Garmin delivers new update to older mid-range smartwatches with heart rate monitoring fix

Almost a year has elapsed since Garmin last released a new stable update to Instinct 2 series smartwatches. Specifically, the company began rolling out Software Version 16.11 last August. However, it is not done with Instinct 2 software development just yet. 

Instead, Garmin is gradually building towards offering a new stable update based on v17.xx beta builds. To that end, the company has now delivered Beta Version 17.04, the fourth update in its latest beta cycle. Arriving a few weeks have passed after Garmin issued its predecessor, Beta Version 17.04 introduces fresh bug fixes while updating GPS firmware for certain models.

On the latter, Garmin claims to have bundled GPS Version 13.02 for the Instinct Crossover and Instinct 2X (curr. $359.99 on Amazon), albeit without specifying that changes it has made in this regard. On top of that, Beta Version 17.04 should fix two issues for the Instinct 2X, too. By contrast, the rest of the series is said to have gained 'miscellaneous' bug fixes and improvements, again without any further elaboration.

Please note that you must manually sideload Beta Version 17.04 onto your Instinct 2 series smartwatch; Garmin will not deliver it via other sources. As always, download files can be found on Garmin's forum post. The changelog for Beta Version 17.04 can be found below.

Shared Beta Version 17.04 changelog

• Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements.

Instinct 2X only

• Fixed issue where wrist heart rate could turn off when Strobe was enabled.
• Fixed issue where distance could not be received from range finder (Tactical only).