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Fenix 6 Series - 20.87 Public Beta

Jon_ODQA
over 3 years ago

Hello Fenix 6 customers,

Our next beta version for the Fenix 6 series is now available! 

Please email the Garmin Outdoor Quality Team if you find issues in software after installing this update: [email protected]

If you’ve participated in the Fenix 6 Beta Program previously, you’ll notice a few changes from how we have managed this in the past. And further down the line, we’ll have some additional improvements to the Beta Program (more on that later!) Notably, this forum post is now the primary resource for reading the change log notes – they are not available on another webpage. (There will be more options for viewing change logs after we implement the additional improvements to our beta program.)

The links to download the software update are listed below. Select the link specific to your watch model. Please note that your computer will download a .zip file when you open this link. This zip contains the software update, as well as a folder with the file necessary for backdating software, and instructions for this process if you choose to do so. Remember, backdating software will reset all settings.

Use these links to download the zip for your watch to update to version 20.87:

Change Log for version 20.87 (changes since 20.86):

  • Fixed issue where the Sleep Widget was not accessible when Widget Glances were turned off.
  • Fixed intermittent issue where shutdowns would occur in the strength Activity.
  • Fixed intermittent issue where stress and sleep data would not get properly collected.
  • Other minor improvements and bug fixes.

Instructions for updating software:

  1. Download the .zip specific to your computer, using the links above.
  2. Connect the watch to your computer.
  3. Unzip the folder and copy the included gupdate.gcd file (from the System_x.xx folder) to the Primary\Garmin folder on your watch.
  4. If there is a Sensor Hub_v*** folder, place the gupXXXX.gcd file into the \GARMIN\REMOTESW folder of the device. Please note, not all Beta releases will include an update.
  5. If there is a ANT_BT_BLE_v*** folder, place the gupXXXX.gcd file into the \GARMIN\REMOTESW folder of the device. Please note, not all Beta releases will include an update.
  6. Disconnect the watch from the computer and it will prompt you to update software.

After updating, your watch will be running the following software versions. These can be confirmed on the Menu – System – About pages. New versions are indicated in red.

System Software: 20.87

GPS: 5.30
Sensor Hub: 18.00 *If you have been participating in the Beta Program, you may already have this sw
ANT/BLE/BT (Pro models): 6.15 *If you have been participating in the Beta Program, you may already have this sw
ANT/BLE (non-Pro models): 3.01
Wi-Fi (Pro models only): 2.60

Please note, the beta updates released on these forums are not compatible for APAC region devices.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Frankysour

    Premise is I agree bb is not extremely accurate, however it is surely not based on sleep (at least not only) since I have seen it go up - correctly I would say - if I have for instance a relaxing hour watching tv or reading a book on my couch. This WITHOUT detecting any sleep.

    I think it's based on a combination of low and stable hr with good level HRV, and makes sense to me... When relaxing one actually recharges, that's the whole point actually. 

    This being said, again, not saying it's accurate, only that is not based on sleep time only (probably that's part of the equation but it's not the whole equation)

    Edit (adding some considerations): 

    Most probably the algorithms are more effective for more "average" fit people, that have a rhr in the 60s or high 50s, and corresponding average hr, than for people wich are above average in this as you seem to be (congrats!), But this of course is kind of a bummer, I guess.... Maybe for Garmin one approach could be, if possible, an adaptive algorithm that looks for instance at last month average rhr and HRV, and re-calibrates accordingly? Maybe worth mentioning in your next contact with them? 

    For me (again, not perfect by any means, granted) bb kinda make sense, overall

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to Frankysour

    Some days I work in a quiet, old-fashioned office, not 'flex', no cubicles, just a quiet room where a few people work at desks. Stress level near 0 and BB goes up while working. Don't tell my boss! Grin In those big noisy flex-offices however.. high stress level, BB tanks. Basically BB tells me what I already feel, but it's good to see that substantiated (for what it's worth).

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Yep that's what I meant... Probably the easy environment and proceeding if the day allows you to have a fairly low hr, a good HRV, and gets you ready for the next workout in the evening.

    I won't tell the boss, no worries Grin

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago

    Just curious, is this new? The training status widget normally shows only running VO2Max, but after a ride last Saturday it showed Cycling VO2Max. I have never seen that before. Today a new Cycling VO2Max was detected (visible in the Performance widget) but it does not show in the training status widget, only running VO2Max is there, as usual. I always use a power meter and all rides are over 20 minutes in duration.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Today I was using Spotify with this beta. After 40-45 minutes, the music became choppy and laggy. Felt like there was some performance issue or memory problem. Couldn't listen anymore. Anyone else has this issue?

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Please return the two-digit edit field number of repetitions during strength training! 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Got a faulty Training Effect reported by my Fenix 6X Pro Solar this morning. It was after a relative short and slow run which was directly reported as "Tempo" instead of the correct label "Base".

    When looking in Connect afterwards all looks good again. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to AndersB

    Hey AndersB! Any news about distance accuracy?

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Where is the changelog from 20.60 to 20.87?

    My watch updated from 20.51 to 20.60 without computer, how to trigger the update manually?

    Maybe add a note to the old firmware download page, I was checking it every few days for the last month or so...