garmin fenix 7
Garmin has released a new beta version of its software for watches including the Fenix 7 and Epix 2.
This latest 13.09 update appears to add some of the features included in recent releases such as the Forerunner 965. It’s currently in beta, so you’ll either have to sign up for Garmin’s beta program or wait until this version goes public.
The most frequent change I’ve noticed when using the Forerunner 265, a fairly new Garmin watch, is the Workout Execution Score.
It rates you with a percentage based on how closely you stick to the parameters of a structured workout. For example, on my regular runs I often let Garmin’s suggested workouts set the pace. Go too fast, or stop at a road intersection, and you’ll lose points.
Version 13.09 also adds Running Dynamics, once again a feature introduced in the Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 265. It analyzes your cadence, stride length, vertical ratio, vertical swing and ground contact time. With the power to run, these Garmin watches have definitely racked up a whole heap of stats over the past year.
Are they useful? This is up for debate.
The other Fenix 7 upgrades in version 13.09 may have gone largely unnoticed by many people. For example, there’s a new obstacle course activity mode, just another one for Garmin’s fat pile.
You will also see a Load Ratio entry in the Training Status area in Garmin Connect. It looks at how much your activity level may be contributing to your risk of injury. I haven’t tried it yet, but it seems like a neat addition to an area of Garmin’s software already geared toward exercise fans.
A range of other additions and improvements are detailed on the Garmin Beta forums. Head over there if you want to see the full list, but the ones mentioned here are the ones most likely to make an impact on how you use your watch.
Not a Garmin beta software user yet? You can sign up for beta access in the Garmin Connect website instead of the app. Click the clock icon in the top-right of the screen, select your wearable, and you should see Join the Beta Software Program on the next screen.
