Garmin has released a substantial beta software update, version 15.16, for its premium smartwatch lines, including the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3. This update brings a plethora of new features, enhancements, and crucial bug fixes, aiming to refine the user experience and expand the capabilities of these advanced wearables.
Note: The Beta software available for the Fenix 8 series will disable the ECG and Dive features.
New Activity Tracking and Navigation Enhancements
A significant addition is the “Rucking” activity, catering to those who engage in weighted walking or hiking. Furthermore, “Rep-Counting 3.0” provides more accurate and detailed tracking for strength training. Navigation sees improvements with the “TracBack Option” integrated into the “Back To Start” menus, offering more flexible routing. The “Missing Sail Expedition Page” has been restored, ensuring full functionality for maritime adventurers.
Improved Health and Wellness Monitoring
Garmin has enhanced its health tracking features with a new page in the sleep app that displays “Overnight Breathing Variations,” providing deeper insights into sleep quality. The “Body Battery Summary Graph” now presents 24 hours of data, offering a more comprehensive overview of energy levels. The “Average Skin Temperature” feature on the Tactix 8 has been refined, and the handling of invalid Pulse Ox and stress values has been improved.
Connectivity and User Interface Refinements
The update introduces the ability to “Unlink from Messenger for Wearables” directly on the device, simplifying connectivity management. A “Deep-Link Option” to view more DSW settings in Garmin Connect has been added, streamlining customization. “Voice Command Support” has been expanded to include Jumpmaster, Plan Dive, Reference Point, and Trolling Motor functions. The “Calendar App” now displays both run and bike suggested workouts, enhancing training planning.
Critical Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
Numerous bugs have been addressed to ensure a smoother and more reliable user experience. Fixes include resolving crashes related to morning reports, editing reps in strength activities, and viewing wake sport runs. Issues with GPS progress rings, map font sizes, and Wi-Fi update downloads have also been rectified. Notably, the problem of “Red” being translated as “Green” in the flashlight app has been corrected, along with various other translation and UI glitches.
Installation and Update Process
Users can download the 15.16 beta update via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To initiate the update, navigate to Menu -> System -> Software Update -> Check For Updates on your Garmin smartwatch. This update aims to significantly improve the performance and functionality of the Fenix 8, Fenix E, and Enduro 3, making them even more powerful tools for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Change Log:
- Added ability to unlink from Messenger for Wearables directly on device.
- Added Deep-Link Option to View More DSW Settings in Garmin Connect.
- Added Missing Sail Expedition Page.
- Added new page to sleep app to display overnight breathing variations.
- Added Rucking activity.
- Added Support for Rep-Counting 3.0.
- Added TracBack Option to Back To Start Menus.
- Added View Run Option for Wake Sports.
- Added Voice Command Support for Jumpmaster, Plan Dive, Reference Point, and Trolling Motor.
- Fixed Altitude Acclimation Chart Showing Wrong Elevation
- Fixed Average HR Text Truncation in Indoor Climb.
- Fixed Back Button Closing Indoor Climb Activity.
- Fixed Body Battery Graph Coloring after True-Up.
- Fixed Broken GPS Progress Ring.
- Fixed Cardio Workout Rep Completion Transition.
- Fixed Crash in Morning Report when Device Locked.
- Fixed Crash when Editing Reps in Strength Activity.
- Fixed Crash when Viewing Wake Sport Runs
- Fixed Deleting Saved Location Closing Saved App.
- Fixed Empty Map Covering Last Sport Text.
- Fixed Flashlight Strobe Prompt Showing when Flashlight is Already On.
- Fixed Handling of Invalid Pulse Ox Morning Report Value.
- Fixed History List Trackbar Overlapping Icons.
- Fixed Infinite Side Menu Bug.
- Fixed invalid data displaying on morning report greeting page.
- Fixed issue downloading software updates via WiFi.
- Fixed issue where calls could not be answered/declined via touch.
- Fixed issue where Find My Watch wasn’t playing tones.
- Fixed issue where indoor walk could not be opened from voice commands.
- Fixed issue where pulse oxygen in morning report would show 255%.
- Fixed issue with extra lines around watch face hands on Deep Sea watch face.
- Fixed issue with golf plays like icons on MIP devices.
- Fixed issue with the average skin temperature feature on Tactix 8.
- Fixed Map Downloads Starting During Activities.
- Fixed Map Font Size.
- Fixed not being able to check for updates over WiFi when battery saver is enabled.
- Fixed Palm Touches Accidentally Closing Morning Report.
- Fixed Passcode Blocking Wi-Fi Sync Pages.
- Fixed possible crash when syncing with Garmin Connect Mobile.
- Fixed possible crash when using WiFi.
- Fixed possible device lockup when changing passcode.
- Fixed possible issue where “Red” was translated as “Green” in flashlight app.
- Fixed possible issue where editing a workout with audio notes would not have audio notes after syncing with Garmin Connect.
- Fixed possible issue where TracBack option wasn’t an available routing option.
- Fixed Potential Crash on Course Details Page.
- Fixed potential issue causing average and maximum depths to be missing from the dive summary.
- Fixed potential shutdown overnight
- Fixed Start Key Shortcut Being Changed After Using Dial Pad.
- Fixed Sunset Strobe Prompt Blocking Altimeter Page.
- Fixed Tide Alerts Ignoring Do Not Disturb Setting.
- Fixed Timer Not Updating on Watch Face.
- Fixed Touch Screen Editing Data Fields when Timer Running.
- Fixed Trolling Motor UI.
- Fixed Watch Face Sleep Status Icons.
- Improved climbing activity to not show “X” icon next to back button when route stats are not being tracked.
- Improved DSW Presentation in the Calendar App.
- Improved Garmin Coach design on race day.
- Improved handling of invalid readings on altitude graph.
- Improved handling of invalid stress values on watch face.
- Removed Distance Targets from Jump Rope.
- Removed Resume Option After Completing Guided Meditation.
- Updated Body Battery Summary Graph to Show 24 Hours of Data.
- Updated Calendar to Show Both Run and Bike Suggested Workouts.
- Updated Compass Modes.
- Updated morning report greeting weather layout.
- Updated Sensor Connection Type Subtext
Also Read: Garmin Fenix 8 Pro & MicroLed: What We Know So Far and Potential Release Date
