Garmin is making waves yet again with a fresh beta update for its popular Fenix 8 series, along with updates for the more affordable Enduro 3 and Fenix E smartwatches. In a move aimed at enhancing user experience, Garmin’s latest update introduces nearly a dozen changes, including five novel features, as part of its Beta Program rollout.
Just a week after introducing Beta Version 13.21, which brought numerous upgrades, the latest iteration, Beta Version 13.22, continues to refine and add to the smartwatch experience. Despite some earlier hiccups involving system crashes, known as the ‘triangle of death’ bootloop, Garmin has addressed these issues and is back on track with this new release.
One of the standout features in the latest update is the addition of Passcode Support. This new security measure prompts users to input a PIN after taking the watch off their wrist, providing an extra layer of security. Solar model owners will be pleased with the new Solar Intensity and Accumulation Data Fields. Other enhancements include Haptic Vibration for Number Pad Pages, a Hint Button on the Training Load Ratio Page, and new Swedish and Danish QWERTY Keyboard layouts.
These enhancements are the first glimpse of Garmin’s anticipated Q1 2025 stable update, rumored to be in the pipeline. Beta Version 13.22 also improves Stage Card functionality and fixes several bugs, one of which previously disrupted the map app’s round-trip course navigation. Additionally, the issue of contacts not displaying correctly when using large font mode has been corrected.
Available globally for those enrolled in Garmin’s Beta Program, Beta Version 13.22 can be rapidly accessed and downloaded on the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8 via the Menu, System, and Software Update sections of the watch. If the update doesn’t automatically roll out within 48 hours, users can manually trigger a download check.
For those curious about the new passcode feature, it’s important to ensure the Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) app is updated to version 5.9, which includes improvements not present in the earlier 5.8 release. Notably, if you enter an incorrect passcode too many times, the watch will now factory reset to clear all data—an interim measure until GCM 5.9 is widely available.
Overall, Garmin continues to impress with its commitment to regular updates, ensuring users enjoy secure, feature-rich experiences with their smartwatches. So, if you have a Fenix 8, Enduro 3, or Fenix E, it’s time to explore these new features and see what Garmin has to offer.
