Garmin has announced that a free Google Maps app is now available for most of the company’s smartwatches that lets you know where and how far your next turn is while walking, cycling, or running.
Unlike the more robust version of Google Maps available for Wear OS that can be used to search for 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 an Android smartphone that has to be kept in range. On the app’s listing on Garmin’s Connect IQ store, there’s no mention of support for iPhones or iOS.
Garmin says the app will gently vibrate your smartwatch when the next turn is delivered so you don’t need to be constantly looking at your wrist, and the app can show you your next three turns by simply tapping the screen. Your smartwatch will also continue to record your walking, running, and biking performance while you’re using the Google Maps app for navigation.
The Google Maps app is now available for download from Garmin’s Connect IQ Store and is compatible with upwards of 90 different models of its smartwatches.
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