Garmin enables HRV status functionality on Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S smartwatches with Alpha version 9.12

Garmin has released another Alpha software update for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, their third this month. Starting with Alpha version 9.10, Garmin then issued v9.11 a few days later, only to release v9.12 as the month draws to a close. While Alpha version 9.12 does not contain as many new features and changes as Alpha version 9.22 does for Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series smartwatches, it still brings some welcome improvements for the Instinct 2 series.

Specifically, Garmin has enabled Training Status 2.0, a feature that is already available on other premium smartwatches. Additionally, Alpha version 9.12 introduces Heart Rate Variability (HRV) status to the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S. Incidentally, Garmin enabled the same feature in Alpha version 9.22 for the Epix 2 series. Separately, Alpha version 9.12 adds activity categorisation within the 'add app list'.

Moreover, Garmin claims to have fixed an issue that caused solar settings to display in Connect for non-solar models. Also, Instinct 2 series smartwatches should now acquire GPS while in the Xero widget, an issue that existed in Alpha version 9.11. Likewise, Alpha version 9.12 fixes a bug that resulted in pulse ox remaining disabled after turning off night vision mode. Finally, Alpha version 9.12 will no longer cause the lap summary page for yoga and pilates to show an invalid time. Alpha version 9.12 is available to download from Garmin's website, where it hosts dedicated update files for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S.

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