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Garmin Edge x40 – a step back as beta update REMOVES features

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new Garmin Edge x40 Series (Explore too)

Some Garmin Edge 540, 840, and 1040 owners will soon ask, “Why can’t I attach my Garmin to my computer anymore?” The answer is that you’ve just received an upgrade! You will still be able to link to your computer but in a more inconvenient way, which might stop you from doing some actions.

This is a minor update for the Edge x40 series.  It’s not yet in public beta and highlights a supposed upgrade to MTP.

Here: Garmin Edge 540/840 beta, and the same for the corresponding Explore model

Here: Garmin Edge 1040 beta

Unlike the Edge 1050, the x40 series can currently connect to desktop computers and appear as a drive letter, allowing you to automate some actions and edit files directly on the Edge.

The ‘update’ to MTP restricts all of that. Here’s what happens

  1. Can no longer mount the Edge as a drive letter. Some sports programs require this.
  2. The connection is slower.
  3. You can’t edit files on the Edge but you can copy them off, edit elsewhere and paste back.

Garmin has done this for technical reasons that help the company, including:

  1. File Management: MTP allows for safer file handling without ejecting the device.
  2. Compatibility: Works with various file systems, ensuring broad device compatibility.
  3. Battery Efficiency: Consumes less power than USB mass storage mode.
  4. Data Protection: Reduces file corruption risk, as the device’s OS controls transfers.
  5. Multitasking: Allows device functionality while connected.

Thoughts

I bemoaned this same ‘upgrade’ to watches several years ago. If you want to attach your Edge as a Drive letter to a PC, there is no workaround other than using paid-for and obscure software.

It’s great that the over-shift tone has been added. That is one of the few tones I’m grateful for on Garmin Edges that other brands seem to lack – there is a beep as you reach one of the two most extreme gears ~(it would also be nice to have this in Gear 9 on an 11-spd Ultegra Di2 setup (which prevents shifting to Gear 10…unlike Dura-Ace)

This release has further undocumented features that allow more detailed configurations of Di2 buttons to handle media files during the ride.

Change Log: Log 25.17

  • Updated to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
  • Restored electronic shifting over-shift tone.
  •  GroupRide
    • Fixed GroupRide dynamic glance, failing to update with finished ride data.
    • Fixed GroupRide awards getting reset after a power cycle.
  • Garmin Coach
    • Fixed an issue where the dynamic area would not update with the Garmin Coach workout.
    • Fixed Garmin Coach workout not showing as complete in the Garmin Coach glance.
    • Fixed issue where the device wouldn’t show some Garmin Coach plans in the Garmin Coach widget.
  • Removed legacy FTP test.
  • Lactate Threshold estimates are applied automatically after training with heart rate.
  • Added 10s/30s average power graphical data field.
  • Added a confirmation message for successful manual altimeter calibration.

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9 thoughts on “Garmin Edge x40 – a step back as beta update REMOVES features”

  1. Overshift Tone was not added but restored, it’s here in current public release.
    I think it was removed I that beta wich you have to install as a step to get to the new beta cycle.

    MTP is only relevant at exactly one operation for the majority of users: creating startup.txt since betas are OTA. And I still believe betas OTA is a mistake because installing it on MTP devices sorted out the dumbest 30% of users who weren’t able to read the provided instructions Those user now complain on watch betas that diving oder ecg is disabled etc.

  2. Even less reasons to upgrade from an older device I guess. Improved battery life and improved gps accuracy are the only things that make me want to update, but it’s good enough in the 520.

  3. Switching to MTP is a massive problem for me because I use my Expore2 as navigation device on long bike journeys. Loading a new route in offline conditions isn’t possible with Garmin Connect so I made a cable connection via USB-C to my Phone or iPad and pushed the gpx-file to my device. If I get the update I have no solution for this! Sorry Garmin: My last device I stayed with is mostly useless to me!!!

  4. I know how much I prefer working with mass storage over working with MTP, but considering the real risk of file system mishaps I can’t help but congratulating Garmin on resolving what must have been a major source of support issues. It’s the same category as the removal of microSD in the 1030+: a powerful tool gone (I used to travel without OTG cable, knowing that I could pop the microSD in my phone if ever I needed access to newfiles), but so many bug reports caused by flaky memory cards avoided.

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