Garmin's Big Q1 2024 Fenix/Forerunner Beta Update: Tested!
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Here's everything to know about Garmin's new Q1 2024 public beta firmware update for the Forerunner & Fenix lineups!
This is the first time I’ve written one of these quarterly posts where I can actually put “Wearables” in the title, rather than specifically ‘Fenix’ or ‘Forerunner’ or ‘Epix’. That’s because Garmin is actually close enough now where all of these major watches released within a few day timespan. The Forerunner series went first, then a few days later the Fenix/Epix/etc series. I suspect we’ll see Instinct squirreling around the corner here soon too.
Now, for timing it’s not all the same-day drop, but…we’re getting much closer to seeing that. Maybe next month (that said, there’s actually perfectly good beta program/technical reasons to stagger these, mainly so that if something is found, it impacts a smaller group of people).
For this round-up, we’ve got the following watches (as of January 12th), as I said, I’m sure we’ll see Instinct 2 series units join it shortly. Here’s links to all the announcement release notes for each one:
Garmin Fenix 7/Fenix 7 Pro Series
Garmin Epix/Epix Pro Series
Garmin Enduro 2
Garmin Quatix 7
Garmin MARQ 2 Series (except Aviator)
Garmin Forerunner 255 Series
Garmin Forerunner 955/955 Solar
Garmin Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 265 beta update for some reason isn’t listed yet, but undoubtedly will show up any moment. The Tacitx 7 Series joins the MARQ Aviator, in not being in any beta programs (likely due to the aviation features and extra QA processes). While Venu 3 got a beta update too this week…I’m not including it here because it’s just adding jump rope. C’mon Garmin, there’s simply no reason a $449 watch should have less features than the Forerunner 255/265 have at lower prices.
In any case, in this set, there’s a slate of updates in these betas, but the main five new features (as I see it) are:
1) Adds Automatic transition mode for triathlon: Effectively mirrors what Wahoo and then Apple have, which automatically change sports
2) Adds running track mode database: You no longer have to do calibration laps to get perfect tracks, it now has a database of worldwide tracks
3) Adds Lap Undo: You can now undo lap markers if you accidentally hit the lap button
4) Adds Sleep Coach: This was previously introduced on the Venu 3/Vivoactive 5 series, and its rollout is now being expanded.
5) Adds Jump Rope activity profile: Ok.
Beyond this, there’s a slate of bug fixes, and a few minor things (like the Fenix/Epix/etc units get CIQ7, a new flashlight control, lost phone option and more). You can tap the links up above to see the release notes for each.
Want to swim-test in Amsterdam next week? Hit up the comments for this post here, I'll see your e-mail address privately and can reply: www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/01/ga...
#Garmin #GarminForerunner #GarminBeta #GarminFenix7 - Sport
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Lap undo is the best feature to come out in years lol. I usually just take off my lap button because of all the accident presses
Same
My workouts usually are like.. "Pistol Squats (Left side): 12 reps. Pistol Squats (Right side): 1 rep." Woops! Oh well time to squat when I should be box jumping.
Ditto
Love the cancel lap option! I hit it too often when using maps on a trail run.
Right? I can finally turn manual lap on and actually use it.
Same!
Yes, that's a great feature.
But when will they add the feature "I forgot to resume my activity" feature?
Or a "are you sure that you don't want to start tracking your activity"?
@@njsfer or a “it’s been 3 hours, are you really still exercising? Because you’re barely moving and your heart rate is 60pbm” feature
@@Seanonyoutube That would also be a good new and very simple to implement feature. I honestly can't understand why they give us so much useless data like running power (wtf, really?) and not basic, really usefull features like the ones that you and I mentioned. I want my watch to be smart at simple things, not to give me data that I can't do anything with it.
Thanks for the update. Keep doing that in the future please! That’s extremely helpful 👍🏻👍🏻
Is there a way to convince Garmin to improve their sleep tracking? It would be super-useful for everyone and a strong selling point for Garmin devices. The popularity of sleep tracking for recovery and health is on the rise now, and it's sad to see other devices overtaking Garmin in that.
Garmin has great sensors; it's only the software that is lacking, and it should be a doable fix with huge benefits.
this so much! I've read somewhere from sleep neurologist, that top devices have pretty much similar sensors, but software is the issue, and the reason is that individuals have pretty big range of sleep patterns, and if your pattern doesnt fit the soft algoritm, it will give absurd result. For instance I'm quite wriggle sleeper and my Fenix 6x read most of my REM phase as
restless sleep. cheers.
Is apple watch ultra better?
@@KP-ox5yoyes, apple watches in general are more accurate when talking about sleep and heart rate readings
Using the Fr745 so sitting back and watching the updates for the other watches. This watch does what I need it to do so will keep with it until I'm in desperate need of an upgrade.
I actually like that the auto lap and manual lap are handled differently. If it laps and I want to scroll to a different data field I don't want to undo by mistake.
I think it just means, that undoing should not be that easy.
These vids are super useful! Thanks!
Super fun breakdown of it all, awesome stuff
FAN-TAS-TIC updates! And thanks for content!
This update is already on my FR 955, so I'm happy seeing the detailed explanations. Thanks for that.
But a small hint: instead of pressing the down button several times (when in settings), you can press UP once and you are in "System" then UP twice for "Software update".
hehe I had just posted this same thing and saw your comment. So I deleted mine lol.
Yeah, definitely. Sometimes I go that way, sometimes I go the other way, depends if I'm thinking faster than my fingers are moving. Usually not.
@@DcrainmakerMy mind is slowing down, as well as my fingers... So the result for me is always the same: my lazyness wins and I go for the fewer button presses.
thanks, it could work for touch as well
For your laps just have a separate run mode where autolap isn’t enabled. Eg “Run Splits” etc.
Nice Video Ray, well done again. Fastest way to firmware updates is left middle button long, up, enter System, up up and here you go faster to the software updates, instead of rolling both menu sections completely through.
I love my Instinct 2X Solar more than all other watches, and have a lot of hope for the 3rd version.
Maybe others have said, but I just set up a separate workout run profile. That has the auto lap function turned off permanently. I always use that run profile for a structured workout. I adopted that for exactly the reasons you said.
Thanks for sharing this helpful video! Take care
Any news about a smart wake-up feature? When Garmin announced on-watch support for sleep features, I thought that we are 1, maybe 2 years away from that, but it seems not. I know, how accurate REM detection is, but still, it is probably better than nothing.
I'm waiting for this feature for ages. Come on Garmin!
Waiting too…since forever. 😅
I was thinking the same!!!
Should be easily possible, with all data in the background.
Do the newer watches even have a dynamic wakeup alarm for the recommended sleep duration data that was shown in this video? The watch claims to know when I fall asleep and could easily add on the recommended, or a preset number of, hours and wake me after that.
Personally, I would prefer alarms based on sleep phase detection, but Garmin doesn't appear to do that detection well, at least on my 935. Sad, since I had good sleep phase detection + alarm in a 3rd party app on my iPhone 3GS!
Lap undo is perfect as it is for me. I have created a specific run activity for guided workouts where auto lap is disabled, so i don't have to worry about it messing with splits :)
I think 2024 will be the year I upgrade from my Garmin FR 935. Love the auto transition feature idea for Triathlon.
Lap undo and jump rope were like my two top feature requests! So happy for this update! Now if they can only make the round trip calculation not suck on the watch that would be great…
For me, a Nap Undo feature would be much more useful than the Lap Undo feature. I never ever take a nap during the day but my FR965 auto detects one or two naps almost daily. Even better than Nap Undo would of course be if it was possible to disable the nap detection feature altogether. Pretty please Garmin, make it so.
YES!
Nice... As More and more devices features, I am getting more reasons to switch from polar to Garmin
Good video, thanks Ray..thumbs up given 👍. On another note, when is your review of the insta 360 ace pro out please? I saw it on your desk today 🤔
Thanks for the informative video. Do you think the 165 will be able to enrol in the beta program? Can see its not yet supported in the beta program
Lap undo is such a live saver for data nerds.
I think no lap undo on auto lap is fine but ideally that should be an option. The most important use case for me is the accidental press. I hope it comes to Instinct too. I have a Fenix too so if I really need it I'll use that
Finally jump rope! I do it all the time. Great cardio and high heart rate intervals.
Hi, as always thx for your explanations. One point, as I suggested a year or two (?) ago, you can use the scroll button in two directions 😉
I use it both ways, just depends on if I'm lazy or not.
Thanks for the video. Quick question on the Fr955 Solar is the new lux hours metric in the solar widget part of this beta or another update I missed?
LAP UNDO IS A GODSEND. THANK YOU GARMIN.
100% agree about the undo for auto lap. Splitting my intervals on an interval run has been my biggest bug bare for ages. I thought they should have a setting which turns off auto lap if your doing a workout and on if your just doing a free run, but your option possibly works better.
You can duplicate the run profile and have one for run (workout) without auto lap, and one for run (free) with auto lap.
I like the new Option to increase or dimm the flash Light on the "home Screen" on my epix pro with the beta.
The auto track mode when you walk on the track would be great. The track is a few blocks away so I record my walk to the run as part of my warmup.
I disagree, it's an intrusive feature from a "Privacy" standpoint! Apple are able to offer this a feature masking their underlying tenets - privacy breaches and mega-tracking! Think about it, how should your watch/wearable instantly notify you of being on a track? When you yourself walked there with the intent of a workout or something else. It's redundant and an invasion of your privacy (even if you don't view it that way). I'm happy as is for Garmin to keep doing what they're already good at! Fitness/training forward implementations and not "hey you are on a track, wanna record a session" BS privacy intrusions! #My2cents
Finally lap undo, amazing. So many times I accidently press it. Wish I could just disable lap. I never ever use it.
Thanks for the Video! Does Jump Rope count the Jumps? I use third party datatypes for this but it would be nice if Garmin made a real Jump Rope Activity with additional metrics (counts, misses ...).
Well I don't know for sure but this Jump Rope feature isn't new! I came across it last year in the IQ store and installed it on my Venu Sq with the intent of tracking my skips - but haven't gotten round to accomplishing that! That was circa September '23... it's been always there to install, one thing I love about Garmin but also not so much, because the premium line of wearables don't have their apps/workout programs there to download!
Now that Ray has highlighted it I'll make it a point to trial it hopefully it's a blast! Love the segmentation of Free, Fixed time and Fixed rep modes!
Auto sport transition will be interesting. I am assuming it will do it based on a detection of a change in body position and movements, such as when you stand up and start running after the swim, or it if it detects you are off the bike and running (perhaps with zero power/cadence detected). Post swim that would mean it may change early, as you are likely to have to run from the swim exit to the formal transition 'entrance'. Personally I prefer the idea of timing the different individual sport distances, so as soon as I am out of the water 'transition' has effectively started immediately. But this does that also mean that as you run THROUGH transition after putting on shoes, the watch will change sports early again? Am sure there are many people who forget to press Lap until well through T2, so you end up doing two lap button presses, so this will help, but interesting to see how it copes.
Also worth pointing out ECG features arent enabled in these beta’s, much for the same reasons as the Aviation features need to be certified
One great usecase for the undo feature would be during structured workouts. Lap key is disabled for me (and by default nowadays I think) and I usually use it to get back to the watchface. Sometimes I forget I'm within a structured workout and press the lap key... and it cannot be undone atm 😞
Just got my Venu 3 after using Apple Watch since 2017. I have always heard and known about Garmin and their great features. But I am new in the Garminverse. Why does this not include the Venu 3?
I often forget to turn off auto lap on tempo runs too. I think the best solution would be the ability to set auto lap to off for structured workouts, but on for runs that you just start normally. But undoing the auto lap would be a good start!
I've gotten around this by making separate workout profiles. Pain in the butt but it works.
I have several run profiles for this. Also I typically use different data fields too.
Same but not sure why a pain in butt. You can access them both right next to each other and can select everything in one or the other like training calender workouts etc. Great feature. My Run Workout I have different screens so I can see last lap results when in my recovery. Ultra useful.
@@alanshrimpton6787 I meant more in setting them up. If you make a change in one data screen on one profile, you have to do it in other or recopy and then set up your different settings accordingly. Stuff like that.
@@FrankZen yeah, if you want the same in both profiles but once you like what you no changing required. I even have a Race profile
Just got the update on my 255. Did you get a group to test the auto transitions in multisports? I have a duathlon coming up next month. Hopefully I can get a chance to play with it soon and decide if I want auto or stick with manual for now.
I still have the FR 245 and waiting for the update of the sleep tracking to something more or less acceptable before I would consider buying another Garmin - which will probably be never. To me it just seems like a company releasing beta product with a lot of promises but as soon as they can, they'll make sure you're not entirely satisfied and look into new watches. It's a shame.
I know Coros has jump rope, I have a buddy who uses it a lot. Guess Garmin didn’t want to be left out. lol.
You are really crazy to do a triathlon, but appreciate your testing 🤣 But I usually forget to press the lap button while going into transition 2.
If you want diffrent autolaps for diffrent ocasions you can copy activity and customize it.
Loving the transition mode, twice now while doing a triathlon i pressed the button twice and satrted the next event too soon, luckily i had my bike computer on as back up as well so got away with it, i just didnt get a true reading for the whole event, but I'm hanging on to see if were gonna get a new Fenix this year before i switch from my fenix 6, or i may go for the forerunner ? 🤔
Hi. In your review article you mentioned that you thought these updates would also be pushed to the Instinct 2 series. Do you have any new insights on that since it wasn’t part of the Q1 official firmware update?
945 owner: not disappointed by not being on the list.
I tried wearing my Epix to bed to track my sleep, and the thing is just to darn big/thick to be comfortable (and I have thick wrists too). One suggestion I'd have (beyond making the watch thinner) would be to allow integration with other devices that track sleep. I didn't buy the watch to track my sleep, but if I did use another, smaller/more comfortable device, it would be nice the if data from that could be integrated into the Garmin ecosystem.
Lap undo is awesome for structured workouts, I've accidentally lapped and essentially made the structured workout useless.
Hey, you have a lot of knowledge in this, so hoping I could use your help here. I am looking for a watch with 2 key capabilities:
1. It allows me to setup an alert for HR and vibrate when I exceed this i.e. support a zone based HR monitoring for running/hiking. If I exceed or drop below that HR it vibrates to notify me.
1. Has GPS with altimeter/barometer.
Suggestions for a watch with these two capabilities. Thanks :)
Jump rope!, jump rope!, JUMP ROPE!!! We want JUMP ROPE!!!😂🎉😉
I'm not sure what you mean by the "new" double press for the flashlight. My Epix 2 (Not Pro) has had that for as long as I can remember (The screen based flashlight obviously, as it doesn't have the LED flashlight). I use it if I need the toilet in the night. 😃
You double-press the top left button.
Is the Fenyx 6 going to receive this update too?
Is it on the list? No.
So will it receive the update? No.
On the auto transition for muktisport, can it handle an Aussie exit 2 lap swim? Would it switch you to T1 when running through the timing mat and back to the water?
Are there any updates as yo when the FR 65 is going yo hit the market? I'm not that fond of spending 400+ Euro for an abundance of featurea which i rarely use. Would be lovely to have a FR 55 with updated slrep tracking, HRV and strength training profile.
I would like to see Garmin add "SkiErg" to the list of exercises. There must be at least a half dozen of us across the world who would love to see it too!
Ray, you can get to Settings and System menu items much quicker by scrolling Up in the menu rather than Down!
I could, but this increases both my training load…and my CZcams Watch Time metric for this video. 🤣
Re the lap thing - do what I do - Copy the Run activity, name it Run Workout and switch off Auto Lap. I then use the RW activity for workouts :)
Yeah, not a bad workaround. I'm just lazy. :)
Oh too bad the Fenix 6 Pro is missing… love it and don’t want to upgrade
Does the track mode support running in different "lanes"? There are a couple of reasons I might do that, one being sharing the track with T&F runners that only use one or a few of the inner lanes, and I can run on lane 5 for example.
Yes, you can specify/change a lane at any time.
Did I understand correctly that there's also an "undo transition" feature? I definitely need that! 😀
Does the automatic running track feature also work if you take your bike to an outdoor velodrome?
Double press for turn on and off already works for Fenix and Epix series. Is there also a way to turn on that screen flashlight mode on forerunner series using double press now? 11:40
It would be great to plan intervals with elevation gain as target
thxxx
Hi, anyone knows how to customize the lock/unlock feature on Forerunner 965? On the old Epix you could choose only to lock the critical keys during activity, as eg start/stop, but still keeping option to scroll through displays and keeping lap key unlock.
Thanks!
Hi one question: 2 days ago I was recording a ski mountaineering tour. At a certain point on the screen of my epix 2 I could see “ Trad” and a yellow circle. What does it mean ?
Finally rollout for 265!
So, I am still running a Fenix 3HR which to be honest has been great but, no updates in years which I get. If, I were to update to a new wearable what would recommendation be? I basically Bike (Road, MTB, Gravel, CX), Lift in the gym and some occasional trail running. Thanks. Not looking to break bank. These updates look good
Had same problem used 3HR forever, now sold it and ordered 965. Want smaller device, up to date, bright screen and ton of features
About forgetting to turn off auto lap, is there a reason you don’t create a separate interval run activity with different setting? Works perfectly for me, and handy to be able to configure different screens as well.
Just laziness.
Hi DC, did you test auto transition?
Damn Ray. Just travel to some place warm. Between not sleeping and swimming between icebergs, please don't die.
Given the Dutch do it daily, I think it's more just stupid than actually dangerous. Of course, a blend of the two never seemed to stop me either.
Hopefully, they will provide the update for my 645 music with 6 data fields customize. Just hope.
I wish Garmin would have a way of resetting the alert for the RDPOD reminder. Once you lose the reminder it never comes back.
Better wording on when to press lap button to advance workout vs more warm-up on the OVERVIEW screen of training would have helped me during coached training sessions...it is confusing wording to continuing warmup or advancing to work out...and the audio prompt confused me even more on when to hit the lap button by saying "run" but it was unclear if this was prompting me to advance to workout vs more warm-up...and I ended up running a extra mile trying for "best effort" but watch thought I was still warming up...then had to press lap button to run another mile that was obviously not going to be a "best effort" for one mile...
New Track DB. 11000 tracks. Seems like a lot, but a quick back of the envelope estimate would indicate that there are over 4000 tracks just at the high & middle schools in my one midwestern state (US). Any idea how to determine if a specific track is in the DB?
Dear DC, you can just have two different run modes, one with autolap and one without, so you never need to remember to switch
Thanks for the great tip!
As for the sleeping option, it is not exactly correct because people who are on a Keto diet sleep hour or two shorter and they are totally rested, because body functions significantly differently in ketosis.
I actually bought a 255 series when they were on sale for Black Friday. Still trying to figure out why I need it but the sleep tracking is nice to know if its a workout day. I hope its like my Galaxy S9 phone. Battery lasts forever and it just works flawlessly forever
How much did you get it for? Are you happy with it or think spending extra for 265 is worth it?
@@GurkiratSidhu I'm happy with it. Does everything I need. Don't really need the better screen
Still waiting on something like "hold lap to exit repeat." If you're scheduled to do something like 10 x 3/1 but can't muster the energy after 8, I don't think you should have to hit lap 4-5 times to get to the next step.
Its rather odd. Ive downloaded the latest patch for my 955, but it didnt install anything. Even manually turned the watch off and on again and no installation. No further updates available whilst attempting to update again.
RE autolap and cancel during workouts.....I have a separate activity profile for "run" and "running session", normal run has autolap on, run session doesn't.
my poor 745 gets no love from garmin
It’s old news
Does enyone know when this update will be available for the Tactix Amoled?? Thanks.
Does the Garmin MK3i get all these updates as well? Often forgotten about watch but it does have a Fenix 7x pro under the hood
Evenutually I'm sure it will, though the dive watches tend to have a lag aspect to them for new firmware updates, to deal with extra safety layer checks.
HIT THAT BUTTON PEOPLE!
Addressing your "OMG I forgot to turn off Auto Lap": Create a separate activity.
I have "Runs" (1k Auto Lap), "Long Runs" (5k Auto Lap) and various others eg "Intervall" (no Auto Lap). Beside this the screens are very different for the various activities.
Can we get a reply to the messages option like in venu 3, on epix and fenix series ?
These custom replies make me sound mad sometimes.
If the watch could switch to trackmode as soon I arrive at the track. That would be boss. No need to start new workouts for going to the track, being on the track and going back home.
Can I disable the Vibration every KM without turning off the Auto Lap ?
Why do they never do any updates on the Venu 3 Plus?
How does my Garmin Epix pro not have the following (please all tell Garmin, I have):
1. A set timer when doing a strength workout!? I want it to vibrate after 2 minutes of rest. How does it not have this..
2. The Meditation app - the Venu 3 has it and I don’t on my Epix pro? Wtf?
3. An intermittent fasting timer app - so easy to build, just vibrate after 16 hrs and be able to see progress towards my fast!
I don't think I've slept 9hr ever. Also my body decides to wake up whenever it wants. Usually that's 6-7 hours max.
When you try your mini-tri, can I ask to include Aussie exits? Many tris have multi-loop swims, would be good to know how the watch deals with that.
Any other time of year…yes, but with the water temp barely in the liquid state, I’m not going back for another round. 🤣
@@Dcrainmaker Hahaha ok that's fair. Will just need to test for myself when (if) it gets to my watch. :) Thanks for the years of good content!
Give us smart wake!
Telling us that we don’t want to see him jump rope or dance when all we wanna do is exactly that … see him do all that 😁
On Pebble back then I had an app that would wake me when I reached my nightly sleep goal and it was agnostic to when I went to bed and sleep stages. It also included a „wake me up no later than“ feature to not oversleep. THAT would be an awesome feature. But I would really love a sleep stage alarm at least Garmin … come on now
Still no jet lag advisor on FR955 😢
I want nap tracking or multiple sleep schedules in garmin, as an atheletes I tend to sleep in a 2 or more shifts in a day (Bi phasic sleep ig)
between my Trainings but I can have only one sleep time
The lap function is cool. The rest is a little underwhelming. @garmin, please improve the connectivity among devices, I use three different units, and the data still does not get compiled as it should. The need to set a priority device should go away and the “magic” should happen!
jump rope native? WOW ^_^
I noticed a Garmin messenger app on my fenix 7s pro, is that a new app?