Garmin has announced a major firmware update for firmware version 8.18 that will be rolled out to top-of-the-line Garmin Fenix 7 and Garmin Epix watches.
Changes have been in beta over the past few weeks, according to announcements to Garmin users throughout Garmin’s official forums, but Garmin has begun to roll out more widespread updates over the past few days.
By far the biggest update is on Fenix 7 and Epix devices, but many other devices also get part of this update, including the Forerunner 245, 745, 945 watches, Fenix 6 and Enduro range. Which features do these premium watches support?
You can check the full details of Update hereHowever, as a result, users are getting some great new features in addition to some highly needed preemptive fixes. New enhanced strength features include “Improved Workout Preview with Map of Muscles Used, Improved User Interface in Free Mode and Workout, and Improved Responsible and Weight Editing Experience” Offers.
Additional sports profiles such as horse riding and “fish” are also available, but the really cool ones are in UX.
Your current fitness age is an estimate when compared to your actual age and is displayed in your user profile. If you look at the options menu before you start an adventure race, you will be able to use the new entry in that menu to switch compass settings from there. Stamina fields have also been added to adventure racing.
Many current and potential bugs will also be fixed in this latest patch. Many of these are related to sports-specific map issues such as golf and skiing, but also address other UX issues such as music timeouts and wrist gesture errors. Garmin keeps his mouth closed for the exact method, but even sleep detection is fine-tuned.
Analysis: Garmin is preparing the house
It’s as interesting as a software update, but no rumors are spreading like new devices, and there’s no doubt that something big will come soon.
We’ve previously reported on the possibility of the Forerunner 255 and 955 being released this summer, but Garmin may be waiting for more watches and other high-profile devices on its wings.
But hardware is only half the battle. Garmin’s software must be appropriate for a successful launch. Tweaking the basics of sleep tracking, adventure racing, Garmin bread and butter, and more is great news for both existing Garmin users and those looking to embark on a new release.
Such a comprehensive firmware update clearly shows that something is coming in the near future. On Garmin’s side, it’s wise to allow hardcore users to test beta changes.