Tag: Garmin

  • Garmin ECG App Expands Availability for Smartwatch Users

    Garmin ECG App Expands Availability for Smartwatch Users

    Garmin has shared exciting news about its electrocardiogram (ECG) app expanding to more smartwatch users across the world. Initially introduced in 2023, this feature became available to people in several countries, such as the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Now, thanks to recent approvals from the appropriate authorities, the ECG app is now also available to users in Australia and the EU.

    Heart Health Monitoring

    The ECG app is a handy tool that allows users to monitor their heart rhythm, identifying potential signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The smartwatch is equipped with sensors that detect electrical signals associated with your heartbeat. Users can initiate a 30-second test right on their wrist, and the results can be seen immediately after the test. Moreover, you have the option to save this data in the Garmin Connect app, creating a historical log of your results.

    Important Health Advice

    Garmin emphasizes that if your smartwatch indicates possible AFib signs, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. The ECG app works with several models, including the Fenix 8, Fenix 7, and Enduro 3 (currently priced at $851.41 on Amazon); a complete list of compatible models is provided below. However, Garmin has not yet specified when the ECG app will be available for these smartwatches. It is anticipated that the feature will be included in future firmware updates for the devices, along with an update for the Garmin Connect mobile application.

    Garmin has taken a significant step in enhancing health monitoring with this new feature, making it easier for users to stay informed about their heart health.

    Source:
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    Garmin ECG App Expands Availability for Smartwatch Users

     

  • New Garmin Smartwatches with Solar Models and Features Revealed

    New Garmin Smartwatches with Solar Models and Features Revealed

    It looks like the new version of the Instinct 2 (currently priced at $209.95 on Amazon) is coming soon. Just to recap, photos of the Instinct 3 first surfaced last July, but we didn’t hear much about it again until November when it showed up on a Garmin support page. Interestingly, in that same month, the Instinct 3 was leaked in two different instances.

    Recent Developments

    Recently, a retailer named Jura Watches mentioned the Instinct 3 in a now-deleted post. This makes us think that their description of the smartwatch was likely correct. Before the post was taken down, we managed to capture evidence of the product, which we’ve included below.

    Features and Specifications

    According to the details we found, Garmin seems to be planning to launch the Instinct 3 and Instinct 3S at the same time, along with special Solar editions. Just to clarify, the ‘S’ models are usually smaller than their non-S versions. Jura Watches also notes that all the models will come with Garmin Pay for contactless payments, which is a new feature not found in the Instinct 2 series. While we don’t have a specific release date yet, the retailer hints that all Instinct 3 models will come with features such as:

    Source: Link


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  • Garmin Fixes Forerunner Touchscreen Issues with Latest Update

    Garmin Fixes Forerunner Touchscreen Issues with Latest Update

    Garmin is known for updating its smartwatches more often than its competitors, but these updates sometimes come with problems, even with a public beta program in place. Recently, this was the case with Software Version 21.19, which Garmin began releasing to several smartwatches at the beginning of the month.

    Update Issues

    Reports indicate that the update caused touchscreen issues during activities for nearly all smartwatches except for the Forerunner 255 (curr. $284 on Amazon). Interestingly, the changelog for Software Version 21.20 shows that its previous version also had a bug that made the Connect IQ watch face crash on the Forerunner 255. This issue affects all the other Forerunner models mentioned as well.

    Improvements Made

    Furthermore, the touchscreen settings are now supposed to be "respected" on the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. Additionally, the last two models have fixed a different bug that stopped distance updates during golf activities. Sadly, it is still unclear when a new update focused on features will be made available. For further information, check out the forum posts linked below.

    Source: Link

  • Garmin Fenix 8 and Smartwatches Get Snap Update to Fix Crashes

    Garmin Fenix 8 and Smartwatches Get Snap Update to Fix Crashes

    In the past few weeks, keeping track of the numerous bug fixes, new features, and enhancements from Garmin for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon) has been quite a challenge. To give some perspective, the company released System Software 12.22 at the end of last month, which included around 130 changes.

    Beta Testing Insights

    On the other hand, Garmin has been testing even more updates in its Beta Program, which haven’t made it to the main software releases. This month, however, the updates that have come out include significantly less improvements compared to before.

    Recent Updates

    For instance, Beta Version 12.32 was released nearly a week ago and had just a three-line changelog. Now, we have Beta Version 12.34, which features even fewer updates. Still, this version is meant to fix a problem with Garmin’s Connect IQ service that might lead it to crash unexpectedly.

    Future Updates

    At this point, Garmin has not yet announced when this bug fix will be available for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 smartwatches that are on stable software. All indications suggest that there will be at least one more beta version before a new stable update is rolled out. Notably, Beta Version 12.34 comes with ECG and Dive features turned off. For further details, you can check out Garmin’s forum post.

    Source: Link

  • Garmin Launches New Beta After Latest Stable Smartwatch Update

    Garmin Launches New Beta After Latest Stable Smartwatch Update

    Garmin has begun to launch a new beta update for its smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7x, Fenix 7s, Epix, Enduro 2, and Marq Gen 2. The announcement for beta version 19.38 was made on the company’s online forum, where it was highlighted that this update does not impact Pro models such as the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon).

    Details on the Update

    This beta update comes after the stable version 19.34, which was released a few weeks ago. The new update introduces six bug fixes for the aforementioned smartwatches. Among the fixes is a correction for a problem where the workout schedules on the device did not align with those in Garmin Connect. Additionally, issues with incorrect weekly totals and unexpected shutdowns when saving an activity have been addressed. Garmin has also resolved the absence of pan/zoom icons on maps and missing translations for workout names. Lastly, a bug that caused sleep tracking to restart after it had been turned off has also been fixed.

    How to Download

    To download the update, users should navigate to Menu -> System -> Software Update -> Check For Updates. It is currently unknown when beta version 19.38 will become available to all users of the non-Pro Fenix 7 and other related smartwatches. Furthermore, it is still uncertain when the initial beta update for the next testing cycle, version 20.xx, will be released.

    Source: Link


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  • Garmin Smartwatch Receives Stable Update with Bug Fixes

    Garmin Smartwatch Receives Stable Update with Bug Fixes

    Garmin has announced a fresh stable update for the Lily 2 Active smartwatch. The new software version 3.02 comes after the beta version 3.01, which was tried out earlier this month. This update brings several bug fixes to enhance the performance of the device.

    Fixes and Improvements

    A post on the Garmin forum shares that the team has addressed problems with the breathwork data screens and the workout progress bar. Additionally, issues with the date displayed on the Last Sport widget and the hourly report in the Weather widget have been corrected too. There are also enhancements for Text Languages (version 3.02), GCM Translations (version 3.02), and the Sensor Hub (32.20). You can check out the complete change log below.

    Auto Pause Feature

    Interestingly, the Auto Pause feature, which was part of the beta version 3.01, is not mentioned in this update. It’s possible that this function, which automatically stops the timer when you take a break during your workout, may be included in a future update. The Garmin team has confirmed that stable software version 3.02 is now accessible for all users of the Lily 2 Active smartwatch (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon). You can get the update through Garmin Express or the Garmin Connect Mobile app.

  • Garmin Fenix 8 Update: CIQ App Enhancements and Bug Fixes

    Garmin Fenix 8 Update: CIQ App Enhancements and Bug Fixes

    Garmin is moving quickly to deliver new bug fixes for its latest smartwatches. Earlier this week, the company began to release System Software 12.22 for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon). This significant update included a total of 130 changes, with 79 being fixes for various bugs.

    New Software Cycle Begins

    Now, Garmin has kicked off its next round of software development with Beta Version 12.31. In this update, the company has once again turned off the Dive and electrocardiogram (ECG) features, which will be restored in a later stable release. Meanwhile, Beta Version 12.31 introduces an additional seven bug fixes.

    Specific Fixes Included

    For instance, Garmin has reportedly fixed problems that stopped phone call alert sounds from working. In addition, alarms should now work correctly when users switch from a Fenix 7 to an Enduro 3, Fenix E, or Fenix 8. Furthermore, Beta Version 12.31 includes two bug fixes focused on CIQ, which are as follows:

    Source: Link

  • Garmin Teases New Smartwatch Release for New Year 2024

    Garmin Teases New Smartwatch Release for New Year 2024

    Barely any time has passed since Fitness Tracker Test found a mention of the upcoming Instinct 3 on a Garmin support page. Normally, such a mention alone wouldn’t signal a new product launch. However, a new leak indicates that the Instinct 2, currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon, might be getting replaced sooner than we thought.

    New Discoveries

    The Instinct 3 was recently found on Garmin’s Hungarian website, but the complete product details haven’t been released yet. Instead, it seems the device mistakenly showed up as a sponsored ad on Google. As a result, there’s not much information available right now.

    Confusing Findings

    Interestingly, if you reverse search the linked device, it turns out to be an Enduro 2 rather than the Instinct 3. Still, it’s clear that an Instinct 2 is real and likely to launch soon. Additionally, the announcement hints at starting ‘the new year with a new watch’, suggesting a potential launch in early 2025. Whether this happens in two months, as Gadgets & Wearables proposes, is something we will have to wait to see.

    Source: Link,Link,Link


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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: Over a Dozen New Features

    Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: Over a Dozen New Features

    Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update for its Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro models. This update is also expected to be available for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Marq 2, and the Quatix 7 (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon), along with other premium smartwatches. To provide some background, System Software 19.34 is replacing version 18.16, which was released at the beginning of October to fix several lingering bugs.

    Major Software Release

    System Software 19.34 marks the first significant software update for the Fenix 7 and its counterparts since System Software 18.14 was rolled out over two months ago. As expected, this new update introduces a wide range of enhancements, which are detailed in a comprehensive fourteen-line changelog.

    Notable Improvements

    One of the key features added is the ability to back up courses and saved locations, enhancing the functionality of the service considerably. Moreover, System Software 19.34 is reported to enhance map controls and improve the sensitivity of the Fenix 7 and its similar models in automatically detecting when a climbing activity begins.

    In conclusion, this update primarily aims to fix bugs, including one issue where the flashlight might not turn on promptly when using a Connect IQ watch face. Additionally, Fenix 7 users may have experienced issues in earlier updates where pool swim activities were sometimes logged with a distance of zero, which should now be rectified. Here is the complete changelog for System Software 19.34:

    Source: Link

  • Garmin Launches First Beta Update for Smartwatch with Auto Pause

    Garmin Launches First Beta Update for Smartwatch with Auto Pause

    Garmin has revealed the first beta update for the Lily 2 Active smartwatch. This device was launched in October as a wearable focused on health and fitness tracking, equipped with built-in GPS. Now, with beta version 3.01, users can experience a new feature along with various enhancements to the device.

    New Features and Fixes

    According to the change log, this software update introduces support for the Auto Pause feature. This function automatically pauses your tracking time when you come to a stop or slow down to a set lower speed. Additionally, there are bug fixes related to Garmin Coach and the sleep widget. Garmin also mentions that it has resolved other user interface problems, although they haven’t gone into specifics. Along with beta version 3.01, there are updates for Sensor Hub version 32.29, Text Languages version 3.01, and GCM Translations version 3.01.

    Automatic Updates

    The beta update for the Lily 2 Active smartwatch will be automatically delivered to compatible devices. The company has stated that the smartwatch will check for software updates on a daily basis. It’s also important to mention that the Garmin Lily 2 has its own beta program, with the latest update coming out earlier in November. Currently, the Lily 2 Active can be found on Amazon for the price of $299.99.

    Source: Link


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