Garmin is rolling out a significant new software update for its flagship smartwatches, delivering a suite of over half a dozen targeted improvements and bug fixes to users in its Beta Program. The release, dubbed Beta Version 20.13, marks the latest step in the ongoing refinement of the Fenix 8 series and its high-end peers.
For the past month, dedicated users enrolled in Garmin's Beta Program have been testing early v20.xx builds, providing feedback on a cascade of changes. Now, the company is pushing the next iteration, Beta Version 20.13, as an over-the-air (OTA) update, bringing the total number of tweaks and fixes in this development cycle to over 60.
This update is currently available for a wide range of top-tier models, including the standard Garmin Fenix 8, the ultra-endurance Enduro 3, the specialized Fenix E, and the feature-packed Tactix 8. At the time of this writing, Garmin has initiated a staged rollout, making the update available to approximately 20% of beta testers, with broader availability expected in the coming days.
Owners of these devices can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings > System > Software Update and selecting 'Check for Updates' on their watch.
It is important to note that this particular beta release is not available for the newly launched Fenix 8 Pro models. Garmin often staggers its beta updates across different device families, so Fenix 8 Pro owners can expect to join the beta cycle at a later date.
A Deep Dive into the Beta Version 20.13 Changelog
So, what exactly does this new update bring to your high-end Garmin wearable? Beta Version 20.13 is primarily focused on squashing bugs and smoothing out the user experience, addressing some notable quirks that beta testers had encountered.
The official changelog, which you can find on the Garmin Beta Program Forums, details eight key fixes:
- Fixed Auto Triggered Setting Not Correctly Restoring After Backup and Restore. This ensures your personalized auto-activity detection settings remain intact even after you've restored a backup to your watch.
- Fixed Device Showing Storm Alerts When Swimming. A classic case of "wrong time, wrong place." Your watch will no longer buzz with a storm warning while you're mid-lap in the pool.
- Fixed Flashlight Strobe Not Stopping After Pausing Activity. A important safety and usability fix for the popular built-in flashlight feature.
- Fixed Outdoor Maps Plus Download Map Menu Showing a Black Screen. This resolves a frustrating bug that prevented users from accessing the menu to download detailed maps for offline navigation.
- Fixed Possible Crash When Editing Activity Focus Mode Display Settings. This patch increases system stability, preventing a crash that could occur when users customized their data screens for specific activity focuses.
- Fixed the Inreach Widget Not Automatically Adding After Pairing With an Inreach Device. For adventurers who rely on Garmin's satellite communication, this ensures seamless integration between their watch and inReach device.
- Fixed Touch Screen Remaining On During a Swim Activity as a Part of a Multisport Activity. This prevents accidental screen touches and saves battery life during the swim leg of a triathlon or multisport event.
- Fixed Voice Alert Frequency Settings Not Working. This restores user control over how often they receive audio feedback during their activities.
What This Means for Garmin Users
This update is a clear sign that Garmin is actively listening to its community of beta testers. The fixes address very specific, real-world scenarios that power users encounter, from the serious (satellite communicator pairing) to the merely annoying (flashlight strobe issues).
For those invested in the Garmin ecosystem, particularly athletes who depend on their watch's reliability during training and competition, these incremental updates are crucial. They polish an already premium experience, ensuring that the sophisticated hardware—like the one found in the Garmin Fenix 8 available on Amazon—is supported by equally robust and reliable software.
As with any beta software, users are advised that while these updates are generally stable, there is always a small risk of unforeseen issues. For those who prefer a rock-solid experience, waiting for the final, public release of the software—which typically follows a successful beta period—is the recommended path. For the beta testers on the front lines, this update represents another exciting step in shaping the future of Garmin's wearable technology.
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