Garmin releases new beta build for mid-range smartwatches with new improvements and fixes

Garmin has stepped up the frequency with which it releases beta updates for its Instinct 2 series smartwatches. For context, the company shared Beta Version 16.06 just over a week ago, full details of which we have covered separately. Although Beta Version 16.06 brought a few bug fixes to all Instinct 2 series smartwatches, including the Instinct Crossover (curr. $449.99 on Amazon), it did not introduce that many changes considering the near-month gap from the introduction of Beta Version 16.02.

The new Beta Version 16.07 continues in a similar fashion. In a forum post, Garmin explains that the new update should have reached only 20% of eligible smartwatches. With that being said, more devices should receive a notification to download Beta Version 16.07 within the next 24 hours or so, provided that they have been enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program. Alternatively, you can trigger the download of the latest beta by using the company's Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) and Garmin Express services.

Like the Fenix 7 series before it, Garmin claims to have only introduced 'miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements' for the Instinct 2 series. However, it remains to be seen whether any of these are user-facing. Please see Garmin's forum post and Beta Bug Reports page for further details. For reference, Garmin claims to have shipped the following changes from v15.08, the series' most recent stable update, as of Beta Version 16.07:

Shared Change Log:

• Fixed issue with Battery Saver watch face where time would not update correctly.
• Fixed issue where inReach screen could be displayed after using the Health Monitoring app.
• Fixed issue where data could be covered up on activity summary page.
• Fixed issue where high/low temperature could be truncated on Morning Report page.
• Fixed issue where Bouldering rest timer could be truncated.
• Fixed issue where Strength activity timer could be truncated.
• Fixed issue with Sight' N Go hot key when accessed outside of an activity.

2/2s/2X only Change Log:

• Fixed issue with CIQ watch faces in Watch Face menu.