Garmin software update improves accuracy on high-end smartwatches

Garmin is rolling out a new software update for the Fenix 8 series (on Amazon). It applies to the previously reviewed Fenix 8 Solar and Fenix 8 AMOLED models, as well as the Tactix 8 AMOLED, Enduro 3, Quatix 8, and Fenix E—covering all size variants as usual. The update is not delivered automatically; users must manually initiate it via the watch’s settings while connected to Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi. As a beta release, it temporarily disables two key features: ECG and diving functions.

The brief changelog for version 23.12 offers little incentive to join the beta program. This is unsurprising, however, as version 23.11—released just days earlier—already introduced several substantial features and control options. Version 23.12 instead focuses on stability, resolving various minor, unspecified bugs. It also fixes an issue where treadmill calibration failed to improve accuracy. After proper calibration—by entering the treadmill’s recorded distance following a sufficiently long session—the watch should now deliver more reliable pace and distance estimates during future indoor workouts.