Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin Fenix 8 Update Fixes GPS Bug Issues

    Garmin Fenix 8 Update Fixes GPS Bug Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin released a stable update (version 12.38) for Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 smartwatches, two months after version 12.35.
    2. The update includes a fix for GPS acquisition, improving connection times from up to three minutes to around five seconds.
    3. The GPS software was upgraded from version 2.11 to version 2.60, enhancing overall performance.
    4. The rollout of version 12.38 is currently available to 50% of users, with an uncertain timeline for full release.
    5. Version 12.38 is separate from the upcoming beta version 13.xx, which is expected to introduce new features like passcode entry and a QWERTY keyboard.

    Garmin has launched a new stable update for the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 smartwatches, now at version 12.38. This public release comes about two months after the previous version 12.35, which included numerous bug fixes and limited the Workout Execution score to only running and cycling workouts.

    Update Details

    The change log for the stable software version 12.38 mentions just one fix: it addresses a bug tied to GPS acquisition. Consequently, the GPS software has been upgraded from version 2.11 to version 2.60. Many users have already noted improvements in this area. Previously, GPS connection times were between 20 seconds and three minutes, but post-update, the connection time is reportedly around five seconds, bringing it back to former performance standards.

    Rollout Information

    A Garmin team member shared on the Garmin Forum that software version 12.38 is currently available to 50% of users with the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3 (currently priced at $833.99 on Amazon). However, it remains uncertain when this staggered rollout will conclude. It’s important to point out that, as the version number suggests, version 12.38 is separate from the newer 13.xx software that is currently in beta testing. The release date for a stable version of the beta is still unknown, but it is anticipated to offer features such as passcode entry and a QWERTY keyboard layout complete with predictive text support, among other improvements.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Updates May Trigger Bootloop Issues on Fenix and Forerunner

    Garmin Updates May Trigger Bootloop Issues on Fenix and Forerunner

    Garmin has rolled out a number of updates for its wide range of smartwatches this year. Typically, these recent update packages are aimed at fixing bugs, including one for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 (currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon) through its Beta Program. However, many users are now reporting that the notorious ‘triangle of death’ has made a comeback, having shown up multiple times over the past few years.

    What’s the Triangle of Death?

    As shown in the video below, the triangle of death refers to a situation where a Garmin smartwatch becomes stuck in a bootloop, displaying only a blue triangle. Initial reports suggest that this latest bug appears regardless of the smartwatch’s software version. Furthermore, it isn’t limited to a specific model, as users have noted experiencing it on various generations of Forerunner and Fenix smartwatches.

    Possible Causes and Current Solutions

    It seems the triangle of death could be triggered by a faulty GPE.bin file that activates when starting a new GPS-related activity. Following the initiation, the affected smartwatch may crash and enter a bootloop similar to what is depicted below. Garmin has acknowledged the problem, but for now, it only provides a temporary workaround until a proper fix can be delivered through its servers.

    “We are aware of an issue causing some devices to be stuck on the start up screen or a blue triangle. To resolve this, press and hold the power button until the device turns off, then power it back on, and sync with the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express. If this does not resolve your issue, Please click here for more information.”

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • Garmin Launches Stable Software Update to Fix Alarm Issues

    Garmin Launches Stable Software Update to Fix Alarm Issues

    Garmin has begun the distribution of software version 2.68 for the Venu Sq 2 smartwatch. This update comes after version 2.66, which was released nearly eight months ago and included enhancements to Connect IQ along with general system stability improvements.

    What’s New in Version 2.68

    The new software version 2.68 is primarily a minor update, featuring just two changes. First off, Garmin has fixed an issue related to the alarm, although it’s not clear exactly what the problem was. The second point mentions additional enhancements to system stability, but there are no specifics on how users might notice these improvements.

    Battery Drain Concerns

    A significant detail missing from the update notes is any mention of the recent battery drain problems reported by users. Many customers have complained about their batteries depleting quicker than expected after updating to version 2.66, with some watches struggling to last over 24 hours. It remains uncertain whether version 2.68 will address this issue or not.

    Venu Sq 2 smartwatch users (currently priced at $184.94 on Amazon) can access the new software version 2.68 through either the Garmin Connect Mobile app or Garmin Express. The company has stated that the update is available for all users immediately and is not being rolled out in stages.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Launches Stable Software Update to Fix Alarm Issues
    Tags:
  • Garmin Fixes LiveTrack Issues on Fenix 7 and 7 Pro with Update

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

    Garmin recently released a stable update for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, which is currently priced at $688.99 on Amazon. This update, labeled System Software 19.41, didn’t bring many new features to the Fenix 7 series and its counterparts. Instead, it primarily aimed to fix a bug that caused the Connect IQ app to crash.

    Ongoing Issues

    There are still several unresolved bugs, which Garmin has been addressing through its Beta Program this month. The latest Beta Version 20.13 is available for manual download or through Garmin’s over-the-air (OTA) service. Unfortunately, there are not many official enhancements to report, with the only mentioned fix addressing a LiveTrack crash issue.

    Future Updates

    Garmin hasn’t given any clues about when we might see the next stable update. The release of Beta Version 20.13, with the ECG and Dive features disabled, indicates that this is likely not the final beta in this development cycle. Currently, the v20.xx builds introduce the following changes from System Software 19.41:

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Unveils New AMOLED GPS Smartwatch with 10-Day Battery Life

    Garmin Unveils New AMOLED GPS Smartwatch with 10-Day Battery Life

    Garmin has introduced the Approach S44 GPS golf smartwatch to the global market. This device features a 1.2-inch vibrant AMOLED display framed by a silver aluminum bezel. Buyers can select from either Black or Twilight (blue/gray) silicone bands.

    Extensive Golfing Features

    The Approach S44 is packed with various golfing capabilities and includes preloaded maps for more than 43,000 golf courses. Users can access tools such as hazard view and yardage measurements to different locations on the green, assisting in shot planning. Additionally, features like CourseView maps and PlaysLike Distance are available for Garmin Golf subscribers, starting at $99.99 per month. Furthermore, you can keep track of your scoring directly on the watch and upload your scores to the Garmin Golf app for detailed analytics.

    Smart Connectivity and Activity Tracking

    This smartwatch can connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth LE for smart notifications. It also includes features like a calendar, weather updates, music control, and a phone finder option. Besides golfing, the watch can be used to monitor activities such as running and cycling, as well as track your daily step count. As per Garmin, the smartwatch has a battery life of up to 15 hours in GPS mode and can last for 10 days in smartwatch mode.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Garmin Approach S44 for $299.99/£299.99/€349.99 directly from the Garmin online store. It’s also available on Amazon, although it is currently listed as “Temporarily out of stock” there. This new model is released along with the Approach S50, which boasts additional features like heart rate monitoring and a Morning Report.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Unveils New AMOLED GPS Smartwatch with 10-Day Battery Life

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Launches Forerunner Smartwatch Update with HR Zone Enhancements

    Garmin Launches Forerunner Smartwatch Update with HR Zone Enhancements

    Garmin has swiftly released a new update for several Forerunner smartwatches, just after finishing Software Version 22.12 for these devices. To summarize, the recent stable update included multiple bug fixes for the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $594.99 on Amazon), among others. Software Version 22.12 also claimed to enhance Run Coach and Cycling Coach, with full details covered in a separate announcement.

    New Beta Version

    Now, Garmin has moved ahead to version 22.14, which is now part of its Beta Program. Sadly, there’s no clear timeline for when this update will shift from beta to stable. The quick transition of Beta Version 22.12 to stable suggests that the new version might follow the same path, though.

    Bug Fixes for Multiple Models

    Both the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 are getting the same two bug fixes, which aim to address heart rate (HR) zone problems. On one side, Beta Version 22.14 includes a fix for a glitch that might cause a crash when changing HR zones. On the other hand, this update also aims to fix issues that led to incorrect time displays or even wrong HR zones.

    The changelog for all five models mentions ‘various bug fixes and improvements’, but it does not give any further details about this. Moreover, Garmin issued a separate fix for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, which sometimes resulted in missing app icons in the notification glance. It’s important to note that this fix isn’t being rolled out to the Forerunner 255 or Forerunner 955, nor to the newer Forerunner 165.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements

    New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements

    Garmin has been actively releasing new beta updates for its range of smartwatches and cycling computers. Recently, they have rolled out updated firmware for the Fenix 7 series and all currently supported Forerunner smartwatches.

    Upcoming Changes in Q1 2025

    Various sources have acquired an overview of Garmin’s intended stable updates for Q1 2025, which are expected to be released later this quarter. It’s important to mention that the accompanying image has not been verified yet. Therefore, we can’t ensure it’s free from alterations or photoshopping, even though it aligns with the design of previous Garmin feature launches.

    New Features on the Horizon

    The new features noted seem to align with what Garmin has been trialing in its recent beta versions. For example, Strength Workouts will be integrated into Garmin’s Run and Cycling Coach suites. Based on the image shown below, Strength Workouts are likely to be available for all recent Edge cycling computers, most Forerunner smartwatches, and the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon), but will not be available for the Fenix 7 series or its Enduro, Marq, Quatix, and Tactix models.

    Garmin is also expected to introduce Body Battery TrueUp, which syncs body battery data to a single Garmin account for use across various devices. In addition, the Q1 2025 update will bring passcodes; however, this feature will not be available for the Enduro 2, Fenix 7, and other similar devices. When enabled, the passcode feature locks the smartwatch with a custom PIN if it detects that it is no longer being worn. Unfortunately, it’s not clear when these new features will actually be released, other than sometime this quarter. For more information, please refer to the graphic below.

    Source:
    Link

    New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements
    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Smartwatches Beta Update Enhances Run and Cycling Coaches

    Garmin Smartwatches Beta Update Enhances Run and Cycling Coaches

    Garmin has revealed that the beta version 13.07 can now be downloaded for its Venu 3, Venu 3s, and Vivoactive 5 smartwatches. This marks the first update in the 13.xx testing series, following the stable release of version 12.12 not long ago.

    Improvements in Training Plans

    According to the change log, beta version 13.07 introduces enhancements to the Garmin Run Coach and Garmin Cycling Coach plans. Last year, the original Garmin Coach was replaced by these two options. With this new update, these tailored training plans now integrate strength workouts along with your regular running or cycling sessions to boost your performance even more. Additionally, it provides more details about the connection type shown for linked sensors. Moreover, the smartwatches are now compatible with the latest Connect IQ apps, watch faces, and data fields.

    How to Download the Beta

    In a forum announcement, Garmin stated that beta version 13.07 is ready to be downloaded for the Venu 3, Venu 3s, and Vivoactive 5 (current price $244 at Amazon) smartwatches. To initiate the installation, navigate to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update. If you’re interested in participating in the beta program, you can enroll through Garmin Connect.

    Garmin (Venu 3/3s, Vivoactive 5) is taking steps to enhance the user experience with this update.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Smartwatches Beta Update Enhances Run and Cycling Coaches
    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Fenix 8 Beta Update: 20+ New Features and Changes

    Garmin Fenix 8 Beta Update: 20+ New Features and Changes

    The Garmin Beta Version 13.18 update is now out for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, and Fenix E smartwatches. This update comes a little over a week after the previous beta version, 13.14.

    Notable Changes in the Update

    This update is significant, featuring 23 different changes noted in the release documentation. Among these changes is the introduction of a Character Pop-up for users of the on-watch QWERTY keyboard. A new Proximity Alert feature has also been added for GPS-related activities. Additionally, font scaling support is now included on the Workout Structure card, and Segments are now part of the Training Menu. Furthermore, users can adjust the transparency of the Pan/Zoom Bar on the Map.

    Improvements and Fixes

    Garmin mentions that it has refreshed the Recent Sleep Scores page and enhanced the RAM file saving process. There are fixes for various issues, including accidental alarm dismissals, problems with deleting Custom Activity profiles, and touch input troubles in the map app. The complete change log is available below. The Garmin team has indicated that this rollout is happening in phases; currently, at least 25% of eligible smartwatch users have received the update over-the-air (OTA). It remains uncertain when the stable version of the 13.18 software will be accessible to all users of the Fenix 8 (47mm AMOLED currently priced at $999.99 at Amazon) and related smartwatches.

    Conclusion

    Garmin’s latest update brings a host of new features and important fixes, making it a noteworthy enhancement for users. Keep an eye out for the full rollout, as it may take some time for everyone to get the update.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Fenix 8 Beta Update: 20+ New Features and Changes

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Garmin Updates Resume Later Feature with New Smartwatch Shortcut

    Garmin Updates Resume Later Feature with New Smartwatch Shortcut

    The recent updates to the Garmin smartwatch’s Resume Later feature have sparked interest among users. Although Garmin has not made an official announcement regarding this upgrade, discussions on Reddit have highlighted the changes. The Resume Later function is designed to let Garmin smartwatch users resume a paused activity after taking a break. A key advantage of this feature compared to the standard pause option is that it turns off the GPS, helping to save battery life.

    New Shortcut Icons

    Garmin has introduced a blue person icon at the top of the watch face, serving as a shortcut for the Resume Later feature, enabling users to quickly return to their interrupted activity. In the past, users had to manually search for their paused workout, which required multiple taps. Images shared by Reddit user u/svacher display this new shortcut both on the home screen and in always-on-display mode. However, some smartwatch users have pointed out a potential problem: depending on the design of the watch face, the blue person icon may blend in too much, making it difficult to see.

    Additional Navigation Features

    In addition to the blue person icon for Resume Later, there is a red clock icon that allows quick access to the timer. Furthermore, there are reports of a similar feature available for the flashlight. These updates have been noted by users of the Fenix 8 (51mm Solar Sapphire Edition curr. $1,169.99 at Amazon) and other related smartwatches. It remains uncertain if or when Garmin will extend the Resume Later, timer, and flashlight shortcut icons to additional smartwatch models.

    Overall, while the new shortcuts seem useful, users may need to adapt to the potential visibility issues in certain watch face designs.

    Source:
    Link

    Garmin Updates Resume Later Feature with New Smartwatch ShortcutGarmin Updates Resume Later Feature with New Smartwatch Shortcut

     

    Tags: ,