Garmin releases major new update with dozens of improvements to high-end smartwatches

Earlier this month, Garmin delivered what appeared to be the final beta update for the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $1,049 on Amazon) of this development round. Distributed as Beta Version 22.35, the update merely enabled Dive and ECG features. However, Garmin suggested that the update carried a lengthy changelog.

Now, the company has transitioned beta development to its stable software branch with the release of System Software 22.35. For reference, the new update has arrived on the Enduro 3, Fenix E and the Quatix 8 too. However, Garmin is holding back System Software 22.35 from the Tactix 8 for the time being, despite referencing its rugged smartwatch in its lengthy changelog.

According to Garmin's forum posts, System Software 22.35 introduces over 30 changes from March's System Software 21.39 update. Of those, 29 are bug fixes. The new update contains over half a dozen new features though, including an LTE option for activity power modes. System Software 22.35 is said to add a golf performance glance too, as well as a read and delivered status within the Garmin Messenger app. The full list of changes between System Software 21.39 and System Software 22.35 is as follows:

• Added compatibility with Approach CT1 tags to track every stroke on any club.
• Adds golf performance glance.
• Adds LTE option for activity power modes.
• Adds navigation option to last Man Overboard point.
• Adds read and delivered status to messages in Messenger.
• Adds support for a silent mode that can be quickly accessed via the control loop or a button shortcut.
• Allows access to the keyboard layout menu via a swipe up from the bottom of the page.
• Fixes a possible issue where the back and down key would not work for indoor climb and bouldering activities.
• Fixes an issue that could cause an upcoming race event not to show on the device.
• Fixes an issue that could cause excessive battery drain after using the phone assistant or accepting a phone call on the watch.
• Fixes an issue that could cause pool swim workouts to progress through active steps without interaction.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to exit the map page during a route recalculation.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when adding apps via Garmin Connect Mobile.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when recording an activity.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when using WhatsApp on an iPhone.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when viewing the evening report.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the screen to incorrectly respond to touch after taking an ECG reading.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the tones for the rest timer countdown during strength workouts to sound out of rhythm.
• Fixes an issue that could result in a failure when uploading an activity file to Garmin Connect.
• Fixes an issue that could result in devices with many saved activity files to appear unresponsive at times.
• Fixes an issue that could result in not being able to accept an incoming call on the watch.
• Fixes an issue where the gear tracking progress bar shown after an activity does not include the just-completed activity.
• Fixes an issue with Garmin Coach workouts sometimes failing to sync to the device.
• Fixes an issue with syncing strength personal records with Garmin Connect.
• Fixes battery estimates when switching power modes for activities.
• Fixes being able to access voice command, music, and voice notes apps during an active call.
• Fixes crash when using the map after using a Z10 or Z30.
• Fixes navigation ending when losing GPS signal or deviating from the course.
• Fixes night vision color shift not working. (Tactix 8)
• Fixes Outdoor Maps+ downloads not resuming after being interrupted.
• Fixes possible crash during activities with active LiveTrack.
• Fixes possible issue where the watch would no longer play the boot animation.
• Fixes send off time not vibrating during swim workouts.
• Fixes Spoken Watch face not being available. (Fenix E)
• Fixes watch face sunset/sunrise data fields not updating.
• Fixes weather app not updating when you enter the app.
• Improves responsiveness when starting the timer.
• Prevents automatic track detection during trail run activities.