Garmin adds dozens of new features and bug fixes to current flagship smartwatches with new update

Garmin has just shared full details of its major March 2024 update for multiple smartwatches. However, the company has already moved onto a new firmware for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, MARQ Gen2 and Quatix 7. As always, Garmin has switched back to its Beta Program, which remains free and open to join. 

In a forum post, Garmin explains that the new update arrives as Beta 17.10, marking the end of 16.xx development. Please note that Beta Version 17.10 disables ECG functionality; Garmin notes that ECG functionality will likely remain disabled on beta builds until the end of Q2 2024 at earliest. Also, the company states that Beta Version 17.10 will not be pushed automatically.

Instead, it must be triggered manually by heading to Menu, System, Software Update and then tapping Check For Updates. By Garmin's count, Beta 17.10 contains 21 changes from Software Version 16.22. Seemingly, the company has not included GPS, Wireless, Sensor Hub and MARQ 2 Sensor Hub updates that ship with Beta Version 17.10 too. The full changelog plus new component firmware versions are as follows:

• Added ability to find a lost phone during an activity with GPS.
• Added Applied Ballistics Wind Mode (Tactix only).
• Added Indoor Walk activity.
• Added Messenger App.
• Added Recovery Advisor as an option in Morning Report and glances.
• Added self evaluation to more activity types.
• Fixed battery saver mode being allowed as a power mode name.
• Fixed incorrect DSW on watch face.
• Fixed issue causing the cadence flashlight to enable incorrectly when in an activity resume later state.
• Fixed issue with ski run count in the Last Sport glance.
• Fixed issue with the altimeter glance when in large font mode.
• Fixed issues with Morning Report workouts page.
• Fixed issues with some watch face data fields.
• Fixed potential issue causing the touchscreen to not fully function after a display wakeup.
• Fixed potential issue with the weather map overlay.
• Fixed potential shutdown in morning report.
• Fixed potential shutdown in the body battery widget when viewing near midnight.
• Fixed potential shutdown when loading activity history with auto lock enabled.
• GPS Version 10.00
• Improved access to additional characters on the touch keyboard by adding a press and hold option to some keys.
• Improved find my phone alert prompt UI.
• MARQ 2 Sensor Hub Version 30.23
• Renamed Climb sport to Mountaineering.
• Sensor Hub Version 30.23
• Wireless Version 28.15

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