ⓘ Garmin
Garmin’s new Fenix 8 update is said to contain almost three dozen improvements.
Garmin has released a new update for multiple high-end smartwatches. Available worldwide, Beta Version 22.21 features almost three dozen changes, including over half a dozen new features.
Garmin has finally moved its latest high-end smartwatches on to a new software revision. To recap, the company issued System Software 21.25 in mid-February for the Fenix 8 series as a replacement for System Software 20.29. Then, Garmin returned to its Beta Program with a series of v21.xx builds aimed at addressing bugs that were missed during previous beta development.
Now, Garmin has started April by issuing its first public v22.xx update. Specifically, Beta Version 22.21 can be downloaded across the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and the Quatix 8. However, Quatix 8 Pro and Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,099 on Amazon) owners must remain on v21.xx builds for now despite LTE being mentioned in Garmin’s changelog.
Presumably, Garmin will add both smartwatches to its v22.xx beta development cycle soon. In the meantime, Beta Version 22.21 is said to introduce 35 changes from System Software 21.39 for non-Pro smartwatches. Of those mentioned on Garmin’s forum post, two dozen are bug fixes. The full changelog for Garmin’s first v22.xx public beta update is as follows:
Adds LTE option for activity power modes.Adds navigation option to last Man Overboard point.Adds QR codes to Outdoor Maps+ layers descriptions to learn more about the layers.Adds read and delivered status to messages in Messenger.Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.Adds support for opening the battery manager app using a voice command.Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.Fixes a issue that could cause the device to reset when using WhatsApp on an iPhone.Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.Fixes an issue that could cause excessive battery drain after using the phone assistant or accepting a phone call on the watch.Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.Fixes an issue that could cause some activities to be missing as factors affecting the body battery.Fixes an issue that could cause the device to fail to mount as a mass storage device after connecting to an inReach device.Fixes an issue that could cause the device to receive auto lap alerts during a golf activity.Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when deleting a workout.Fixes an issue that could cause the screen to incorrectly respond to touch after taking an ECG reading.Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.Fixes an issue where ending a call on the device could fail to end the call on the phone.Fixes an issue where special characters are missing from some keyboards.Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.Fixes an issue with sports scores being blank if a team with no upcoming games is added.Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.Fixes being able to access voice command, music, and voice notes apps during an active call.Fixes double number entry when long pressing a button on the pinpad.Fixes nap alarm not stopping when exiting the page by palming.Fixes navigation ending when losing GPS signal or deviating from the course.Fixes other minor bugs.Fixes Outdoor Maps+ downloads not resuming after being interrupted.Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.Increases the length of time that goal animations are displayed.Updates the outer ring on the fish forecast app to match the user’s time format setting.Updates the phone shortcut to open the phone app rather than the phone settings menu.Updates translations.
Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 14595 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.