Garmin announces new update for older high-end smartwatches

Version 26.93 is a relatively minor update, with the change log listing one improvement: adding support for a 100Hz sensor rate for CIQ apps. This appears to relate to the accelerometer and gyroscope, with support for a sampling frequency of up to 100Hz noted in the Connect IQ SDK version 6.3.0 release last year. While this should improve the accuracy and increase volume of data collected, it may lead to battery drain. As with other updates in the Beta cycle, Garmin notes that it has improved the Auto Run feature of Ski and Snowboard activities, which could affect metrics like Run count and Elevation.

You can now side-load Beta Version 26.93, with files for each model available to download from the Garmin Forum. The company notes that you should also ensure you install the secure_config.gcd file, which can automatically generate files for some bugs. Plus, Garmin requests that you report any problems in the Beta Bug Reports forum. If you own a Garmin Fenix 6 smartwatch or another eligible model and wish to join the beta program, you can do so via Garmin Connect.