Google Maps for Wear OS now supports Turn by Turn standalone navigation on LTE models

Owners of Wear OS-powered smartwatches will be pleased to know that Google has finally added support for standalone turn-by-turn navigation when using its Maps app. The feature was promised months ago and is now finally available for Wear OS-powered smartwatches from any brand, as long as they meet certain minimum requirements. While turn-by-turn navigation was previously available on Wear OS-powered smartwatches, it could do so by relaying information from the connected smartphone. The new update now makes it possible to leave the smartphone behind.

Google mentioned that there are a few requirements to make autonomous turn-by-turn navigation possible on your Wear OS powered smartwatch. The basic requirement is the need for a smartwatch that supports LTE or cellular connectivity. Along with this, it is necessary to have a working LTE plan. The watch will also need to be paired with an Android phone for the transfer function (smartphone to watch) to work. Google, in its support documents, also states that users can also initiate detailed browsing when connected to Wi-Fi networks.

If the smartwatch checks the above requirements, the rest is usually done automatically. A user can initiate turn-by-turn navigation from the watch, whether connected to a smartphone or standalone. Those who prefer to use watch-based navigation only can turn off “Mirror on Phone” by going to Settings>Mirroring.

On the watch, users must open Maps and then use voice or keyboard tools to enter their destination. From there, they must select a mode of transport and obtain their ETA. Then press “Start” to begin the journey. Watch-based navigation is also available when a user pairs their Wear OS device with iOS handsets. Offline turn-by-turn navigation support was announced by Google at Samsung’s latest Unpacked event, where the manufacturer announced its Galaxy Watch 5 series. operating Wear OS from Google.

Google has also been working on an offline Find My Device service according to a recent report. Currently, Google’s Find My Device service relies on an internet-based tracking system, but competitors like Samsung and Apple have already managed to provide an offline service that uses Bluetooth (among other things) to connect to devices. other devices of the same brand and relay the location of a lost or stolen object.

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