[updated] Garmin starts public rollout of next-gen features for Fenix 7, Epix 2, Instinct 2

Garmin has released a news bulletin a few hours ago publicising the arrival of next gen features to Fenix 7, Epix 2 and Instinct 2. Of most interest to people will be the recovery features.

These have already been available on the Garmin Forerunner 955 and 255 (apart from Training Readiness) since their launch in June. Having had the first on my wrist for a couple of months, I can confirm they add a whole new dimension to training.

The new features will arrive via a public software update. As always, the rollout will be gradual. But it may be worth checking Garmin Connect or Garmin Express today if you have a watch in the Fenix 7 series, Epix 2 or Instinct 2 range.

The features as part of System Software 9.33 include the following:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) status – much has already been written about this. The feature tracks your HRV during the night and spits out a raw average along with a chart showing how the metric has changed. This is also compared against a weekly and long-term average.
• Updated Training Status – takes into account the new recovery indicators, recent exercise history and performance.
• Race widget – this helps you to prepare for that all-important race. It is a tool that tells you just how ready you are, provides training suggestions and gives you important information ahead of time. Something that helps lessen the load.

No Morning Report

The press release that was issued is a bit confusing. It mentions the Morning report. This is basically a customizable re-cap of all training and other information that pops up as soon as you wake up. But this will not be part of this update as evidenced on another page that is linked to from the press release.

Here’s a screenshot of the features as part of the August update for each device in Garmin’s current range (click on image to enlarge).

That page also mentions Training Readiness. So it is likely this will come as part of the update, too. The feature has been in Alpha and Beta testing on the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 for a while now. The Forerunner 955 and Enduro 2 already have this metric. And it does work well. The only caveat is that if you tend to supplement short nightly sleep sessions with afternoon naps, Garmin does not take this into account.

Another goodie that arrives with this public software release is SatIQ. That feature is currently in Beta testing on the Forerunner 955 and 255. Its aim is to preserve battery life in satellite mode. Choose auto-select and it will automatically switch between the various satellite modes – to ensure maximum battery life while not compromising satellite positioning accuracy.

The final feature that is coming to your Fenix 7, Epix 2 and Instinct 2 watch as part of this update is a stock tracker app. It allows you to keep tabs on up to 50 stocks without reaching for your phone.

We are yet to find details of this rollout on Garmin forums, but the company says users should start receiving it from today. If you own the Forerunner 945 LTE, the wait continues. All the news release says is that the 945 LTE should be receiving the above listed features soon.

[update August 24, 2022] Garmin has confirmed that 5% of the users have received the software upgrade so far. Those that have the latest beta may not need to install anything as the version on their watch may be promoted directly to release. Details of the upgrade can also be found on Garmin forums now.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!