Fenix 5S/5 - 6.71 Beta Release

I think the ?improve 7-day graph bars? relates to the graphs in the steps and intensity minutes widgets; although I never studied the graphs closely and regularly enough before to be absolutely sure what has changed.

You just released 6.00, I would expect a high version number like 6.71 to include a ton of bug fixes + features.
Otherwise, name it 6.01 because there's nothing really ground breaking here.

Fenix, above all, is a triathlon watch.
The main feature required for all the activities done in a triathlon - is a super accurate GPS.

I understand that it's easier to add a "Breathe page" to a yoga app.
But for crying out loud! AT LEAST SAY THAT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM!

The Fenix Lineup came from the outdoor section. It would historically be much more important to add offline route transfer back to it like F1 and F2 had it. It once was possible to reroute with an etrex when you where in the mountains and the storm alert set off. You could transfer the new route to the next hut to your wrist and start moving.

Im quite satisfied with the GPS Performance, i had only one day problems and then all gps watches in the run where affected.

The sense of entitlement in these forums is fascinating. Now even the beta software version number is "wrong" :-)

Speaking of GPS accuracy and ANT+ dropouts - something that seems to affect a small portion of installbase given Fenix is one of the best selling lines - these are most likely hardware related (for example Fenix 5 have a metal bezel that can block some of the signal, while Fenix 935 doesn't have this). Therefore it's highly unlikely Garmin will be able to fix them.

Speaking of GPS accuracy and ANT+ dropouts - something that seems to affect a small portion of installbase given Fenix is one of the best selling lines - these are most likely hardware related (for example Fenix 5 have a metal bezel that can block some of the signal, while Fenix 935 doesn't have this). Therefore it's highly unlikely Garmin will be able to fix them.

I wouldn't say "a small portion" - the GPS accuracy thread is quite lengthy.

If a metal bezel causes problem then don't sell the watch OR construct it differently.

There seem to be no GPS issue in Fenix 5x, so it seems that it's quite possible to have a metal bezel and accurate GPS...

It doesn't block the signal; it's part of a tuned circuit with the internal antenna; the 5x bezel is a better match to the gps wavelength and gives better reception as a result.

Is it possible to run the betas on an APAC version watch?

I wouldn't say "a small portion" - the GPS accuracy thread is quite lengthy.

If a metal bezel causes problem then don't sell the watch OR construct it differently.

There seem to be no GPS issue in Fenix 5x, so it seems that it's quite possible to have a metal bezel and accurate GPS...

If you dive into the GPS accuracy posts you'll find that the 5x has fewer issues due to the size of the bezel better matching the radio wavelength for GPS. That's my totally unscientific explanation of why it works better.
Garmin specifically spoke about the Fenix Chronos having a bezel with no screws in it to improve GPS performance. When it came time to release the 5 they clearly decided that was too expensive a construction decision and went back to having the screws.

Having said that - I don't have any issues with the GPS performance. In fact I"m quite happy with the performance. Does it give me super accurate instant pace information? No not really, but then I've never had a watch that could so I'm not sure why I'd expect the F5 to be that different? There are plenty of limitations involved in making a device that fits on a person's wrist.

I'm more concerned/annoyed by the generally poor connection stability to other devices. I'd gladly sacrifice battery life if we could somehow boost the radio output to prevent connection drops to chest straps, footpods etc.

Since v6.71 I can not connect to my HRM-Tri anymore, and I still have problem with the auto backlight (not working at all).

On my site v6.71 works well with my HRM-RUN (the red one)... but i got no BT connection to my iphone anymore... :(

Since v6.71 I can not connect to my HRM-Tri anymore, and I still have problem with the auto backlight (not working at all).

I lost the connection with the latest official fw. I gave a try the other day while training on the indoor rower, i had no connection at the beginning of the session, and after a while, the watch vibrated to indicate it got the connection.
I need to give a try with an older garmin watch that I just got to see if that's a belt mal-function or the watch.
I have to add I never had a dropout issue before.