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Tactix 8 expected software support post Fenix 9 platform release

Oles

Hello Garmin community

I'm considering switching to Garmin and currently deciding between Tactix 8/Fenix 8 watches

I have one concern about the software updates perspective. On the one hand I know that Garmin developed a shared/unified codebase for the current platform watches, on the other one I know that the history of software actuality of the past generation is not ideal. So the concern is that Tactix 8/Fenix 8 software would be moved to maintenance mode with some features being back ported as soon as Fenix 9 is presented about a year from now. Is this concern valid or is it expected that the software update model is switching to something more apple like, where the older devices gets basically the same firmware as the new ones, with some new features limited to the new models?

  • 0

    Well, after the F8 vs F7Pro debacle, I would be carefull. Right now their main excuse is that the new codebase on the F8 makes software updates imcompatible...but that shouldn' stop them from giving meaningful updates to the / series. If I were you, I would either buy a F8 or even a F7Pro  on ebay and wait until the F9 will be issued. And if the 9 will be as bug ridden as the 8 was, you will get a lot of use out of the 8.

  • 0

    If you're on the fence, there's always the Epix Pro; one of the most well-received models in recent history.
    Same hardware.
    Superior - though feature complete OS.  This means while it will receive bug fixes, security updates and the like - there will be nothing further added to it's established functional capabilities - it also means you will not experience the horrible auto-dimming problem experienced by the entire unified OS series of watches.
    If you purchase the standard version you get steel (more robust than titanium) and gorilla glass (less brittle than sapphire).

    I had already purchased both the D2 Mach 2 and the Tactix 8 by the time I learned about this.  If I'd known, I'd likely have purchased the Epix... It's literally the EXACT same hardware but with a proven, mature, operating system.

    And it's less than half the price - new.

    www.amazon.com/.../

  • 0 in reply to TRMR
    TRMR said:
    If you're on the fence, there's always the Epix Pro; one of the most well-received models in recent history.
    Same hardware.
    TRMR said:
    It's literally the EXACT same hardware but with a proven, mature, operating system.

    Compare Epix Pro and Tactix 8

    That's blatently untrue - just compare the two. There are many significant hardware differences between the two.

    HTH

  • 0 in reply to gaijin

    I assumed it was obvious I was referring to the internals - the SoC, the RAM, the sensors—the bits that actually make the thing function. But fair enough, you got me; the bezel, the case, and the OS are different; keen eye you have there - but allow me to drive it home for you.

    They share a Garmin proprietary SOC - a ARM Cortex-M class microcontroller with a 32-bit embedded MCU.
    They have the same clock speed at 200 MHz.
    They rock the same 2D graphics accelerator.
    They have teh same 5MB of embedded RAM and the same 32GB of internal storage.
    They share the same Elevate 5 sensor stack.
    They share the same GNSS chipset.
    If there is a difference in battery, and I'm not even certain there is - it's that the Epix Pro Gen 2 has a 600 mAh battery whereas the Fenix might have a 618 mAh... I've seen both and absent contacting a supplier - I can't be sure.

    There are not many significant differences between the two.

    I'd prefer the brightness, personally.

  • 0 in reply to TRMR
    TRMR said:
    There are not many significant differences between the two. 

    Not many, but there are some important ones:

    • Leakproof inductive buttons on Tactix
    • Built-in speaker/microphone on Tactix
    • Not sure whether it is due to the GNSS hardware of just the firmware, but Tactix unlike Epix Pro, does support also QZSS and Beidou
    • Depth Sensor for diving
  • 0 in reply to trux

    That is correct, if you want to take the watch diving, I would not choose the Epix Pro Gen 2.
    As for the rest, notable perhaps, but important?

    Seeing as the new old stock Epix Pro I linked is currently $449 while the comparable Tactix 8 runs $1400 - I think what's foundational is the core architecture and the OS status... 

    Everything else is just details.
    That said, you're right - they are details that OP now has at their disposal when they go to make a decision.

  • 0 in reply to TRMR
    TRMR said:
    Seeing as the new old stock Epix Pro I linked is currently $449 while the comparable Tactix 8 runs $1400 - I think what's foundational is the core architecture and the OS status... 

    The comparative watch wouldn’t a $1400 Tactix.

    The Epix Pro is missing the “tactical” features that one is paying a premium over the F8 for. (These are additional important features you missed.)

  • 0 in reply to trux

    The Microphone on the Tactics is absolutely useless, the speaker is just ok. don't buy it for even the slightest idea of using any of them features. voice activated.. just leave all them thoughts at home.

    Absolutely a Beast for sport and Diving. Full week on. liverboard 4 dives a day, still bags of battery at the end of the week. 60 min dives...

    I don't have any of the notifications on, everything is turned off, as it should be, I don't want an audition for Star Trek.