Ocean firmware Q1/Q2 2025

Egika

@Sascha-Domres did Suunto communicate anywhere directly, that the same update cycle would apply as to other models?
If not, Suunto don’t need to explain why it is not this way.
And the forum user’s explanation is just what it is: additional information

Dimitrios Kanellopoulos

@Sascha-Domres the watch is a crucial diving device and needs more thorough testing.

There is nowhere communicated about timelines even for all other watches.

When the update is well tested it will come.

Sascha Domres

@Egika That’s true… but still, you can still be disappointed. Of course, we’re talking about expectations here. I was expecting a flagship that combines both features: diving and the Vertical… similar to the Fenix 8… Nevertheless, Ocean users will have to wait a long time for improvements compared to the Vertical. Yes, Suunto didn’t promise anything here… and that’s exactly the feeling I have now… It’s a shame. Developments in sports watches are moving forward so quickly. For 800 EUR, I actually expect to have a modern watch for at least a certain amount of time. After 6 months without an update, I don’t feel that way.

Brad_Olwin

@Sascha-Domres You have a misguided opinion regarding the watch. It is a Flagship and without updates the Ocean is fully functional. Purchasing watches should be done with the feature set offered when sold, not on what you think may happen with updates. No manufacturer is obligated to update watches. (The Fenix 7/Epix line is now dead after less than a year!). I would have no issues with the current Ocean feature set and be extremely happy that Suunto is willing to update and spend time, resources and engage testers to update your product for free.

Highlands

@Brad_Olwin https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-7-series/414832/fenix-7-fenix-7-pro-system-software-22-06

VoiGAS

Also the Garmin descent mk3 is updated about every three month. And I guess they also respect the high standards of a dive computer. I don’t say its a must or Suunto promised something - just that it is possible and a competitor is doing it.
So its valid to have these expectations

Sascha Domres

@Brad_Olwin hi, I’m sorry, I don’t see it that way at all. The fact is, technical products mature at the customer. The difference is that Coros and even Garmin deliver updates quickly. Incidents Bug Fixes… The times when the user has to be grateful to the manufacturer that the purchased watch still receives an update are over. These have been the expectations of the users for a long time. You expect updates as long as the hardware plays along or at least quickly. We are not talking about analog watches here, but about technical or Software products…
But I understand that with the age of the watches the update frequencies and the rollout of any new functions is less and economic is also logical. 6 month without an Update for a new Watch is disapointing… and even the Epix or Garmin 7 and 6 get Updates…

Brad_Olwin

@Highlands Minor fixes, the 7 series will not receive any of the 8 series features that are unique to the 8 series. In contrast, prior to the 8, past fenix watches would acquire much of the features of the new models AFAIK.

Brad_Olwin

@Sascha-Domres I’ve used Suunto products since I purchased a Vector in 1998 and I am pleased with the way Suunto designs and operates their products. One always has a choice and if you don’t like how Suunto operates or their approach other choices are available. The only feature from the last update that I would miss on my Ocean is the colored altitude full course profile. But, I can live without the colors on that screen. Most of the updates I do not use.

Highlands

@Brad_Olwin you claim that F7 series are dead in less than a year which obviously is not true. Those series were launched on 18 of Jan 2022, so minor or not minor updates the watch is still being supported and updated after 3.5 years. Heck, even the F6 series are being updated - a model from Aug 2019 - https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/407527/system-software-28-02. Actually, the F7 is so good that I continue not buying the F8 or Enduro 3. How about 9 Peak or Suunto 7? Those are examples of watches that were updated for a very short period of time.

isazi

This is clearly going off topic.

Sascha Domres

@Brad_Olwin Hi, I don’t have the choice anymore because I bought the Ocean and I also think this is a great watch. Unfortunately, my assessment was wrong that the updates take “a little” longer due to the diving functions. With currently over 6 months, this is frustrating. You yourself write that you don’t use most updates at all. But others are waiting for it… I have also been with Suunto for quite a long time (starting with t6c). I just find it incomprehensible how Suunto will act in 2025. Look at Coros, for example… they are super small but when it comes to updates and innovation a huge pace forward (for example extender function)
I also don’t think I’m so wrong with my assessment. Very many criticize the update frequency at Suunto. (Bug fixes at Vertical,Race is very often a topic)
I thank you for your time and views even if they do not coincide with mine. But that’s not bad or evil at all… just different opinions… hmm do I take the Ocean or my Vertix 2s now?

tinten.addi

@Sascha-Domres nice one!
I can confirm this to 100%

The ocean is nice, but maybe some of us (also me) expected a bit more in the diving area.

Brad_Olwin

@Highlands Those are bug fixes, not updates.

Brad_Olwin

@Sascha-Domres Well, the update frequency is what Suunto decides. Stated this already and you know the reasons. Ocean is a do everything watch and will receive updates less frequently….all this has been stated. If I lived where diving was good (when I was diving I lived in San Diego) I would be ecstatic that Suunto finally produced a watch that I could use for everything. I would want a titanium version and personally would be fine with the update frequency. I don’t use all of the features anyway. Since this is the first sport/diving watch for Suunto I imagine a bit more work than diving or sport alone. Perhaps the update frequencies will improve for the Ocean.

Highlands

@Brad_Olwin Apologies for the offtopic. Bug fixes which prove that the device isn’t dead and still supported. How many bugs got fixed on 9 Peak or Suunto 7 during the last 2 months? Kind of insulting to Suunto to compare their latest gorgeous top diving computer with a 4 yo watch of the competition.

Egika

it seems all has been said and done in this thread.

The facts are clear:

Ocean will be updated, just not as frequent as other current models.
Suunto does not release a schedule for their update plans
Other companies maybe do it in a different way.

Now it comes down to an individual assessment of all this.
Some like the watch as it is out of the box, and regard any update as a free gift. Some others expect regular updates as a feature along with other features and spec.
We have exchanged those different views.
That’s pretty much it, I guess?

Enjoy your sports and your gear!

Argonaut330

@Egika well said !!!

Artur Brzeczkowski

@Argonaut330 I’ll just add that modern products like sports watches aren’t just hardware—they’re primarily about the software+hardware. It’s what determines the device’s performance and appeal. So, software updates aren’t some unreasonable demand but rather a natural part of the product’s lifecycle. When people bought (or buy) the Ocean, many considered not just its diving capabilities but also its sports features—after all, that’s how it’s been marketed. I don’t think expecting updates at least twice a year is strange at all. A product is only truly a product if it’s actively maintained. The Ocean has several software bugs, and as a flagship model, it should be guaranteed regular updates—not just once a year or until the next model arrives. It’s not some ‘favor’ from the manufacturer to provide free updates. I have plenty of gear at home that gets updated periodically, and that’s the only reason I still use it.

Ze Stuart

@Brad_Olwin said in Ocean firmware Q1/Q2 2025:

I would have no issues with the current Ocean feature set and be extremely happy that Suunto is willing to update and spend time, resources and engage testers to update your product for free.

I broadly agree with your post but this quote isn’t realistic in the current market. Yes, be satisfied with the features you paid for, but, as every other company making a connected device provides fixes to bugs and new features, I read your stance as between unrealistic and arrogant. If Suunto want to be competitive, they have to give us bug fixes and more features, not because it’s right, but because everyone else does.

It’s also been a cornerstone of Suunto’s marketing with the slogan “it keeps getting better!”

TL;DR?

As a consumer, be happy with what you bought
Proactively manage expectations around updates, because every company is training consumers to expect free features