Garmin releases major new update for current high-end smartwatches with dozens of new features

Less than a month has passed since Garmin last released a new stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E and the Fenix 8 (curr. $1,099.99 on Amazon). While System Software 15.32 sought to resolve outstanding bugs, its predecessor brought almost 100 changes to the three smartwatches after an extensive beta phase.

Now, Garmin has kicked off a new development period with Beta Version 17.11. As with previous beta periods, the company has decided to skip a full version number entirely. Consequently, v17.xx will be the next major software revision that Garmin offers for the Enduro 3, Fenix E and Fenix 8 across its stable software branches.

According to Garmin, Beta Version 17.11 introduces 58 changes from System Software 15.32. Of those, 28 are new features including some brought across from the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970, like Triathlon Coach and Multisport activities. Similarly, Garmin has added Smart Wake Alarm and Evening Report functionality too, which it debuted on the Vivoactive 6.

Please note that this early beta build will likely ship with fresh bugs. As such, Garmin will not be offering Beta Version 17.11 automatically. Instead, one must manually trigger its download. Please see Garmin's website and the changelog below for more details:

• Added Ability to Access Apps List by Swiping Left on the Watch Face.
• Added Calculator App.
• Added Custom Focus Modes.
• Added Editing for All Previous Sets in Strength.
• Added Emoji Keyboard.
• Added Evening Report Support.
• Added Expanded Morning Report Support.
• Added Garmin alerts to Notification Center.
• Added Golf Range Finder Settings Menu.
• Added Japanese Kana Keyboard.
• Added More QWERTY Keyboard Layouts.
• Added Multisport Workout Support.
• Added Music Options to Music More Controls Page.
• Added New Help Dialogs for Breathing Variations.
• Added Performance Glance Updates.
• Added Provisional Finish Point Support.
• Added Race Timer Data Field to Sail Race Activity.
• Added Running Economy Support.
• Added Running Power to the Lactate Threshold Page.
• Added Running Tolerance Support.
• Added Smart Wake Alarm.
• Added Step Speed Loss Support.
• Added Support for Track/Road Display Transitions.
• Added Tack Assist Data Page in Sailing Activities.
• Added Thai Keyboard.
• Added Track Run Option for Daily Suggested Workouts.
• Added Triathlon Adaptive Training Plan Support.
• Added Triathlon Race Events Support.
• Fixed Anchor App Alarm Settings Crash.
• Fixed Black Progress Bar on Intensity Minutes.
• Fixed Body Battery Value Overlapping Icon on Watch Face.
• Fixed Crash on Cycling Ability Glance.
• Fixed Crash When Backing Out of Daily Suggested Workout Previews.
• Fixed Crash When Removing Stock From Stock Widget.
• Fixed Crash when using Dismiss All.
• Fixed Green Phone Icon on Activity Stage.
• Fixed Header on Climbing Grade Selection Menu.
• Fixed HR Sensor Connection in Gaming Activity.
• Fixed Inconsistency Between Temperature Glance and App.
• Fixed Invalid VO2 Max Value When Device is Locked.
• Fixed Lag on Morning Report Daily Suggested Workouts Card.
• Fixed Lap Key Shortcut Not Working When Disabling Activity Lap Key.
• Fixed Map of Dog Widget Stuck in Pan/Zoom Mode.
• Fixed Passcode Accidentally Closing Assistance Page.
• Fixed Possible Crash When Calculating a Round Trip Bike Course.
• Fixed Potential Crash on Stocks List Edit Page.
• Fixed Potential Crash when Changing to Music Swim Lane with Low Battery.
• Fixed Sensor Found Page Not Updating After Pairing Started.
• Fixed Spacing on Watch Face High/Low Temperature Data Field.
• Fixed Using Buttons to Delete Custom Morning Report Messages.
• Fixed Videos in Tips App Disappearing when Scrolling.
• Fixed Weather Images Getting Cut Off in Morning Report Recap (MIP Only).
• Improved Answering and Declining Phone Calls with Touch.
• Improved Find My Device to Always Use Max Volume.
• Improvements to Custom Focus Modes.
• Removed Gauge from Iron Grit Watch Face in Low Power Mode.
• Updated CIQ Watch Faces to be Hidden when Device Locked.
• Updated Power Off Menu to Two Option Layout.