Garmin, the renowned innovator in smartwatch technology, has launched an extensive new update for its esteemed Fenix 7 series, extending its reach to other beloved models such as Enduro 2, Epix 2, Marq 2, and Quatix 7. Dubbed System Software 17.20, this latest release builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, v16.22, bringing forth a plethora of enhancements and fixes that promise to elevate the user experience to unprecedented heights.
A Long-Awaited Upgrade
Months have elapsed since Garmin last graced its loyal fanbase with a stable software update. In a nostalgic nod to the past, let’s revisit the memorable Software Version 16.22, a comprehensive update that ushered in nearly 40 transformative changes across the aforementioned smartwatch lineup, including their esteemed Pro iterations. Since then, Garmin has diligently engaged in public beta testing, commencing with the unveiling of Beta Version 17.10.
The Rise of System Software 17.20
In a move that has taken enthusiasts by surprise, Garmin recently unveiled Beta Version 17.20, a milestone release that was initially shrouded in mystery regarding its potential as a Release Candidate build. Nevertheless, defying expectations, the company swiftly transitioned this beta iteration into a stable software update, now widely distributed under the banner of System Software 17.20.
A Symphony of Improvements
System Software 17.20 emerges as a beacon of progress, boasting an impressive tally of 28 enhancements over its predecessor, v16.22. Among these notable upgrades, six fresh features make their debut, with the introduction of the Garmin Messenger app standing out as a testament to Garmin’s commitment to fostering seamless communication on-the-go. Furthermore, the inclusion of heart rate dynamic source switching heralds a new era of precision during running activities, promising unparalleled accuracy for fitness enthusiasts.
An Odyssey of Fixes
Acknowledging the imperfections of its predecessors, Garmin’s latest update addresses a myriad of bugs, totaling 17 fixes that rectify longstanding issues and improve overall stability. Noteworthy among these resolutions is the mitigation of an anomaly that previously plagued users with incorrect battery estimates prior to embarking on Expedition activities, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for adventurers.
Exploring the Changelog
Diving deeper into the changelog reveals a treasure trove of enhancements, including the addition of the Find My Phone feature during GPS activities, providing users with added peace of mind. Moreover, the inclusion of an Indoor Walk activity opens up new avenues for fitness enthusiasts to track their progress even when confined indoors, while the revamped Recovery Advisor adds a layer of personalized insights to the morning routine. Please see the changelog below for full details.
- Added Find My Phone During a GPS activity.
- Added Garmin Messenger App.
- Added heart rate dynamic source switching to select the best heart rate data source (watch or chest HRM) to improve accuracy during running activities.
- Added Indoor Walk activity.
- Added Recovery Advisor as an option in Morning Report and Glances.
- Added Self Evaluation to more activity types.
- CIQ bug fixes and improvements.
- Fixed errant warnings about trolling motor.
- Fixed incorrect battery estimate prior to Expedition activities.
- Fixed issue causing heart rate charts to not show up on some watch faces.
- Fixed issue causing Outdoor Maps+ to request data endlessly.
- Fixed issue causing the cadence flashlight to enable incorrectly when in an activity Resume Later state.
- Fixed issue where “Lap Discarded” keeps flashing on screen after activity was saved.
- 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 issue with ski run count in the Last Sport glance.
- Fixed issue with the altimeter glance when in large font mode.
- Fixed possible shutdown inside the Body Battery widget.
- Fixed potential issue with downloading large music playlists.
- Fixed potential issue with the weather map overlay.
- Fixed potential shutdown on Navigate page.
- 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.
- Outdoor Maps+ improvements.
- Renamed ‘Climb’ sport to ‘Mountaineering.’
- Updated translations.
Conclusion
In essence, System Software 17.20 marks a pivotal moment in Garmin’s ongoing quest for excellence, reaffirming its status as a trailblazer in the realm of smartwatch technology. With its extensive array of features and fixes, this latest update not only addresses the needs of existing users but also sets the stage for a future filled with endless possibilities. As Garmin continues to push the boundaries of innovation, one thing remains certain: the journey towards technological perfection knows no bounds.
