There’s nothing like getting something for nothing, and Garmin’s latest major update to its range of adventure watches gives its premium adventure watches new features like Messenger, plus some additional fixes.
The update to Garmin’s watch software has already been rolled out, two months after the last update, and brings changes to the Fenix 7 series watches, as well as the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Marq 2 and Quatix 7 models.
Chief among these is the long-awaited Garmin Messenger App, which allows messages to be sent via Garmin’s satellite connection for basic communications or emergency messaging.
The update, System Software 17.20, also allows users to use the Find My Phone feature during a GPS activity, such as running outdoors, and switch heart rate monitoring sources between the watch or chest strap to ensure accurate data.
It also finally adds Indoor Walk as a trackable activity (useful for those with the best under-desk treadmills) and fixes a host of bugs.
What is Garmin Messenger?
So what is Garmin Messenger? Available on iOS and Android, at first glance it’s a pretty standard messaging app. It supports group messaging and threads and works through your phone’s contacts.
However, it becomes more powerful when users venture off the beaten path, thanks to a 24/7 connection to satellites with the inReach service. inReach needs to be paired with your best Garmin watch, but when paired, your messages will automatically be forwarded through your inReach connection when cellular service is unavailable, such as when you’re not connected to your Garmin device.
With inReach you can not only send and receive messages, but you can also share your location, get a weather forecast and more.
For more information, please refer to Garmin’s support page here.