- Garmin is releasing beta updates for both affordable and premium smartwatches.
- The Garmin Vivoactive 6 gets a fix for battery drain, plus new gestures and quick access to reports.
- Premium models like the Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 gain features such as cycling VO2 Max display, GPI support, and improved touch controls.
- Over 30 bug fixes are included, making watches more stable and smoother to use.
Garmin has quietly released a series of beta updates that bring a mix of fresh features and much-needed fixes to a range of its smartwatches. From entry-level models like the Garmin Vivoactive 6 to top-of-the-line devices such as the Garmin Fenix 8 and Tactix 8, the company is ensuring that its wearables stay smooth and reliable for everyday users.
The updates were first noticed by forum users and websites that track Garmin’s software releases. While not every device may receive them right away, those who sign up for the public beta program can try them early. If you are a Garmin owner, this could mean welcome improvements to your daily experience.
Battery Drain Fix for Garmin Vivoactive 6
For many Garmin Vivoactive 6 users, battery drain has been a frustrating issue. Despite its reputation as a reliable smartwatch, some noticed their devices losing power much faster than expected. Now, Garmin seems to be tackling this problem with the 15.05 beta update.
Reports from Notebookcheck and Garmin forum members suggest that the update addresses the unusual battery consumption. While Garmin has not officially confirmed it, the early feedback is positive.
The update does not stop at fixing battery drain. It is also said to introduce subtle but useful enhancements. For instance, users can now access their Morning Report and Evening Report directly from the Notification Center. This means less tapping through menus and quicker access to daily insights.
Another interesting addition is a new gesture control. By simply placing your hand over the watch screen, you can dismiss a smart notification. It feels like a small touch, but it makes handling notifications more natural and less fiddly.
Premium Garmin Watches Get More Than Just Fixes
Garmin has also been busy with its premium lineup, which includes the Fenix 8 and the Tactix 8. Owners of these devices are now seeing version 20.07, a beta update packed with fresh tools and stability improvements.
Among the new features is a cycling VO2 Max watch face complication. This allows cyclists to track their VO2 Max level directly from the watch face, making fitness monitoring quicker and more convenient. Another update is the addition of GPI file support, expanding compatibility for certain navigation and mapping functions.
Garmin has also improved usability for workout sessions. If you enable touch for strength reps tracking, the watch will now automatically lock and unlock during the session. This helps prevent accidental taps that might interrupt your workout. On top of that, Garmin has added touch access to the keyboard layout menu, which can now be reached with a simple drag gesture.
These additions may sound small, but for those who use their Garmin watches for intense training, navigation, or multitasking, they make a noticeable difference.
Bug Fixes That Make Everyday Use Smoother
Beyond the headline features, the new beta updates bring a long list of fixes. Garmin has addressed more than 30 issues in this round, ranging from performance lags to unexpected crashes.
Users had previously reported problems like black screens appearing at random moments or menus becoming unresponsive when scrolling.
These updates aim to resolve those frustrations, improving stability across multiple watch models. Garmin has not published the entire list in the beta notes, but the scale of changes shows the company’s commitment to ironing out the wrinkles in its software.
It is worth remembering that beta updates are not final. While they bring exciting new tools, they can also contain bugs of their own. Anyone installing them should be prepared for occasional hiccups until Garmin releases stable versions.
How to Try These Updates Yourself
If you are curious about the new updates and want to try them before they roll out officially, Garmin’s public beta program is your way in. Signing up gives you access to these early builds, though you need to accept the risks that come with beta software.
The updates for the Vivoactive 6 and the premium models like the Fenix 8 are already appearing for some testers. Over time, Garmin is expected to roll them out more widely.
For now, the news is encouraging. Whether you use one of Garmin’s budget-friendly smartwatches or its professional-grade wearables, the company is clearly focused on refining the user experience.
From solving annoying battery drains to adding workout-friendly gestures and shortcuts, these updates show Garmin’s ongoing commitment to its community of smartwatch users.
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