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Yesterday, a Reddit user, claimed to have hacked the Garmin Fenix 8 and managed to root it. They claimed that custom firmware would be launched in approximately three weeks.
Unfortunately, I bookmarked the thread and didn’t think to take a screenshot. The user has not deleted the post, so the details of the original post are lost, but the comments were still up which gives us some hints on what features may be included.
The fact that the user deleted the post within 24 hours could indicate that Garmin has forced them to take it down.
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How did they gain root access?
According to the developer, this is a “jailbreak root” that provides low-level access to the watch’s systems. It appears to leverage the Connect IQ SDK to make firmware modifications.
The custom firmware will reportedly still allow syncing with Garmin Connect and use of external sensors/devices. However, it will void the device warranty if installed.
The user states:
I had just recently been able to access root, once I have more time I’ll be able to make significant adjustments. At a Glance it appears they relied heavily on a kernel and on limiting (in some instances significantly) the refresh handshakes, meaning the times the sensors communicates and reports. The sensors are powerful and capable but handicapped in the name of battery life, not a bad thing, just the fact at hand.
Will it affect Garmin Pay?
The user states:
It will have a on/off selection in developer settings, so you can still enjoy it, but for those that don’t want it, it can turned off entirely as it uses resources on *standby *mode.
How will Garmin Connect work, and can you restore the factory firmware?
Connect will do it’s thing as usual. 100% certain that you can restore to official firmware at WI via factory reset and updating to latest firmware. It is unknown if the exploit can be cloned to older Gen, I do not have an older Gen to test and do not recommend attempting to port it over to older gens I will not purchase an older Gen, so unfortunately I can’t accommodate any release for anything that runs older Gen.
Potential Planned Features
All the below is based on the comments and what the user known as FoulStink claims:
- Enhanced Sensor Capabilities:
- One of the most exciting potential features is improved heart rate sensor functionality. FoulStink suggested the possibility of simultaneous readings from the heart rate sensor and a chest strap, allowing users to compare data in real-time. Additionally, the custom firmware may allow for faster sensor refresh rates during activities, improving the accuracy of metrics.
- A user suggestion for enabling ECG readings globally, regardless of region restrictions, was also well received.
- Map and Storage Adjustments:
- The current Fenix 8 firmware limits global map storage on the device. However, FoulStink mentioned that this restriction could be lifted by reallocating storage, allowing users to potentially load global maps without space concerns.
- Sideloading APKs and Smartwatch Features:
- While the Fenix 8 runs on Garmin OS, not Android, FoulStink has expressed interest in making it possible to sideload Android Wear OS apps, such as Gboard for messaging. This feature is still speculative, as sideloading APKs from Android could be a technical hurdle that may not be easily overcome.
- Custom Watch Faces and Performance Tweaks:
- The lag many users experience with third-party watch faces could be a thing of the past, as FoulStink aims to significantly reduce the refresh rate interval of sensor handshakes. This would result in smoother transitions and more accurate data during activities.
- Garmin Pay and Battery Optimization:
- FoulStink has reassured users that the firmware will include an option to toggle Garmin Pay on or off, ensuring that those who rely on this feature can still use it.
- Battery life improvements, while secondary to performance tweaks, are also on the agenda. Overclocking is unnecessary, but smarter management of sensor usage and CPU load could extend the watch’s battery life during standby.
Cautions and Considerations
As with any unofficial firmware, there are some important caveats:
- Installing custom firmware will void your device warranty
- There are potential risks of bricking or damaging your device
- The long-term impacts on sensor accuracy and device longevity are unknown
- The firmware will not be open-source, limiting community oversight
The developer states that users will be able to revert to stock firmware via a factory reset if desired. However, modifying your device always carries some risk.
Outlook
This is certainly an interesting development that I hadn’t expected to see.
I suggest avoiding getting overly excited about the prospects of custom firmware. Garmin’s legal department can be quite heavy-handed, and I am sure they will be very eager to prevent custom firmware from being launched.
Additionally, you have to weigh up if the benefits outweigh the risks. Increased heart rate polling and customisable sensors sound like great features, but I am not sure I would want to risk bricking or voiding the warranty for something that would only have marginal benefits for me.
If this does get released, I will reiterate that you should be cautious about what you are doing only install the firmware if you know the risks and feel confident about the process.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
