Garmin has begun a global rollout of a major beta software update for its latest high-end smartwatches, introducing more than 80 new features, fixes and system improvements ahead of the year-end holiday period.
The update, known as Beta Version 21.12, is the first substantial software branch for the Fenix 8 lineup and related models in around three months. It applies to the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Pro, Fenix E, Tactix 8 and Enduro 3, marking the first major transition since Beta Version 20.07 was released in mid-September.
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Garmin said the new beta includes a wide range of user-facing additions, such as a Battery Manager, Garmin Fitness Coach, an Accessibility menu, expanded music controls and new sleep-related tools. Among the changes are the ability to display seconds in Always-On Display mode, new voice settings, sports scores, weight tracking and additional alarm sound options.
“Added Battery Manager” and “Added Garmin Fitness Coach” are among the headline features listed by Garmin in the update notes, alongside improvements to notifications, activity tracking and voice command support.
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In addition to new features, the beta introduces 49 bug fixes that affect areas ranging from heart rate alerts and activity tracking to maps, notifications and system stability. Garmin also included 10 ancillary improvements, such as faster loading for the activity history glance and refinements to the map app during activities.
The release follows System Software 20.24, which was issued earlier this month with targeted fixes, including a promised correction for a map-related bug. Beta Version 21.12 represents a broader update, consolidating prior changes while adding new functionality across the company’s premium smartwatch operating system.
As a beta release, the software is available to enrolled users globally, with Garmin typically rolling out stable versions after additional testing and feedback.
Source: Garmin