Tag: Instinct 2

  • Garmin Update Restores Solar Charging for Smartwatches Battery Life

    Garmin Update Restores Solar Charging for Smartwatches Battery Life

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin releases a manual beta update (no OTA) for multiple Instinct 2 family watches, requiring a PC to install via a ZIP file.
    – The update addresses a single bug: an issue that could prevent solar charging (software version 17.11).
    – Solar charging together with low power consumption remains a key advantage, potentially enabling very long battery life depending on GNSS usage.

    Long-time readers may recall this: While Garmin has been offering beta software versions for its smartwatches for quite some time, they haven’t delivered via convenient over-the-air (OTA) updates even before the beta program existed. Instead, users had to connect their Garmin smartwatch to a computer as a mass storage device and then transfer a ZIP file to the watch, after which the installation would run automatically. Though not particularly complicated, this semi-manual update method does require access to a PC.

    Garmin has now rolled out a new beta software version as a manual update for the following Instinct models: the Garmin Instinct 2, Instinct 2 Solar, (available on Amazon) Instinct 2S, Instinct 2S Solar, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover. A separate file is available for each watch. The changelog is extremely short, covering just a single bug fix for an issue that could prevent solar charging.

    Despite including only one change, this update to software version 17.11 may be significant. The solar-charging capability, coupled with low power consumption, is likely a key selling point of the solar-enabled Instinct 2 models, allowing them to achieve virtually unlimited battery life depending on usage – provided users aren’t constantly tracking activities while using GNSS mode at full capacity.

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  • Garmin Launches Beta Update for Older Mid-Range Smartwatches

    Garmin Launches Beta Update for Older Mid-Range Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new beta update (version 17.08) for Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches.
    2. The update includes various bug fixes and improvements, but specific details are not provided.
    3. There is a contradiction in the announcement regarding the update’s availability, suggesting users may need to manually check for updates.
    4. Beta updates are typically delivered automatically, so the update may be distributed over-the-air (OTA) as usual.
    5. The timeline for the stable release of version 17.08 for all users is currently unknown.

    Garmin has launched a new beta update for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. This beta version 17.08 comes about two months after the stable release of version 17.07, which resolved an issue related to DogTrack distances.

    Minor Update Details

    The new beta update 17.08 is considered a small update, as the change log simply indicates it includes “various bug fixes and improvements” for the Instinct 2 and the other smartwatches. Sadly, Garmin does not provide specific details about the problems it has resolved or the adjustments it has made to enhance these devices.

    Announcement and Inconsistencies

    This beta update was shared in a recent post on the Garmin Forum. One thing to note is a contradiction in the announcement: the title mentions that beta version 17.08 is “Available OTA,” whereas the message implies that users should manually “check for updates.” Usually, beta updates for the Instinct 2 smartwatches are delivered automatically over-the-air (OTA) when the user is connected to the Garmin Connect app or through Garmin Express. So, it is likely that this update is being distributed the same way. It is yet to be seen when the stable release of software version 17.08 will be available for all users of the Instinct 2 (45 mm Solar Graphite, currently priced at $223.35 on Amazon) and its related smartwatches.

     

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  • Garmin Updates Older Mid-Range Smartwatches After Instinct Crossover

    Garmin Updates Older Mid-Range Smartwatches After Instinct Crossover

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a new stable update (System Software 17.07) for the Instinct 2 series smartwatches.
    2. The previous update (System Software 17.06) included bug fixes for several models in the Instinct series.
    3. Garmin recently launched new models, including the Instinct Crossover AMOLED and Tactical Edition, priced at $749.99.
    4. Users can manually update their smartwatches if they haven’t received a notification for the latest software.
    5. System Software 17.07 primarily addresses DogTrack distance issues in Metric units, with potential fixes for the flashlight feature included.

    Garmin has rolled out a new stable update for its Instinct 2 series smartwatches. To give you some background, the company released System Software 17.05 over a month ago, which included a variety of bug fixes for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2X, and all models in the Instinct Crossover series. Coincidentally, Garmin also launched the Instinct Crossover AMOLED and the Instinct Crossover AMOLED Tactical Edition, which is currently priced at $749.99 on Amazon.

    New Developments

    In the midst of these product launches, Garmin released Beta Version 17.06 for the existing models. We discussed this update previously, as it addressed a problem where the strobe flashlight feature would stay on even after an activity was finished. Now, Garmin has shifted its focus for the Instinct 2 series to System Software 17.07, which the company states has been made available to roughly 20% of the smartwatches up to this point.

    Manual Update Process

    If you haven’t seen a notification for downloading System Software 17.06 on your smartwatch, you can manually initiate it. Just tap on the Main menu, go to Settings, then System, and select Software Update, followed by Check For Updates on your Instinct 2 or Instinct Crossover smartwatch. As noted in the accompanying forum, System Software 17.07 primarily addresses DogTrack distance problems when using Metric units. However, we suspect that the fix for the flashlight issue may also have been quietly included in Garmin’s latest update.

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  • Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with Heart Rate Fix

    Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with Heart Rate Fix

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has not released a stable update for the Instinct 2 series since August 2022, with the last version being 16.11.
    2. A new stable update based on beta builds is in progress, with Beta Version 17.04 being the latest release.
    3. GPS Version 13.02 updates have been made specifically for the Instinct Crossover and Instinct 2X models.
    4. Beta Version 17.04 addresses two specific issues for the Instinct 2X, along with various bug fixes for other models.
    5. Users must manually sideload Beta Version 17.04 onto their devices, as Garmin will not distribute it through other methods.

    Almost a year has gone by since Garmin released a new stable update for the Instinct 2 series smartwatches. The last update, Software Version 16.11, started rolling out last August. But Garmin isn’t finished with the software for the Instinct 2 yet.

    New Developments on the Horizon

    Garmin is slowly working towards a new stable update based on the v17.xx beta builds. Recently, the company has released Beta Version 17.04, the fourth update in this new beta cycle. This version comes just a few weeks after the previous one and brings fresh bug fixes along with an update to the GPS firmware for some models.

    GPS Updates and Fixes

    In terms of GPS updates, Garmin has included GPS Version 13.02 for the Instinct Crossover and Instinct 2X (currently priced at $359.99 on Amazon), although it hasn’t detailed what specific changes were made. Furthermore, Beta Version 17.04 is expected to resolve two issues specifically for the Instinct 2X. On the other hand, the rest of the smartwatches in the series have received various bug fixes and improvements, but again, without much detail provided.

    How to Get the Update

    It’s important to note that you will need to manually sideload Beta Version 17.04 onto your Instinct 2 series smartwatch; Garmin won’t provide it through other means. As usual, you can find the download files on Garmin’s forum post. The changelog for Beta Version 17.04 is available below.

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Update: HRV Bug Fix Released

    Garmin Smartwatch Update: HRV Bug Fix Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has launched beta version 17.03 for Instinct 2, 2s, 2X, and Crossover smartwatches.
    2. The update includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues like HRV chart scaling and step tracking during horseback riding.
    3. Specific fixes for Instinct Crossover include resolving a blank Tides glance issue.
    4. Users will also receive GPS version 13.02 with this update.
    5. The next public update release date for Instinct 2 smartwatches is currently unknown.

    Garmin has launched beta version 17.03 for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2s, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. This marks the first update for these devices in 2025, following the previous release, version 17.01, which was made available in November 2024.

    Bug Fixes and Improvements

    The changelog for beta version 17.03 outlines eight bug fixes for the Instinct smartwatches. Among these is a solution for a scaling issue on the heart rate variability (HRV) chart and a fix for the step tracking problem during horseback riding activities. Additionally, a problem with the Fish activity timer has been fixed, as well as an error where the Mixed Martial Arts activity name was shown incorrectly in the Garmin Connect app. For users who engage in strength training, they have resolved an issue where the weight value would not update as intended when editing reps. Other bug fixes also address dog tracking and nautical distance data.

    Special Fixes for Instinct Crossover

    Moreover, the Instinct Crossover benefits from a fix regarding the Tides glance, which had been blank in certain instances. In conjunction with the wider beta version 17.03 update, users will also receive GPS version 13.02. The necessary files for this release can be accessed on the Garmin forum. It remains uncertain when Garmin plans to issue the next public update for all Instinct 2 smartwatch users (Solar Graphite watch currently priced at $255.38 on Amazon).

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    Garmin Smartwatch Update: HRV Bug Fix Released
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  • Garmin Smartwatches May Add New Rucking Activity Feature

    Garmin Smartwatches May Add New Rucking Activity Feature

    Garmin is said to be on the verge of introducing a new Rucking feature for its smartwatches. Rucking, which comes from military workouts, involves walking or hiking while carrying a weighted backpack or rucksack. The exercise is thought to enhance cardiovascular health and strengthen the back.

    New Activity Insights

    According to the5krunner, this information has been sourced from a reliable yet secretive informant known as @Jw. The anticipated Rucking feature is expected to let users record the weight of their backpack, something currently not available in the Hiking and Running modes. Additionally, it will track distance and pace while walking. Users will also have the ability to monitor how this activity impacts their overall fitness metrics, including VO2 Max and Endurance Score.

    Potential First in the Market

    It seems that Garmin may be leading the way in offering specific tracking for rucking. Although the company has not officially confirmed this new feature, speculation indicates that it might be released later this year. It’s still uncertain which devices will support this feature upon its debut; however, rugged models like the Instinct 2 (currently $225 at Amazon) could be among the first. Furthermore, there are whispers of a new strength training program called Get Fit potentially being introduced as well.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, as Garmin gears up for its new Rucking activity, enthusiasts of this unique workout may be excited for what’s to come. The merge of traditional exercise with modern technology could provide users with valuable insights into their fitness journeys. Keep an eye out for official announcements in the near future!

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  • Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with GPS and Activity Fixes

    Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with GPS and Activity Fixes

    A while ago, Garmin released Beta Version 17.00 for the Instinct 2 series, along with the Instinct Crossover and its variations like the Instinct 2 Solar (currently priced at $329.99 on Amazon). This update included key bug fixes, particularly targeting issues related to charging.

    New Build Introduction

    Now, more than three weeks later, Garmin has rolled out a new version. Beta Version 17.01 is the second update in the 17.xx series made public thus far. For context, this is only the second release since Garmin introduced Stable Version 16.11 to these smartwatches back in early August. However, it’s important to note that this update does not bring any new features.

    Focus on Bug Fixes

    Garmin is still concentrating on fixing existing bugs. Beta Version 17.01 aims to resolve a problem that could stop the Connect app from showing the course used during activities. Furthermore, the update should address the issue of Connected Predicted Ephemeris (CPE) appearing to be absent and showing wrong GPS versions, which only affects the Instinct 2X and Instinct Crossover models. Currently, Garmin has made Beta Version 17.01 available only via its related forum post. This means that users will need to manually download and install the update instead of getting it through Garmin Connect Mobile or other over-the-air (OTA) services. For more information, check Garmin’s forum post.

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  • Garmin Fixes Solar Charging Problems in Smartwatches with Update

    Garmin Fixes Solar Charging Problems in Smartwatches with Update

    Garmin has been quite active this month, rolling out a series of updates for its Enduro, Forerunner, and Fenix smartwatch lines. However, the Instinct 2 (currently priced at $249 on Amazon) and its variants have not seen any updates. Since the beginning of August, Garmin has left the Instinct 2, Instinct 2S, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover with the same software, whether they are using beta or stable versions.

    Update for the Instinct Series

    That situation has changed recently, but only for those in Garmin’s Beta Program. The Instinct 2, Instinct 2S, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover can now access Beta Version 17.00. This marks the first update in Garmin’s 17.xx development series. However, the changes included in this update are relatively minor.

    Focus of Beta Version 17.00

    As noted in Garmin’s forum announcement, Beta Version 17.00 addresses two main issues. Firstly, it aims to correct a problem that has been preventing the manual calibration of the barometer. Secondly, this beta update is expected to fix "potential issues" related to solar charging. Since this version kicks off a new beta development cycle, we anticipate that Garmin will roll out new features ahead of their next stable release.

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