Garmin has released a new beta software update for some of its most popular watches, which will make it easier for you to navigate at night. Software beta version 18.09 is running out now for watches in the Garmin Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, Epix and Epix Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and Marq 2.
As the5krunner reports, the list of changes this time around is relatively short, but there are some interesting new additions. For me, the most significant is the inclusion of dark mode for maps, which should put less strain on your eyes when navigating at night.
Most mobile apps now feature some form of dark mode, and interest peaked around six years ago when AMOLED screens started to become a popular choice for smartphones. Some people just prefer the look of a darker interface, but since black pixels on an AMOLED display are turned off and use no power, opting for a mostly black design should also help your device's battery run a little longer between charges.
Now it seems dark mode is now having something of a renaissance. Just a few weeks ago, Strava's developers revealed the first dark interface for the enormously popular training app. Here, the aim isn't so much to save power as to avoid blinding runners and cyclists with a bright white (and orange) display when they're working out after dark.
The new dark maps for your Garmin watch should have a similar effect, preventing your watch from dazzling you when you use it for wayfinding before dawn or after dusk (particularly if your watch has an AMOLED display, like the Epix).
Other features included in the beta update include a 'popularity' option in map settings, which sounds like it should function in a similar way to Strava's heat maps, showing routes travelled most frequently by other Garmin users. There is also a new Garmin Share app, which may allow you to send routes to your contacts, though the exact details have yet to be confirmed.
For more details, take a look at the full release notes on Garmin's website.
How to get the update
To get the new software update, you'll need to be a member of Garmin's public beta testing program. Installing beta software on your watch lets you try new features early, but it's worth remembering that pre-release software may contain bugs that prevent your watch working as it should. Before signing up, we recommend checking out our list of reasons why you should and shouldn't install beta updates on your watch.
If you want to go ahead, our guide how to join Garmin's public beta testing program will help you do exactly that.
Once that's done, open the main menu on your watch and select System > Software update > Check for updates to find and download the new software.
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