Garmin releases new update for high-end smartwatches with over a dozen promised changes

Hardly anytime has passed since Garmin released a new beta update for the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro (curr. $949 on Amazon). In summary, the company introduced four changes, two of which related to Spotify music playback.

For reference, Beta Version 23.34 is the second 23.xx update that Garmin has offered to beta testers since rolling out System Software 23.31 on its stable software channel a few weeks ago. Nonetheless, the company has returned to its Beta Program with a new update for the Fenix 8 series and associated smartwatches.

This time, Garmin has skipped a few software revisions to arrive at Beta Version 23.38. In a forum post, the company already claims to have offered its new beta to 100% of Beta Program participants. If that is not the case, then one can request Beta Version 23.38 manually as an over-the-air (OTA) download.

At this stage, it is unclear what changes Garmin has made between beta builds. While it lists a 22-line changelog, these changes can already be found in older 23.xx builds. Moreover, Garmin has not clarified when it will deliver a new stable build featuring these additional changes. For the time being, Garmin mentions the following changes on its forum:

• Adds a suggested quick workout for running.
• Adds context to volume control.
• Adds dive computer settings sharing in the Garmin Share app.
• Adds the XC Ski Indoor activity.
• Enables the voice command feature with the "OK Garmin" wake word.
• Fixes an issue that could cause music volume to increase after an alarm sounds.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset during a strength activity free workout.
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when installing audio prompt software and host simultaneously.
• Fixes an issue that could result in pace/speed dropouts, especially during interval training.
• Fixes an issue where the training days shown on the watch might not match the days shown in the Garmin Coach plan.
• Fixes an issue with not being able to start a suggested multisport workout.
• Fixes an issue with selecting rest days for daily suggested or Garmin Coach plan workouts.
• Fixes other minor issues.
• Fixes potential issue with Spotify music playback after skipping songs via paired Bluetooth headphones.
• Fixes potential shutdown when switching playlists in Spotify.
• Fixes potential shutdown when using the HIIT activity.
• Fixes the onscreen lap shortcut no longer showing in HIIT workouts.
• Fixes volume level not returning to the correct setting after water ejection.
• Improves the flashlight shortcut to cycle through the on, off, and strobe modes during an activity.
• Reduces false unlocks when using the touch lock feature.
• Supports Xero range and sensor data in the Applied Ballistics app.
• Updates translations.