Garmin releases new update for current high-end smartwatches before impending future stable release

Garmin has updated its Beta Program with a new build for its Enduro 3, Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E, and Tactix 8 smartwatches, including the Tactix 8 Solar (curr. $1,399.99 on Amazon). Available as an over-the-air (OTA) update, Beta Version 17.23 replaces Beta Version 17.22 that arrived about a week ago. While Garmin has flooded recent builds with new features, Beta Version 17.23 delivers targeted refinements aimed at resolving bugs that were present in earlier v17.xx firmware.

For instance, Garmin claims to have fixed incorrect satellite settings showing on the Activity Stage Page and a glitch that could cause Morning Report all-day events to be shown on the wrong date. On top of that, Beta Version 17.23 is said to overcome errors associated with the Emoji Zhuyin, Thai, and Japanese keyboards. Moreover, the latest update for the Fenix 8 and its peers resolves a bug that prevented units and spacing from updating correctly within Project Waypoint. Finally, Garmin speaks of button shortcuts to exit Evening Report working correctly as of Beta Version 17.23, too.

Currently, the company claims that the update should have reached 100% of eligible devices. If that is the case with your Beta Program-enrolled smartwatch, then you can navigate through the Main Menu, System and Software Update before tapping 'Check for Updates' to trigger the download of the new update manually. Beta Version 17.23 marks the tenth beta release in Garmin's v17.xx cycle, suggesting development may be nearing completion. However, ECG, Dive, and Aviation features remain disabled in Beta Version 17.23. Therefore, additional builds will likely follow before Garmin issues new stable software.