Garmin enthusiasts, take note! The tech giant has just begun pushing a fresh beta update to its rugged lineup of outdoor watches. The new Beta Version 12.17 is now available for the Instinct E, Instinct 3, and all models of the Instinct Crossover, including the sleek new Instinct Crossover AMOLED.
This release marks the second major v12.xx update from Garmin and promises to refine the user experience with a host of under-the-hood tweaks. However, a deeper look reveals that the significance of this update heavily depends on which software version your watch is currently running.
A Tale of Two Updates: Who Gets the Biggest Boost?
If you’re installing Beta Version 12.17 from an older stable release, you're in for a treat. Users coming from Stable Versions 10.36 or v11.11 will be greeted by dozens of new features, critical bug fixes, and numerous ancillary improvements. For this group, the update is a substantial leap forward, significantly enhancing the watch's functionality and stability.
For those already on the beta track, the changes are more subtle. The jump from Beta Version 12.12 to v12.17 is a much smaller step. Interestingly, Garmin’s official communications seem to skip over the 12.12 version entirely. Our analysis indicates that Beta 12.17 introduces only three key refinements over its immediate predecessor, with two of them being exclusive to specific models.
A Critical Warning for inReach Users
Before you rush to update, there's an important caveat. Garmin has issued a specific warning for users of the inReach Remote satellite communicator. The company advises against installing both Beta Versions 12.12 and 12.17 due to confirmed connectivity issues between the watches and the inReach Remote in these builds. If your outdoor adventures rely on this pairing, it's best to hold off on this beta cycle.
How to Download the Beta 12.17 Update
Eager to get your hands on the new software? The process is straightforward. You can manually trigger the download by navigating through your watch’s menu:
- Press the menu button and go to Main Menu.
- Select System.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Finally, select 'Check for Updates'.
Your watch will then search for and, if available, begin downloading Beta Version 12.17.
For the official announcement and to discuss the update with other users, you can visit the Garmin Beta Program Forum for Instinct 3.
The Beta 12.17 Changelog: What’s New, Fixed, and Exclusive
So, what exactly does this update bring to the table? Here’s the full breakdown of changes between Beta Version 12.12 and Beta Version 12.17.
For All Instinct 3 and Instinct E Models:
- Added Support for Health Status: This is a significant addition. The watch will now provide insights into changes in your health data and overall wellbeing, which are prominently displayed within the Garmin Connect app. This gives you a more holistic view of your fitness and recovery trends directly on your phone.
Exclusively for Instinct E and Instinct Solar Models:
- Added Pulse Ox Watch Face Data Field: Good news for those who monitor their blood oxygen saturation. You can now add Pulse Ox as a data field directly to your watch face for quick, at-a-glance readings without diving into menus.
- Fixed Possible Battery Drain with CIQ Watch Faces: This update addresses a pesky issue where using certain watch faces from the Connect IQ store could cause unexpected battery drain, a crucial fix for maximizing the battery life that these solar-powered and endurance-focused watches are known for.
Is This Update Right for You?
The decision to install Garmin's Beta 12.17 update comes down to your current setup and needs.
- For users on older stable versions: This is a highly recommended update that brings a wealth of improvements.
- For users on Beta 12.12: The update is minor but could be worthwhile, especially for Instinct E and Solar owners who will benefit from the battery drain fix and new Pulse Ox data field.
- For inReach Remote users: Avoid this update for now until Garmin resolves the connectivity bug.
As with any beta software, remember that these updates are still in testing and may contain unforeseen issues. It's always a good practice to back up your data and proceed with caution if you rely on your watch for critical activities.
For those looking to join the Garmin Instinct family, the feature-packed Instinct Crossover AMOLED is currently available on Amazon for $649, offering the latest in Garmin's rugged technology with a brilliant AMOLED display.
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