New Garmin Fenix 8 beta update brings over sixty changes

Garmin is rolling out beta version 15.16 for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix E and Enduro 3 smartwatches. This is the first release in the 15.xx testing cycle, following the stable update version 13.35, which arrived earlier in March with a range of bug fixes.

Beta version 15.16 adds to the Fenix 8 and related smartwatches a Rucking activity and support for Rep-Counting 3.0. You can now use voice commands with Jumpmaster, Plan Dive, Reference Point, and Trolling Motor. Plus, users can view more Daily Suggested Workout settings in the Garmin Connect app. Improvements have been made to the Climbing and Jump Rope activities. There are design changes for Garmin Coach on race day, and the Morning Report weather layout has been updated. Plus, the Body Battery summary graph can now display data for 24 hours, and the Calendar can show suggested workouts for running and cycling.

Garmin also removed two things with this update: Distance Targets for Jump Rope no longer exist, and the Resume Option for completed Guided Meditations has been taken away. The change log for beta version 15.16 has 66 notes, many of which are bug fixes addressing issues relating to Passcode, Morning Report and skin temperature measurements, amongst others. The full release notes are provided below.

You can download the update to your watch over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth by going to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates. As with all beta updates for these watches, the ECG and Dive features are disabled for the Fenix 8 smartwatches (47mm AMOLED model curr. $984.95 at Amazon).