Garmin has announced that the free Google Maps app is now available for most of its smartwatches, allowing you to find out where and how far to the next turn while walking, biking or running.
Unlike the more powerful version of Google Maps available for Wear OS, which can be used to find destinations and even navigate without a smartphone, Garmin‘s Google Maps app has limited functionality, similar to Google Maps on the Apple Watch. The Garmin app only provides basic turn-by-turn directions, and you need to locate your destination using the Google Maps mobile app on your Android smartphone, which must be within range. There is no mention of iPhone or iOS support in the app listing on Garmin’s Connect IQ store.
Garmin says that the app will gently vibrate your smartwatch as you pass the next turn, so you don’t have to keep looking at your wrist, and the app can show you the next three turns with a simple tap of the screen. Your smartwatch will also continue to record your walking, running, and cycling performance while you use the Google Maps app for navigation.
The Google Maps app is now available for download from the Garmin Connect IQ Store and is compatible with more than 90 different Garmin smartwatch models.
