Garmin Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 Get Pro Upgrades in Beta

Garmin has announced a significant update for its Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 smartwatches, offering a host of new features and improvements. The update, which is currently available in beta form, introduces several new activities, a mini-app, and various enhancements designed to improve the user experience. This update is available for the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Fenix E series, and has been rolled out through the Garmin forums, allowing users to access the new features ahead of their official release. Garmin’s goal with this update is to continue enhancing the functionality of its smartwatches and provide users with more specialized tools for various activities.

Among the most exciting changes in this update are the addition of two new activities—Sail Race and Jumpmaster—and the introduction of the Trolling Motor app. The Sail Race activity, which was previously available on the Fenix 7 series, has returned to the Fenix 8 after being absent from the initial release. This feature allows sailors to track their start time with precision using GPS data. The Fenix 8 helps users position their boat accurately in relation to the start line, ensuring they cross it at the exact moment the race begins. This level of precision is ideal for sailors participating in competitive events, providing them with a reliable tool to improve their race performance.

The Jumpmaster activity is another specialized feature added to the Fenix 8. Originally available on the Fenix 7 series, this mode is designed for skydivers and helps them monitor their altitude during a jump. The Fenix 8 alerts users when they reach the correct height for parachuting and allows them to set a desired landing location. This feature caters to professional and recreational skydivers alike, offering essential tools for a safe and accurate jump. It’s a pro-grade feature that underscores Garmin’s commitment to providing specialized tools for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Garmin has also introduced the Trolling Motor app, which allows users to control compatible Garmin Force Trolling boat motors directly from their wrist. This feature, which was previously a hallmark of the Quatix series, is now available on the more mainstream Fenix and Enduro models. While it may not be relevant to all users, this app provides an excellent tool for those who use their Garmin watches on the water, allowing them to control their trolling motors hands-free. The addition of this app makes the Fenix 8 even more versatile, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities.

In addition to these new features, Garmin has included numerous improvements and fixes to enhance the overall user experience. The update includes support for the latest Connect IQ apps, watch faces, and data fields through the CIQ System 8. It also brings various enhancements to the health and fitness apps, including the addition of a respiration graph in the Meditation activity summary and a stress card in the Gaming activity summary. Garmin has also improved the icons that display with notifications, making them easier to understand at a glance. Additionally, the update includes several bug fixes, such as addressing issues with touchscreen input, fixing crashes during certain activities, and improving the sleep history graph after traveling.

While the beta update offers a range of new features and fixes, there are some potential issues users should be aware of. For example, the update temporarily disables ECG readings and Dive mode, features that many users may rely on for their fitness tracking or water-based activities. Although these features will likely return in the final release, they are unavailable during the beta phase. Garmin operates on a quarterly release cycle, so it may take a few weeks before the full release is available to all users. Those who choose to participate in the beta program should carefully consider whether the temporary loss of certain features is worth testing out the new updates.

Overall, the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 update is a significant step forward for Garmin’s smartwatch lineup. With new activities tailored for sailors, skydivers, and boaters, as well as numerous improvements to health and fitness tracking, this update promises to enhance the functionality of these devices for a wide range of users. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an extreme sports participant, or someone who enjoys using a smartwatch for everyday fitness tracking, the new features in this update are sure to provide something useful. While there may be a few minor bugs or issues in the beta version, the final release is likely to deliver an even more refined user experience.