Garmin releases major update to high-end smartwatches with numerous changes and improvements

Garmin has returned to the Fenix 7 series, weeks after releasing the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). Specifically, it has now issued Beta Version 28.02 globally. For context, the update is the first beta since Beta Version 27.18, which Garmin issued at the start of September.

While the company transitioned that firmware to System Software 27.18 a few days later, Beta Version 28.02 is the first major beta revision in three months. Like Beta Version 27.15 before it, Beta Version 28.02 focuses on bug fixes rather than adding new features. To that end, the new update contains nine overarching changes from System Software 27.18.

For instance, navigation calculations should return to full functionality after updating to Beta Version 28.02. Moreover, the Garmin Coach widget should always show data again, which was apparently an issue on older firmware. On top of that, Beta Version 28.02 should respect GPS settings even when switching between outdoor and indoor versions of the same activity.

Garmin is only offering its new beta update on a 'check for updates' basis. Hence, one must download the update manually by heading through the main menu to Settings, System and Software Update before selecting 'check for updates'.

At this stage, Garmin has not offered any indication about when v28.xx development will reach stable status. V27.xx beta development was relatively short-lived though, with only three updates before a stable transition. The full changelog between System Software 27.18 and Beta Version 28.02 is as follows:

• Fixed a device validation issue that would sometimes come up when downloading TopoActive maps.
• Fixed an issue where HRM 200/600 would not work during Golf activities.
• Fixed an issue where navigation calculation would sometimes fail.
• Fixed an issue where new clubs added on the Garmin Golf app are not visible on the device's club list.
• Fixed an issue where sometimes rangefinders would display stale data.
• Fixed an issue where sometimes the calendar widget would be slow to load.
• Fixed an issue where the Garmin Coach widget would sometimes not show data.
• Fixed an issue where the GPS setting for an outdoor activity would be disabled after selecting the indoor version of the activity.
• Fixed stability issues when downloading maps on the map manager app.