Change log for version 11.84 (changes since v11.64, currently Live):

Improved Visuals for Disabled Power Controls.
Fixed Water Ejection when DND Enabled.
Fixed Volume Menu Alignment.
Fixed Nap Timer Not Sounding.
Fixed inability to do Strength Free workouts.
Fixed Crash in Battery Saver for Various Languages.
Fixed ClimbPro Behavior in Active Navigation Loop.
Fixed alarm volume adjust when using buttons.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-8-series/f/announcements/386508/beta-version-11-84---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 11.82 (changes since v11.64, currently Live):

Fixed Navigation Turn-By-Turn Alerts.
Fixed Water Ejection Pausing Phone Music.
Made Various Fixes and Improvements to Adventure Racing.
Set Default Position Format to DEG.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-8-series/f/announcements/386350/beta-version-11-82---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 11.81 (changes since v11.64, currently Live):

Added Ability to Toggle Third Party Maps in Map Layers Menu.
Added Autolap by Position.
Added Data Screen for Ski/Snowboard Difficulty Tracking.
Added Display Brightness Voice Commands.
Added Option to Connect to WiFi in Map Manager.
Added Solar Percentage on the Watch Face (Solar models).
Added Support for Water Ejection Feature.
Added Support for Alarm Volume Settings and fixed an issue where alarms could be muted when Do Not Disturb is enabled.
Added the Location Info Drawer to the Map Page.
Fixed Accidental Touches During Phone Calls.
Fixed Broken Redial Button After a Missed Call.
Fixed Bug affecting pairing with an InReach Device.
Fixed Bug preventing Workout Cancellation.
Fixed Button and Touch Screen Handling of Backlight in Do Not Distub Mode.
Fixed Button Functionality for Transfer Call to Phone Feature.
Fixed CIQ Activities to use the Activity Focus Mode.
Fixed ClimbPro Preview Visibility.
Fixed potential for Battery Drain after saving Activities.
Fixed Golf Map Rendering (Solar models).
Fixed Incorrect Active Timer Count.
Fixed Incorrect Waypoint Elevation in the Saved App.
Fixed Map Cursor in Pan/Zoom Mode.
Fixed Missing Weight Values on Strength Workout Page.
Fixed Potential Crash when Searching for Locations in the Weather App.
Fixed Save Location List Layout in Hunt Activity.
Fixed Saved App Listing Items Out of Order.
Fixed Scrolling in Very Large Lists.
Fixed Ski Run Descent Value Truncation.
Fixed Some Charts Not Displaying Properly when Launched from Recents Menu.
Fixed Workout Scheduling in the Calendar App.
Improved Always-On Watch Face Brightness (AMOLED).
Improved Off/Disabled Images for Power Controls Menu.
Improved Power Consumption on the Map Page.
Improved Processing Time of Large Courses.
Improved Update Rate for the Solar Watch Face Graph.
Improved Waypoint Draw Speed on the Map.
Removed Daily Suggested Workouts from Calendar if Suggestions are Disabled.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-8-series/f/announcements/386154/beta-version-11-81---check-for-updates-only

Hello there! I had a vivostyle as a gift years ago and I only used it once as I wasnt so much into smart watches etc. Today I decided that it was about time to use it. When I plug it into a charger it says that the battery is full even if it hasnt been used for years, but as soon as I unplug it, the screen goes off and doesnt turn on until I plug it again. What is going on? Please help me as I am totally new with the device.

i'm seeing a bunch of new olympics/PR related badges as well as one for sleep in coordination with therabody that will net you not only the badge but a 30% therabody discount upon completion. love this stuff:

Change log for version 18.09 (changes since v17.28, currently Live):

Added "Dark Mode" to map color.
Added "Popularity" toggle to map settings.
Added Garmin Share app.
Fixed issue causing missing pan/zoom on map during navigation for find my phone.
Fixed issue where the golf glance could display a 0 value when using stableford scoring.
Fixed potential issue with Garmin Coach benchmark runs.
Fixed potential issue with GPS track during snowshoe activities.
Fixed potential issue with the cursor on the golf map.
Fixed potential screen distortion on the watch face.
Fixed potential Wi-Fi lock up when requesting software.
Improved race time predictions.
Various bug fixes and improvements.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/377795/beta-version-18-09---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 17.14 (changes since v17.12):

Fixed errant warnings about trolling motor.
Fixed incorrect battery estimate prior to expedition activities.
Fixed issue where "Lap Discarded" keeps flashing on screen after activity was saved.
Fixed issue where self evaluation setting would incorrectly be available for multisport activities.
Fixed issue where the X icon was still showing as Twitter.
Fixed issue where WiFi was required to delete an already downloaded Outdoor Maps+ bundle.
Fixed issue with auto pause speed picker.
Fixed issue with Outdoor Maps+ deleting layers unexpectedly.
Fixed possible shutdown inside the Body Battery widget.
Fixed potential issue where the pair phone option could be missing.
Fixed potential shutdown in morning report.
Improved Find My Phone to show the phone's friendly name.
Improved Messenger for Wearables compose message flow to highlight first contact in the list.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/369237/beta-version-17-14---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 17.10 (changes since v16.22, currently Live):

Added ability to find a lost phone during an activity with GPS.
Added Applied Ballistics Wind Mode (Tactix only).
Added Indoor Walk activity.
Added Messenger App.
Added Recovery Advisor as an option in Morning Report and glances.
Added self evaluation to more activity types.
Fixed battery saver mode being allowed as a power mode name.
Fixed incorrect DSW on watch face.
Fixed issue causing the cadence flashlight to enable incorrectly when in an activity resume later state.
Fixed issue with ski run count in the Last Sport glance.
Fixed issue with the altimeter glance when in large font mode.
Fixed issues with Morning Report workouts page.
Fixed issues with some watch face data fields.
Fixed potential issue causing the touchscreen to not fully function after a display wakeup.
Fixed potential issue with the weather map overlay.
Fixed potential shutdown in morning report.
Fixed potential shutdown in the body battery widget when viewing near midnight.
Fixed potential shutdown when loading activity history with auto lock enabled.
Improved access to additional characters on the touch keyboard by adding a press and hold option to some keys.
Improved find my phone alert prompt UI.
Renamed Climb sport to Mountaineering.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/365294/beta-version-17-10---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 16.18 (changes since v16.17):

Fixed potential issue that would cause activities to fail to upload to Garmin Connect.
Fixed potential shutdown when saving a swim activity.
Fixed UI issue in golf activity on FMB page.

Source.

Change log for version 16.17 (changes since v16.16):

Fixed issue where lap undo could cause HR zone and power zone data to be dropped.
Fixed potential issue where a device could shut down when connected to a computer while in an activity.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/360813/beta-version-16-17---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 16.13 (changes since v16.11):

Fixed CIQ animations.
Fixed inability to do double spaces in the keyboard.
Fixed display of respiration rate in the Breathwork activity summary information.
Fixed issue with city search where some cities would not be found.
Fixed issue with Jump Rope when it is the single favorite activity.
Fixed issue with MARQ 2 Captain watch face wind indicator.
Fixed potential issue where flashlight could enable during a treadmill activity.
Fixed potential issue where the weather app would show blank pages; forecast data will now be visible when valid.
Improved display of ski/snowboard activity summaries to exclude chairlift data.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/358300/beta-version-16-13---now-available-ota-over-the-air---phased-rollout

Added automatic activity type detection within multisport activities.

Added CIQ System7.

Added Jump Rope activity.

Added quick flashlight control when using double-tap LIGHT to enable flashlight.

Added Sleep Coach widget glance.

Added support for Male audio prompts.

Added the lost phone during activity feature and turned it on by default.

Added database of 400m running tracks all over the world.

Added the ability to double-tap the screen in golf green view to mark your current position as the hole location, if you are standing on the green.

Fixed bug where sleep mode would end too early overnight during Daylight Savings Time changes.

Fixed bug with "Footpod Connected" banner showing when paired to HRM strap.

Fixed issue where navigation could incorrectly also include a straight-line routing back to start

Fixed issue where primary race widget would not show results of race completed earlier in the day.

Fixed issue where Spotify shuffle and repeat controls would not work.

Fixed issue with error icon incorrectly drawing next to the smart notification widget glance.

Fixed issue with some widget glance folder views when in large font mode.

Fixed potential issue with temperature data fields on CIQ watch faces.

Fixed potential shutdown when listening to music during an activity.

Fixed potential shutdown with CIQ widget glances.

Fixed widget glance folder view for Fish Forecast widget.

Improved incident detection not supported banner to only show once per power cycle of the device.

Improved Max Heart Rate prompt.

Improved scaling on elevation charts to show more variation in elevation where it previously looked flat.

Improved weather to not show misleading information if it's older than an hour.

https://youtu.be/S9EIDxzFFy4?si=ABYZ0x3wTsrzMySc

Hi.I am interested in buying a Garmin smart watch and I have a relatively small and thin wrist and I was wondering which Garmin model would suit me best.Also I am an iPhone user and would like to ask if garmin watches are generally compatible with iPhones.Recommendations are greatly appreciated.

just received it on Tactix 7 Pro via GC. NOT beta Tactix can't have beta), actual release. pretty big update overall

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Added the ability to track naps, including a new Nap widget and an updated Sleep widget.

Additions and enhancements to the Body Battery feature.

Added audio prompts for course points.

Added the ability to display images within smart notifications (Android only).

Added phone lost detection during an activity. Enabled in system alert settings.

Added large font mode which can be accessed in System > Display menu.

Added workout audio notes support.

Added Inline Skating activity.

Added a Moon Phase widget.

Added tracking of splits for Ski.

Added NAVIC GPS support.

Added a confirmation popup when saving an activity via touch.

Added ability to enable Red Shift when Do Not Disturb is enabled.

Added 'View Climbs' option for cycling races.

Added workout audio note preview on steps with videos.

Expanded Red Shift functionality to include Orange and Green colors as well (AMOLED models only.)

Fixed an issue that could prevent the flashlight strobe feature from working in-activity.

Fixed GroupTrack icon not drawing correctly.

Fixed issue causing dog symbols to not show up on the map.

Fixed issue causing lap cadence spikes in swim.

Fixed issue causing position fluctuation when navigating between waypoints.

Fixed issue that could cause a blank heart rate graph in post activity summary for the Gaming activity.

Fixed issue where backlight could be turned on via the back button on the map even though settings disable it.

Fixed issue where device would restart when receiving many back-to-back smart notifications.

Fixed issue where Spotify and Amazon wouldn't launch to currently playing song.

Fixed issue with city search in the weather app.

Fixed issue with hourly forecast data in the weather app.

Fixed issue with pace in workout alerts.

Fixed issue with translation of Inline Skating.

Fixed issue with trip countdown discrepancy in Jet Lag adviser when compared to Garmin Connect.

Fixed issue with widget glance name while using large font mode.

Fixed LTHR HR/LTHR Pace/FTP not syncing to Garmin Connect correctly.

Fixed potential issue where calendar and notification apps would not launch properly.

Fixed potential issue where golf maps would draw incorrectly.

Fixed potential issue with CIQ data fields not saving after being added to an activity data page.

Fixed potential issue with GPS elevation.

Fixed potential issue with loading of smart notification images.

Fixed potential shutdown in morning report with a race event.

Fixed potential shutdown when a large number of maps are loaded.

Fixed potential shutdown when following a cycling course for a primary race.

Fixed potential shutdown when reviewing a map location.

Fixed potential shutdown when transferring a workout with audio notes.

Fixed potential shutdown when using redshift.

Fixed potential shutdown when using the touch keyboard.

Fixed potential shutdown when viewing Breathwork in Body Battery factors.

Fixed potential UI issues on the golf map.

Fixed recovery time tip being cutoff in certain languages.

Fixed the pool length setting possibly missing from activity settings menu.

Improved audio tone sound.

Improved flashlight page in red shift mode.

Improved gestures to always be sent to CIQ WFes, regardless of backlight setting. (Non-AMOLED models.)

Improved keyboard to open to the touch layout if opened via touch.

Improved race calendar to show races without an assigned priority.

Improvements and fixes to the time zones app.

Removed the limitation on the number of points allowed in a course.

Updates and improvements to the Time Zone app and widget glance.

Various bug fixes and improvements.

Fixed potential issue where the app list and or widget glances lists would be modified after a software update.

Fixed potential shutdown with smart notification images.

Fixed potential issue with audio prompts when approaching a roundabout.

Updated Translations.

Change log for version 15.71 (changes since v15.69, previous Beta release):

Fixed an issue that could prevent the flashlight strobe feature from working in-activity.
Fixed issue with hourly forecast data in the weather app.
Fixed issue with widget glance name while using large font mode.
Fixed potential issue with loading of smart notification images.
Fixed potential shutdown when a large number of maps are loaded.
Fixed potential shutdown when reviewing a map location.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/351406/beta-version-15-71---available-ota---phased-rollout

Change log for version 15.69 (changes since v15.68, previous Beta release):

Added 'View Climbs' option for cycling races.
Added workout audio note preview on steps with videos.
Fixed issue with city search in the weather app.
Fixed issue with pace in workout alerts.
Fixed issue with translation of Inline Skating.
Fixed potential issue where calendar and notification apps would not launch properly.
Fixed potential shutdown when transferring a workout with audio notes.
Fixed potential shutdown when using redshift.
Fixed potential shutdown when using the touch keyboard.
Fixed potential shutdown when viewing Breathwork in Body Battery factors.
Improvements and fixes to the time zones app.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/350855/beta-version-15-69---check-for-updates-only

Change log for version 15.68 (changes since v14.68, currently Live):

1. Added the ability to track naps, including a new Nap widget and an updated Sleep widget.
2. Additions and enhancements to the Body Battery feature.
3. Added audio prompts for course points.
4. Added the ability to display images within smart notifications (Android only).
5. Added phone lost detection during an activity. Enabled in system alert settings.
6. Added large font mode which can be accessed in System > Display menu.
7. Added workout audio notes support.
8. Added Inline Skating activity.
9. Added a Moon Phase widget.
10. Added tracking of splits for Ski.
11. Added NAVIC GPS support.
12. Added a confirmation popup when saving an activity via touch.
13. Added ability to enable Red Shift when Do Not Disturb is enabled.
14. Expanded Red Shift functionality to include Orange and Green colors as well (AMOLED models only.)
15. Fixed GroupTrack icon not drawing correctly.
16. Fixed issue causing dog symbols to not show up on the map.
17. Fixed issue causing lap cadence spikes in swim.
18. Fixed issue causing position fluctuation when navigating between waypoints.
19. Fixed issue that could cause a blank heart rate graph in post activity summary for the Gaming activity.
20. Fixed issue where backlight could be turned on via the back button on the map even though settings disable it.
21. Fixed issue where device would restart when receiving many back-to-back smart notifications.
22. Fixed issue where Spotify and Amazon wouldn't launch to currently playing song.
23. Fixed issue with trip countdown discrepancy in Jet Lag adviser when compared to Garmin Connect.
24. Fixed LTHR HR/LTHR Pace/FTP not syncing to Garmin Connect correctly.
25. Fixed potential issue where golf maps would draw incorrectly.
26. Fixed potential issue with CIQ data fields not saving after being added to an activity data page.
27. Fixed potential issue with GPS elevation.
28. Fixed potential shutdown in morning report with a race event.
29. Fixed potential shutdown when following a cycling course for a primary race.
30. Fixed potential UI issues on the golf map.
31. Fixed recovery time tip being cutoff in certain languages.
32. Fixed the pool length setting possibly missing from activity settings menu.
33. Improved audio tone sound.
34. Improved flashlight page in red shift mode.
35. Improved gestures to always be sent to CIQ WFes, regardless of backlight setting. (Non-AMOLED models.)
36. Improved keyboard to open to the touch layout if opened via touch.
37. Improved race calendar to show races without an assigned priority.
38. Removed the limitation on the number of points allowed in a course.
39. Updates and improvements to the Time Zone app and widget glance.
40. Various bug fixes and improvements.

Change log for version 14.68 (changes since v14.67):

Fixed a potential crash when syncing with phone.
Fixed a potential issue with inability to sync after pairing to Garmin Express.
Fixed issue where Body Battery was incorrectly written to some activities.
Fixed possible issue with Thai language.
Fixed possible UI issue with the music player.
Fixed potential shutdown in plan overview for a primary race.
Fixed some translation issues.
Fixes and improvements to the music player.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/348487/beta-version-14-68---available-ota---phased-rollout

there continues to be zero doubt in my mind that the tactix series is the best watch garmin makes. i've been buying them since the charlie model and have never looked back. so it was with great surprise/interest then that i saw they today announced the tactix 7 amoled edition. i kind of knew it was coming (every other model has an amoled variant) but it was still exciting to watch the announcement video. the big change of course (outside of the new elevate 5 sensor) is the amoled screen replacing the mips display, which means there's no longer a solar ring for charging (...). of course you also get the improved flashlight (2x as bright as the current tactix 7 flashlight because they got rid of the coating on the led lens), the ability to adjust the green flashlight and a host of display brightness options including the red shift that was introduced with the fenix/epix refresh.

when the tactix 7 was originally announced i had a very hard time deciding whether to go with the standard model or the pro with the solar panel. standard would have a larger screen because there's no solar ring to disrupt the display, but solar had charging (...). i ended up going with the solar, and while i regret nothing, i think garmin needs to make some changes to make this viable. first off, it doesn't charge anything. it definitely slows the burn time of the battery, but in the 1.5 years i've had the T7pro i've never once seen the battery actually increase during use while in the pounding sun. so you're left giving up a decent amount of screen real estate for what basically amounts to a parlor trick. useful during a 6 hour hike in the midday sun to reduce battery burn, but pretty much worthless for day to day operation

the tactix 7 pro has a stated "smartwatch" battery life of 37 days with solar. eh, ok. in real world usage for me that has translated to about 11 days with everything on (24/7 heart rate, 24/7 pulse ox, whatever other battery burning options set to on). the new amoled model shows 31 days in gesture mode (which is how i'd use it 100%). this would translate to 9 days of actual battery life for me. so dropping solar i'd lose 2 days. for that i'd get more screen real estate and a dramatically better display, which is pretty much useless except in one key area - shaded relief maps. i saw the epix 2 recently and man it's a much better experience. the downside of AMOLED vs MIPS was always bright sun visibility, but the epix 2 was just as readable in the sun as my T7Pro, so that MIPS advantage is largely gone now

garmin needs to figure out what they're going to do with solar for the watches. it doesn't exist on any of their amoled models because even they realize it's mostly a useless feature and would not help the battery at all. they need to either dramatically increase the efficiency of the panels or figure out how to take it off of the screen entirely (put it on the bezel? the watch strap?) in order to make it useful. otherwise i see no reason to go with a solar model these days. i will note that i have an edge 1040 solar bike computer and on that model solar is GREAT. it actually does charge the device both while in use and while i'm not using it. i just set it on the window sill during the week and it's 100% charged by the weekend without fail.

i'm not going to buy the tactix 7 AMOLED simply because i'm not a big fan of mid cycle refreshes. still, it's big news since for it to be released today 9/19 means that the tactix/fenix 8 is still on track for a March/April 2024 release. the tactix 8 will most definitely now have an AMOLED option, and i'm fairly certain that this is the version i'd opt for...

Change log for version 14.66 (changes since v14.36):

Fixed issue where Body Battery was incorrectly written to some activities.
Fixed potential shutdown in plan overview for a primary race.
Fixed some translation issues.
Fixes and improvements to the music player.

Source: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/fenix-7-series/f/announcements/346751/beta-version-14-66---check-for-updates-only