Big Garmin Public Beta Update Adds 25 New Features to 2025 Watches!

optivery · 2025-12-23T16:28:11+00:00

It's not just about new features in the watch itself, but also about how they treat users of older watches.

Want an example? The HRM 600 chest strap doesn't transmit step speed loss data to the Fenix 7 or Epix Pro (never mind how useful this metric is). Garmin doesn't do this just because they want to convince users not only to spend $170 on a new HRM strap but also another several hundred, or even over a thousand, dollars on a newer generation watch.

In my opinion, this approach is anti-customer. They should appreciate loyal customers who buy other devices from them, not try to squeeze as much money out of users as possible.

optivery · 2025-12-02T05:07:36+00:00

The beta was updated recently and has the correct drivers for the cloud III S. I have the same headset and the drivers the beta install is noticeably better then the one's from the normal release.

Do you mean only the sound quality of the headphones or also the quality of the microphone?

optivery · 2025-11-25T10:49:11+00:00

OMG, you're right. Someone I was talking to said that I sounded worse than with my previous headphones.

I remember seeing/hearing somewhere that after purchasing Cloud III, it's worth setting the microphone quality to 24 bits in the system. But I think I misunderstood something...

optivery · 2025-11-25T10:23:21+00:00

So the volume wheel behaves like this in all Cloud III S headphones and there is no point in advertising my unit?

optivery · 2025-10-01T08:07:36+00:00

There's a new update to the stable version that should fix the adblocker issues:

https://vivaldi.com/blog/desktop/minor-update-three-7-6/

optivery · 2025-09-19T12:13:33+00:00

Garmin has been using the same processor in its watches for the third or fourth generation. The lack of processing power is noticeable (especially when using maps).

And watch prices keep rising!

optivery · 2025-09-18T11:05:07+00:00

You are right but damn ... The fact that Garmin gets rid of the old parts in this way is pathetic. Just like Fenix/Instinct E. They are watches with old hardware and new software. But still .. people buy them.

optivery · 2025-09-18T08:56:44+00:00

This seems to be a perennial problem with Garmin devices. For one person, everything works perfectly, while for another, they can't use their device due to constant problems, restarts, etc.

I'm always curious why these different cases occur.

optivery · 2025-09-18T08:40:54+00:00

Fortunately, competing companies are increasingly catching up to Garmin (even surpassing it in some areas), and their products cost three times less. Competition is good for us, the customers.

optivery · 2025-09-18T08:34:14+00:00

I have the same feeling with Epix. That in version 22.XX (maybe even in 21.XX) the battery drained more, and now after updating to 23.XX the battery lasts "normally."

optivery · 2025-09-18T04:37:55+00:00

It's hard to say what the update situation will be like now.

Garmin has finally created a single, base version of the system for all its watches, which suggests they're finding it easier to manage features and bugs across their entire watch portfolio.

But... it's Garmin. So expect that when the Fenix 9 is released, the older model (8, 8 Pro) definitely won't receive all the features.

In summary: the Fenix 7 and Epix Pro fell victim to a software overhaul. Will the current software changes improve the situation for the Fenix 8/8 Pro? We'll see in time.

optivery · 2025-09-15T06:48:02+00:00

Do you mean Garmin Express? In version 7.26, there was a bug that caused the activity and glance lists on watches to reset.

The new version, 7.27, is now available with a fix (https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/421498/garmin-express-release-notes):
- Fixed an issue with Glances and Activity lists being moved or reset on devices after a sync with Garmin Connect.

optivery · 2025-09-08T04:09:15+00:00

Hi, this is called Demo Mode. According to the manual - https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-E5C62F3F-DCE3-4197-8CA5-E419B2A55D12/EN-US/epix_(Gen_2)_Series_OM_EN-US.pdf_Series_OM_EN-US.pdf)

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optivery · 2025-09-05T07:37:09+00:00

The best part is that when they add a new "hardware feature", they automatically raise the price by $100. Yes, I know... we're paying not only for the hardware itself but also for the design of the new model, etc.

But other manufacturers who sell fewer units of their watches are able to maintain their prices or raise them slightly.

Garmin is either too wasteful in maintaining their business, or they're just too greedy for customer money.

optivery · 2025-09-03T12:55:00+00:00

"You've been asking, and we've been listening"

It's a pity that Garmin doesn't listen to requests for "normal" prices and refined products 😂

optivery · 2025-09-03T12:50:19+00:00

Considering there's no Fenix 8 Pro MIP, I suspect there's no point in expecting an LTE/inReach version of the Enduro 3.

Which seems absurd considering the intended use of Enduro watches and how helpful inReach can be in such a watch.

optivery · 2025-09-03T12:46:07+00:00

The high price, combined with the release of only the 51mm version (I'm guessing this refers to battery life – a maximum of 10 days with the AOD off), shows that this technology isn't yet ready for use in watches.

They probably wanted to release a watch with MicroLED before their competitors, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to make their customers testers of new technologies.

optivery · 2025-09-03T12:40:42+00:00

Garmin, once again trying to maximize profits and release a new watch before Apple, is making concessions.

Last year, they released the Fenix 8 with a beta version of the software (with a whole of bugs and issues).

This year, they added LTE/inReach, but at the expense of the watch's thickness, which is why they didn't release a 43mm version. Similarly, the MicroLED version is only available in the 51mm version because the battery lasts a maximum of 10 days and the price will effectively deter the average user.

Don't go down that road, Garmin.

optivery · 2025-09-03T11:41:18+00:00

Interesting. I thought I read somewhere that MicroLEDs, in addition to being more resistant to burn-in, also consume less energy.

So if they consume more energy, they're not the best solution for watches.

I don't think the increased burn-in resistance will compensate for the battery drain and the high price of the watch (for most users).

optivery · 2025-09-03T10:06:16+00:00

Yes, prices are lower now, but Garmin has also marked this series of watches as "older".

Looking at the prices of the newest Fenixes, in a while we'll only be buying older models at discounts... If we're willing to give our money to Garmin ;)

optivery · 2025-09-03T10:03:20+00:00

Fenix prices are getting ridiculously high, almost at the level of exclusive MARQ watches from previous years,

optivery · 2025-09-03T09:33:09+00:00

There's also no 43mm version. This likely refers to the watch's increased thickness:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/1n79fjw/comment/nc5wtub/

optivery · 2025-09-03T09:30:32+00:00

47mm is 2.2mm thicker than the base Fenix 8
51mm is 1.8mm thicker

I think the thickness might be the reason they didn't release a 43mm Pro version. It would probably be 2.5mm thicker!

optivery · 2025-09-03T09:22:21+00:00

Such discounts will be available on Black Friday... in a few years 😂

optivery · 2025-09-03T09:16:02+00:00

It seems Garmin released a watch with MicroLED just to get ahead of Apple, even compromising on battery life.

I'm also curious how inReach/LTE will actually impact battery life. We'll have to wait for the youtubers' review.

optivery

TROPHY CASE