of System Software 28.02. Below is the complete changelog for the update:
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Tags: Fenix 6, Garmin
March 31, 2025
New Garmin Smartwatch Leaks and Forerunner 975 Release Rumors
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is preparing to launch the Forerunner 975 later this year, following the refresh of its Enduro and Fenix series.
2. A new Vivoactive smartwatch, the Vivoactive 6, is in development and expected to be released next month.
3. The Vivoactive 6 will come in four color options and feature new silicone bands.
4. Key features of the Vivoactive 6 include an accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and several advanced running metrics, but it will not have altimeter or ECG support.
5. The Vivoactive 6 will use Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate sensor and feature a redesigned main hardware button resembling a digital crown for improved comfort.
It looks like Garmin is getting ready to update one of its well-liked smartwatch lines. Just to summarize, the company refreshed its Enduro and Fenix series last year, introducing the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8. Recently, there have been hints that Garmin might be setting things in motion for the release of the Forerunner 975.
New Developments on the Forerunner 975
In this regard, new reports have surfaced indicating that the Forerunner 975 could be launched later this year. Meanwhile, there is evidence suggesting that a new Vivoactive smartwatch is already well into its development phase. For context, the Vivoactive 5 (currently priced at $179.95 for refurbished models on Amazon) has been available for more than a year and a half. This device is exclusively offered in a 42 mm case size and features a vivid circular AMOLED display, providing up to 11 days of battery life, along with various functionalities found in Garmin’s pricier models.
Features of the Upcoming Vivoactive 6
If the recent leak is correct, then Garmin plans to release a successor in four different color options, each accompanied by matching silicone bands. The Vivoactive 6 is reported to include an accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope, but will not support altimeter or electrocardiogram (ECG) features. Instead, it is expected to include functions such as Ground Contact Time, Vertical Oscillation, Pace Pro, Running Power, and VO2 Max.
It seems that Garmin has integrated the Vivoactive 6 with its Elevate V5 heart rate sensor array. Furthermore, it appears that Garmin has altered its main hardware button to look more like a digital crown. This change seems to be for comfort, as the button doesn’t seem to have any new features added. According to reports, the Vivoactive 6 is set to be launched next month, although a specific release date has not been disclosed yet.
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Tags: Forerunner 975, Garmin, Vivoactive 6
March 28, 2025
Garmin Fenix 8 Beta Update: Over 60 New Features and Changes
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has launched beta version 15.16 for Fenix 8 series and Enduro 3 smartwatches, following the stable version 13.35.
2. New features include a Rucking activity, voice command support for various functions, and enhanced Daily Suggested Workout options in the Garmin Connect app.
3. Improvements were made to Climbing, Jump Rope activities, and the design of Garmin Coach and Morning Report weather interface.
4. Two features were removed: Distance Targets for Jump Rope and the Resume Option for finished Guided Meditations, alongside various bug fixes.
5. Users can update their smartwatch via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but ECG and Dive functions are disabled for Fenix 8 models in this beta release.
Garmin has launched beta version 15.16 for its Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 smartwatches. This marks the inaugural release in the 15.xx testing series, succeeding the stable update version 13.35, which was released in March and included various bug fixes.
New Features and Improvements
This beta version introduces a new Rucking activity and incorporates support for Rep-Counting 3.0 on the Fenix 8 line and related smartwatches. Users can now operate features like Jumpmaster, Plan Dive, Reference Point, and Trolling Motor using voice commands. Additionally, the Garmin Connect app now shows more Daily Suggested Workout options. Enhancements have also been made to the Climbing and Jump Rope activities. There are updates to the design of Garmin Coach for race day, along with a refreshed Morning Report weather interface. Furthermore, the Body Battery summary graph has been upgraded to display data over a 24-hour period, and the Calendar now includes suggested workouts for both running and cycling.
Removed Features and Bug Fixes
With this update, Garmin has eliminated two features: Distance Targets for Jump Rope have been removed, and the Resume Option for finished Guided Meditations is no longer available. The change log for beta version 15.16 contains 66 notes, many focusing on bug fixes that address problems with Passcode, Morning Report, and skin temperature readings, among others. The complete release notes can be found below.
How to Update
To update your smartwatch, simply download the update via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth by navigating to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. As is typical with all beta updates for these devices, the ECG and Dive functions are turned off for the Fenix 8 smartwatches (47mm AMOLED model currently priced at $984.95 on Amazon).
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Tags: Fenix 8, Garmin
March 27, 2025
Garmin Launches Major Update for Older Flagship Smartwatches
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has launched version 21 software for Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and similar smartwatches.
2. Users must manually download the update through the smartwatch’s menu; it does not auto-download.
3. Beta Version 21.04 includes five modifications from System Software 20.22.
4. The update features various bug fixes and enhancements, though specific details are not provided.
5. Beta Version 21.04 fixes two additional bugs, including one that could cause a crash in the Garmin Coach widget.
Garmin has just launched the latest major software version for the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and other similar smartwatches like the Enduro 2 (currently priced at $671 on Amazon). Earlier this month, the company rolled out System Software 20.22 for these devices, shortly before revealing its larger Q1 2025 update.
New Version Available
Now, Garmin is offering version 21 software, which users can access through its Beta Program. It’s important to note that this new update won’t automatically download to a Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, or Marq 2, even if they are part of the Beta Program. Users need to manually start the download by navigating to Menu, System, and then Software Update on their smartwatch, followed by selecting ‘Check for Updates’.
Changes in Beta Version 21.04
Garmin states that Beta Version 21.04 introduces five modifications compared to System Software 20.22. Among these is a bundle of ‘various’ bug fixes and enhancements, but Garmin has not shared any specific details. Furthermore, Beta Version 21.04 addresses two additional bugs, one of which could lead to a crash in the Garmin Coach widget. The complete list of changes related to Beta Version 21.04 is outlined below:
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Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin
March 18, 2025
Garmin Fenix 6 Beta Update Fixes Map Issues
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released beta version 28.02 for Fenix 6 Pro smartwatches, now reaching 50% of eligible users.
2. The update includes a minor bug fix related to the popularity heatmap feature for running and cycling routes.
3. Version 28.01, the previous beta update, fixed a music controls widget issue across several Garmin smartwatch models.
4. Users can download the beta update by connecting to Wi-Fi and navigating through the watch’s system menu.
5. The term “release candidate” indicates that a public version of the software may be available soon for all Garmin Fenix 6 users.
A new public beta update is being rolled out for the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro smartwatches. Beta version 28.02 has already reached 50% of eligible users, as noted in a recent update on the Garmin forum. This update is quite minor and includes just one bug fix.
Bug Fixes Included
The changelog mentions that Garmin has addressed a “possible issue” related to the popularity heatmap, a feature that displays users’ preferred running and cycling routes in their area. The release notes indicate that users faced difficulties with this feature while routing and drawing maps.
Previous Update Details
Version 28.02 comes shortly after the last beta release, version 28.01, which fixed a problem that caused the music controls widget to unexpectedly close. That update was applicable to a wider range of watches, such as the Fenix 6, Marq, Enduro (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon), Quatix 6, and Tactix Delta smartwatches.
How to Download the Update
To download the beta version 28.02 update on your Garmin Fenix 6 Pro smartwatch, connect via Wi-Fi and navigate to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. The company refers to this as a “release candidate,” suggesting that a public version of the software could soon be available for everyone using the Garmin Fenix 6 and similar smartwatches.
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Tags: Garmin
March 14, 2025
Garmin Wearables Update: Enhanced Battery Life Estimates
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released System Software version 19.50 for Descent Mk3 and Mk3i dive computers.
2. The update includes bug fixes, including a crash issue with the graphical compass data field.
3. It resolves a blank area issue on the map during navigation and corrects dive battery estimate errors.
4. Navigation issues with the Plan Dive feature and bugs in Auto Zoom and Orientation settings have been fixed.
5. The update is automatically pushed to devices, with manual update options available through Garmin Connect or Garmin Express.
Garmin has put out a new stable update for the Descent Mk3 and Descent Mk3i dive computers. The System Software version 19.50 is a small update that comes after the version 19.49 released in late February, which introduced new payment applications and data fields.
Bug Fixes and Improvements
The 19.50 update includes several bug fixes for these devices. One of the key fixes addresses a potential crash that could happen when users attempted to set up the graphical compass data field found on dive data pages. Additionally, some users of the Descent Mk3 dive computer had experienced a blank area near the top of the map during navigation, but this issue has been fixed. The update notes mention that an error with dive battery estimates, which was linked to the always-on display mode when inactive, has now been corrected.
Navigation and Settings Adjustments
Garmin has also tackled an issue with the Plan Dive feature, where navigation to nearby dive sites would not initiate as expected. Moreover, a bug related to the Auto Zoom and Orientation settings on the map has been resolved. System Software version 19.50 will be automatically pushed to Descent Mk3 and Descent Mk3i dive computers (currently priced at $1,399.99 on Amazon). You also have the option to manually update via Garmin Connect or Garmin Express.
Garmin’s commitment to improving user experience is evident in these updates, ensuring that divers have a smoother experience with their devices.
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Tags: Descent Mk3, Garmin