Garmin Tactix 8 Gets Exclusive System Software 21.27 Update with Enhanced Features

Garmin has delivered its long-awaited v21.xx based update to the Tactix 8 (curr. $1,299 on Amazon), marking a significant milestone for the high-end smartwatch. Earlier this week, the company began rolling out an equivalent update to Enduro 3 and Fenix 8 smartwatches, among others. However, while the Tactix 8 has now joined them, it has not received the same System Software 21.25 update as its peers. Instead, Garmin has distributed System Software 21.27.

In a subsequent forum post, the company clarifies that System Software 21.27 concludes its v21.xx beta phase. However, it has yet to confirm the differences between v21.25 and v21.27, which have not gone unnoticed by some community members. As far as we can tell, two differences exist between System Software 21.27 and System Software 21.25 that Garmin released to the Fenix 8 and co. On the one hand, System Software 21.27 lacks updated translations that Garmin bundles within System Software 21.25. On the other hand, System Software 21.27 introduces a fix that prevented third-party laser rangefinders from accessing ballistics data.

Other than that, System Software 21.27 contains the same changes as System Software 21.25. Therefore, the former adds multiple new glances on the Tactix 8 while also enabling color filters and training plans that focus on cardio, strength and timed workouts. Please see the changelog below and Garmin's forum post for more details.

Complete Changelog for System Software 21.27

New Features Added

• Adds a glance for tracking your favourite sports teams
• Adds a glance that tracks battery life details and performance
• Adds a glance that tracks your weight
• Adds a glance to track how daily behaviours affect certain health metrics
• Adds additional alarm sounds
• Adds an activity to record multiple sports in a row
• Adds colour filters to the watch settings
• Adds insights to the sleep glance for your ideal bedtime and wake time
• Adds smart notifications to the stage menu to allow notifications to be delayed until after the activity
• Adds training plans that focus on timed workouts, cardio workouts, and optional strength workouts
• Adds voice alerts to the watch settings
• Adds voice alerts when using a compatible radar device

Bug Fixes

• Fixes an issue that could cause a blank screen to appear after accessing the music player during an activity
• Fixes an issue that could cause partial failures when using Wi-Fi for uploads
• Fixes an issue that could cause the device to reset when loading a course for indoor cycling
• Fixes an issue where the wrong Garmin Coach cycling workout could be loaded when selecting to do the workout
• Fixes Backcountry Ski post activity summary not showing max Speed or mileage
• Fixes not being able to acquire GPS in CIQ apps (Fenix 8 Pro only.)
• Fixes other minor bugs
• Fixes third-party laser rangefinders not getting ballistics data

Performance Improvements

• Improves pace to be more responsive
• Saves changes to structured repeats for the next interval workout
• Updates your training guidance with consideration to recent dives

The update represents a substantial enhancement to the Tactix 8's functionality, particularly for users who rely on the watch for tactical operations and outdoor adventures. The addition of color filters to the watch settings provides greater customization options, while the new training plans offer more structured workout guidance for different fitness goals.

The fix for third-party laser rangefinders accessing ballistics data is particularly noteworthy for tactical users who depend on this feature for precision shooting applications. This correction addresses a significant limitation that was present in the previous software version.

While the lack of updated translations in System Software 21.27 compared to System Software 21.25 may be disappointing for some international users, the overall feature set and bug fixes make this update a valuable improvement for Tactix 8 owners. The update is now available for download and installation through the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express software on compatible devices.